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Experience Santa Maria
5-Day Trail

Ponta Malongane, Mozambique

Six nights, five days of walking, roughly 89 km on foot from Ponta Malongane to Santa Maria, beach, hard sand, wide open coast. Built for guests who already know they’re up for a challenge.

Truly a life changing experience. For people who are up for a bit of a challenge. Wide open spaces, pristine beaches and enough time to really disconnect from the world. 5 days of walking on the beach, hard sand, wide open spaces, peace and tranquility, with each night’s accommodation bringing its own energy and charm. Game drive and premium stays all included.  5 days of walking and 2 days in Santa Maria

Note:

Group size: 4–12
Difficulty: Demanding
Best months: Apr–Nov

2026 Dates:

  • 25 July
  • 26 July
  • 1 Aug
  • 2 Aug
  • 7 Aug
  • 21 Aug
  • 6 Oct
  • 21 Oct
  • 20 Nov

Fitness note

Suited to people who’ve done multi-day trails before, Pondo Trail, sani2c, Berg & Bush, or marathons / trail running. You don’t need to be elite, but you need to be up for it. A support vehicle shadows the group every day, so anyone struggling can ride a stretch.

What’s the daily walking distance and terrain?

11 km / 35 km / 10 km /·20 km / 20 km over five walking days. Terrain is flat and friendly the whole way, wide open beach, hard sand, almost no climbs. The kind of walking where your mind has space to disconnect and reconnect.

What fitness level do I need? Any age restrictions?

Suited to people who like a challenge — anyone who’s done the Pondo Trail, sani2c, Berg & Bush, the Dusi, marathons, or trail running will feel at home. You don’t need to be elite, but you need to be reasonably fit and up for it.

What’s the weather like? Best months, worst months?

April to November is exceptional — warm days, comfortable temperatures, very little rain. This is the prime trail window.  December to March is hot summer. Great for swimming, diving, and coastal walks, but expect heat and the odd downpour.

What wildlife and birdlife will I see?

On the coast: a lot of micro-biology — butterflies, ghost crabs, an array of marine life on the dives at Techobanine and Santa Maria.

In Elephant Park (game drive included on both trail packages): elephant, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, kudu, warthog and buffalo.  The birdlife in the park is exceptional. If you’re a serious birder, we’d recommend adding an extra day in the park.

Are any sections particularly tough or risky?

Only one technical point on the route: crossing Dobela mouth. At high tide when the mouth is open, it can be silted up and closed. Our guides have first-hand experience of this and always plan the walk so the group reaches Dobela at low tide — meaning the crossing is never higher than knee-deep.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Beer and wine are included throughout. Spirits are for own account on a few specific nights, depending on which package you’re on.

Dietary requirements — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies?

Tell us at the time of booking and we’ll cater for whatever you need. Note your requirements in the enquiry form and we’ll confirm everything well before you travel.

Logistics & transfers

Where do we meet?

Travelling from KZN / South Africa: we meet you at the Kosi Bay border and bring you in.

Flying in: we meet you at Maputo airport and handle the transfer from there.

Do I need a 4×4?

No. Any off-road sections are handled by our transfer team and support crew.

Latest arrival time on Day 1?

1 pm at the Kosi Bay border or 1 pm at Maputo airport for both trail packages. If you’re flying in for a fishing package, check with us first — the boat transfer is tide-dependent, and we’ll guide you on flight times.

What about my main luggage during the walk?

Your main bag is transferred by vehicle every day with the support crew. You have access to it daily. On the walk itself, all you need is a small, light rucksack with two water bottles and snacks.

Health & safety

Is it a malaria area? What do you recommend?

Yes, it is. The guides and support crew don’t take medication, but we’re vigilant — long tracksuit pants in the evenings, Peaceful Sleep or Tabard, and every room and bed has mosquito nets. If you’d prefer to take prophylactic medication, we’ll send you the recommended options so you can chat to your doctor.

Other vaccinations?

None required.

