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Ponta Da Oura

We have driven all the way from Bilene through Maputo and down to Ponta da Oura. The Chinese have built much of the road down to the SA border besides the last bit which suddenly ends in deep sand rods that split into two or three as the one gets too bad. Very challenging and the car takes a mighty strain through some hair raising hills. 

Going South

Things still 'north' but heading south and tomorrow the big push past Maputo and down to Ponta du Oura. Lots of 4x4 tracks tomorrow and general dirtroads. So far the roads up north have been very good and the police have turned a blind eye to the tourists other than when you speed, yes, 1000 MT later 😕 ( only about R200).  SA could do with a police force like this. Almost every town has a police stop and you dare not travel more than 60 through the town and no more than 100 on the open road. 

Another day in Paradise

Johnson's bar

Slow day

Yesterday was windy and cold so we all just stayed around the camp. Anne H and I did go for a ride on the beach but got stuck and had to use the car mats and spade to get us out. Otherwise a day of reading books. 

A wedding on Paradise

Three ministers and a bride who has no-one to marry her and you have a wedding on Paradise island. Literally, a wedding was to happen and the priest couldn't do it so they asked us. Ian did the ceremony and we all got a lift to the island for free. The bride and bridal party had to get off the boat and wade to the shore. We dressed Ian up into a hippie new age pastor and all went well despite freezing in the spray and wind on the way back. 

Some pics

Paradise island

To describe the day is rather hard as it was one of the best moments in my fly-fishing career. We chartered a small boat to Paradise island where Ian, his son Alex, Paul and I fished the reefs surrounding the island. There were shoals of queen mackerel - blue and yellow tail queens swimming beneath the boat on the bite - incredible on fly. We later took to the shore and I caught another 5 or so species of fish. The other amazing event was that we crossed .paths with two Dugong swimming near the boat. A very rare site as there are only 250 left in the world. Later on we swam in the 'fish tank' near the island and it was on a par if not better than the Seychelles islands. I'm still recovering from the wonder of it all. Paul took the photos so I'll send later. This was my 50 birthday present and I'll never forget it.

Pics coming later - having trouble with reception 

Arrived in Inhassoro

Absolutely incredible... will feedback later 

Zavora part 2

A great day swimming, snorkeling in beautiful rock pools the biggest I've ever seen and fishing until I nearly dropped. We are now about to eat a red roman' and huge prawns bought from the locals ( note: not my fish 😩). Tomorrow we head to our destination with the other two families.  '

Zavora part 1

Lovely place, mainly a diving spot for tourists and  where local boats go to sea for fish. There is a reef that we hope gives some quieter water for snorkeling and some fly-fishing. 

Laguna part 2

Bilene - Laguna Camp

A beautiful place next to the great lagoon of Bilene. A lovely camping place with your own ablutions, although nobody else seems to be here. They are slaughtering a couple of chickens for us to take on our journey 😜

Mlawula Game Reserve - Swaziland