Video of Mbuna Bay Colongue Retreat
With the help of 40 workers from the community and using local materials, we have set up a small paradise during the last 15 months. Here, you will have an authentic African experience while still retaining first class comfort.
Getting there
Transfer to the Lake:
You will be picked up from the airport in Lichinga, from where we will travel 1½ hours on a paved road, passing through several villages on the Niassa High Plateau. From here, we will descend 1000m through wild bushland to the lake below. The view of the far-reaching plains of Niassa, the lake, and the neighbouring Malawian shore on the other side of the lake are spectacular.
Just before the district capital, Metangula, we will be heading southwards onto a bumpy, natural road. After 11km (40 minutes), we will arrive in the village of N’Kholongue and our retreat located directly on the shore of the lake.
Accommodation:
Four spacious and luxurious wooden chalets, accommodating two people each, lie directly on the sandy beach, 50m from the water. From the veranda, you will enjoy a clear view of the lake and a perfect location from which to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the mountains of Malawi on the other side of the lake. Your chalet is comfortably equipped with locally handcrafted furniture, a Baldachin mosquito net, electricity supplied from our solar system, and a spacious bathroom with views of the savannah from the shower.
Additionally, we offer four large, traditional brick bungalows, also accommodating two people each. They lie about 50m behind, surrounded by untouched bushland and mighty baobab trees with a lovely view of the lake and a small but cozy courtyard. You will enjoy the same comfort as the wooden chalets, with the exception of a private bush shower under the open sky.
Meals:
In the morning, you will be spoiled to a rich breakfast buffet. For lunch and dinner, our master chefs will create an exquisite vegetarian menu with food directly from our organic garden. Additionally, we will offer chosen, high quality South African wines.
You can enjoy a drink on our sundowner lounge on the roof of the main building with panoramic views over the lake, the mountains of Metangula, and the nearby village.
Activities:
- Swimming and snorkelling in the “aquarium” right off the beach. Fine white sand entrenched with reef-like rocks extending 100m into the lake inhabited by countless Mbuna species (exotically coloured aquarium fish). Crystal clear water and year-long water temperatures above 24° C
- Kayaking and trips with people from the village in locally made dugout canoe
- Trips to the world-famous N’nosi Reef, the most beautiful reef in the lake, with millions of brilliantly coloured fish (Ad Konings). 10 km car ride followed by a 45-minute boat trip with the local fisherman
- Trips to the Chilucha Reef, lying offshore of Metangula
- Exploring the village and the surrounding area
- Guided tour
- Visit the traditional healer
- Visit the Mfumu, the chief of the village
- A four-hour walk to the district capital, Metangula, along the lakeshore, over rolling hills, and through traditional villages
- Play football with the local team
- Visit the school
- Shop at the handicraft centre
- Sample traditional food and beer
- Feel free to immerse yourself in village life
- Read one of the books from our library
- Or, just relax while lying on the beach, sitting below the mango trees, etc.
Possibilities Within the Broader Area:
By boat:
A trip with the legendary “Ilala Ferry,” the only passenger boat connecting Mozambique and Malawi. You depart on Saturday from Metangula travelling northwards, stopping at several ports along the way, before reaching Likoma Island on Saturday night. There you will have three days before the Ilala returns to take you back to Metangula (Some nationalities require a visa to Malawi).
By train:
A must do… A 10-hour train ride from Nampula to Cuamba. The train mainly passes through uninhabited backcountry, where you will see spectacular rock formations, namely the “Inselbergen.” During stops in the remote villages, you will encounter a part of Africa rarely visited by outsiders.
Ilha de Mozambique (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
This colonial island was the former capital and built by the Portugese, off the Mozambican mainland. The fort on the island is the second largest manmade structure in Africa, after the Egyptian pyramids and is definitely worth a visit. A visit to Ilha de Mozambique can easily be connected to the already-mentioned train ride.
Maputo:
You should definitely plan a stay in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. This city is a bustle of energy and excitement and will surely keep you entertained for a few days. Maputo is famous for its nightlife and music culture.
The Indian Ocean:
Apart from the lake, if you would like to spend time at the ocean, there are 2500km of untouched beaches that are perfect for swimming, diving and relaxation.
Krüger National Park:
Kruger Park is only a two hour car ride from Maputo across the border in South Africa. This is the premier game viewing reserve in Southern Africa and a huge tourist attraction in itself. They offer a variety of tours ranging from a few hours to several days.
These are just a few of the countless possibilities that Mozambique has to offer.
For further reading, we recommend The Lonely Planet: Mozambique or The Lonely Planet: Southern Africa.
Climate:
The following data relies on our own experiences because there is no reliable climate data available for the eastern lakeshore. The next weather station is based in Lichinga, which is nearby but about 1000m higher in elevation than our resort.
September-mid December: Dry, gradually warmer, up to 30° C. Cool, pleasant nights with water temperatures around 28° C.
Mid December-mid February: Rainy season, hot and humid.
Mid February-March: Decreasing rains and temperatures dropping below 30° C.
April-August: Long, dry season with pleasant daily temperatures approaching 28° C. Chilly nights and water temperatures never falling below 24° C.
Malaria:
Even though we have few mosquitoes, we strongly recommend malaria prophylaxis and the use of mosquito spray in the evening. All beds are supplied with full mosquito nets for your own comfort and safety.
Communication:
We are lucky to be within the range of the Mozambican Mcel network and enjoy 24 hour telephone connection within Mozambique and abroad. In addition, we have slow but functioning internet connection.
Preise 2009
Beach Chalet:
Double occupancy 125$ pppd
Single occupancy 165$ pppd
Bush Bungalow:
Double occupancy 95$ pppd
Single occupancy 125$ pppd
Children up to 10:
In parents room: free
In parents room with extra bed: 20% of adult rate
Prices include all meals, taxes and activities.
Prices exclude car trips.
Group reductions on request.
Transfers:
Lichinga – Nkholongue
65$ pp one way
50$ pp if more than 2 p
Metangula - Nkholongue
25$ pp one way
15$ pp if more than 2 p
Kontakt:
Mbuna Bay – Colongue Retreat Maya & Filhos Lda.
Nkolongue Village, District Lago, Niassa (15 km south of Metangula)
Website: mbunabay.blogspot.com
Email: colongueretreat@hotmail.com
Contact: 00258 82 536 77 81 / 00258 82 656 22 75
Email: colongueretreat@hotmail.com
Tel: 00258 82 536 77 81