What’s the medical and emergency setup?

We always have direct communication with a doctor, and a direct line to an emergency medivac helicopter based in Maputo for urgent airlift if it’s ever needed. Closest hospitals are in Manguzi (SA side) or Maputo.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes — comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is mandatory. It’s inexpensive and there’s no reason not to have it. We’ll need a copy of your policy before departure.

Connectivity & gear

Is there cell signal or Wi-Fi on the trail?

Wi-Fi at your arrival destination on night 0 (afternoon and evening). No Wi-Fi___33 during the walking day. Wi-Fi in the evenings at most stops — the exception is Techobanine on the Extreme (night 1 of the walk).

What gear do you provide?

All fishing tackle and all snorkelling gear. You’re welcome to bring your own snorkel if you’d prefer — some masks and mouthpieces are personal to the owner.

What should I pack?

Pack light — your main bag travels with the support vehicle, so you can have extra clothes you don’t need to carry.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Please download the PDF here.
Please note this is a guide and not legal advice.

What’s included on your trip.

  • All accommodation across 6 nights
  • All meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • All snacks on the trail
  • All drinks: water, soft drinks, beer and wine
  • Daily luggage transfer by support vehicle
  • Support crew and support vehicle on every walking day
  • Game drive in Elephant Park
  • Boma experience at Ponta Membene
  • Digital video and photographs (valued at R15,000)
  • Island transfer and Marine Reserve fees
  • All national park fees
  • All staff fees and gratuities for accommodation staff
  • Transfer back to your vehicle or departure point

Not included

  • International or domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (mandatory — see Terms)
  • Premium spirits on nights 1, 3 and 6 (own account)
  • Personal tips (we recommend ~R500 cash)
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Add-ons available

  • World-Class Game Fishing
  • Paragliding
  • E-Bike Experience
  • Spa Treatments
  • Extra Game Drives in the Elephant Park
  • Coffee Table Book of Your Trip

Fitness note

Suited to people who’ve done multi-day trails before, Pondo Trail, sani2c, Berg & Bush, or marathons / trail running. You don’t need to be elite, but you need to be up for it. A support vehicle shadows the group every day, so anyone struggling can ride a stretch.

Rates:

  • R24 972.00 pp

Admin Fee:

  • R55.00 once off per reservation.

The Trail

Day 0 – Wed

Arrive Ponta Malongane

1 pm arrival

Kosi Bay or Maputo transfer.  We meet you at the Kosi Bay border, or in Maputo and transfer you to your accommodation in Malongane. Breathtaking views, paragliding, a fire, drinks and dinner under the night sky.


Day 1 – Thu

Ponta Malongane → Techobanine

11 km 2 hrs to 3 hours

Easy beach.  A short scenic walk to ease into things. Incredible snorkelling and diving at Techobanine. Kick back around the evening fire and sink into some low impact, off the grid living.


Day 2 – Fri

Techobanine → Milibangalala

35 km~6 hrs

The long one.  The biggest day on the trail. Wide open, pristine coastline without any site of human life for about 35km. Be welcomed by pure luxury and a Spa at the end of a very rewarding day on the trail.


Day 3 – Sat

Milibangalala → Ponta Membene

10 km~1.5 hrs

Light day.  A nice easy day after the long previous day. Another incredible snorkelling site. Here we get to take some time out to enjoy a game drive and Elephant interaction, with sundowners over the National Park, followed by an incredible Boma Experience for dinner.


Day 4 – Sun

Ponta Membene → Ponta Mucumbo

20 km~4 hrs

GT fishing optional.  Walking into the more dramatic coastline. Optional GT fishing on arrival at Mucumbo. Seafood dinner.


Day 5 – Mon

Ponta Mucumbo → Santa Maria

20 km~4 hrs

Final stretch.  The last walk into paradise. A few refreshments, a Spa treatment for anyone who’s after that. A quick boat transfer to the island for afternoon sundowners, followed by Mozambique’s best cuisine combos.

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