Welcome to Anvil Bay
Safari on the Beach
Sights
Gallery
Anvil Bay 001 Activity Beach Walk 
Anvil Bay 002 Activity Beach Walks 
Anvil Bay 003 Aeriel view to MSR 
Anvil Bay 004 Overhead Aerial 
Anvil Bay 005 Aerial view 
Anvil Bay 006 Activity Anvil Rockpool exploring Photo Credit Jacques Marais
Info
To give guests the best experience of life on a beach and preserve the raw natural beauty of this pristine piece of paradise, as little as possible has been built at Anvil Bay. Canvas tents provide shade on the beach and a thatched retreat in the forest shelter from occasional storms. The beach bar lounge and restaurant are centrally positioned on the bay with the accommodations either side so guests can book to be close to the action or enjoy even more isolation on the north and south ends.
The accommodations, called Casinhas (a little home in Mozambique) are nestled in the canopy of the coastal forest just a few steps away from the secluded white sand beach. They blend a small footprint, natural materials and local craftsmanship with simple functional furnishings and fine linen.
Designed to be your home from home you will find a well stocked minibar and beverage station, luxury indoor and outdoor showers and a private dining deck en-suite.
The thatch and canvas design takes advantage of the cooling ocean breezes and the canvas sides can be rolled up to truly get in touch with the natural surrounds.
Outdoor lighting has been kept to a minimum in order to better see the majestic African night sky and so as not to disturb the turtles in nesting season.
Climate
Southern Mozambique has a tropical savannah climate. Winter months (June to August) are dry and mild, with average temperatures between 58°F (14°C) and 77°F (25°C). The summer months (December to March) are noticeably hotter and wetter with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons. January is the hottest month with highs averaging around 86°F (30°C).
Anvil Bay elevates exclusivity offering only 10 Robinson-Crusoe inspired coastal eco-cabins called Casinhas, Portuguese for ‘little home’. Each casinha is nestled into the lush green canopy on stilted wooden decks – spread far apart, out of sight of one another to give guests total seclusion, yet placed so close to the ocean, that you are lulled to sleep by the sound of waves gently crashing on the sandy shore. Designed for minimal environmental impact, endorsing thatch and timber to emphasize its forest surroundings. Carefully created in, not on top of, the virgin forest.
One Family Casinha
Main room has a King XL or Twin and an extra section/room with 2 or can fit 3 single beds comfortably for friends or parents with children under 12 years. Ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor hot and cold showers, a bath on its private deck is perfect for a sunset bubble bath! A canvas and thatch unit situated in the forest canopy with its own beachfront and thatched beach umbrellas.
One Honeymoon Suite
Private and romantic – a King size bed, ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor hot and cold showers and private deck situated furtherest from the main beach area. A canvas and thatch Casinha unit situated in the dune forest on a stilted wooden deck with some ocean view and path leading onto the beachfront. Refer to the Honeymoon Special for inclusions of treats for the celebration.
8 x Luxury Casinhas
Each with a King size bed that can be converted to twin beds. An additional single bed – or maximum of two singles or a camp cot for a baby or toddler, can be included in 4 rooms upon request for children. Ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor hot and cold showers and private deck. Canvas and thatch units situated in the dune forest on stilted wooden decks each with its own beach path
Perfect for family: Two of the 8 units are in close proximity of each other which is ideal for friends booking together or two adults with teens next door. Rooms 3 & 4 and 9 & 10 are booked for parents next to teens.
Anvil Bay is located at 26°21’18.65”S, 32°55, 52.92”E within the Maputo Special Reserve in Southern Mozambique.
Helicopter Transfer
This is generally the preferred option for guests as it brings you direct to Anvil Bay in just 30 minutes from Maputo International Airport. If traveling to us by Helicopter you will be met at the airport after clearing customs and immigration and introduced to your pilot. Sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery as you fly around the Bay of Maputo before passing over mangrove and savanna on your way to the coast.
Road Transfer
Why not treat yourself to a scenic game drive as part of your journey to Anvil Bay? Transfer by road is available both from Maputo and from the Kosi Bay border post between South Africa and Mozambique. Driving time from Kosi Bay is around 2.5 hours and from Maputo around 3-4 hours.
Self Drive
For those with an adventurous spirit you can drive to Anvil Bay, Ponta Chemucane. A 4×4 vehicle is required and you will need to enter the Maputo Special Reserve before 17h00 in Summer or 16h00 in Winter. Contact us for detailed directions and information.
Beach Walks
Stunning unspoiled coastline our concession boasts 3km north and 2km south of our bay, you can safely walk as far as you like with beautiful ocean and sunset viewpoints atop some of the world’s highest coastal dunes.
Dune Forest Trails
Coastal forest and open savannah trail walk to explore the inland areas of the MSR with one of our guides. Whether you are a keen birder or you just want to take a relaxing stroll to the nearby lake and view the resident hippos.
Beach Bikes
Our California Beach Cruiser bikes are available for guests to explore the coastline. Riding on the beach is best done around low tide when the going is a bit easier.
Sea Kayaks
A selection of kayaks available with lifejackets to keep you safe. Double kayaks can also be configured for angling. Conditions permitting.
Stand Up Paddle boards
These big surfboard style craft are designed to be paddled standing up but can be just as much fun when used in a kneeling position. Conditions permitting.
Snorkeling Trips *
Discover the world below the surface of the sparkling Indian Ocean by taking a snorkeling trip with us. We provide you with all equipment and an introduction to snorkeling techniques. Travel a short distance by boat to one of our exclusive coral reef snorkeling sites to spend time observing the diverse marine life found at Anvil Bay. Participants must be able to swim. Subject to sea conditions.
Body Boarding
A fun and easy activity for all ages! Grab a board from the activity center and head down to the shoreline to catch some waves. Speak to the activity team about the safest place along the beach to get on the water. Conditions permitting.
Ocean Safari & Whale Watching *
An exhilarating 2 hour leisure cruise along the coastline in search of marine animals big and small. Dolphins are frequent visitors, as are turtles and the occasional Whale shark & Manta Ray. Participants must be able to swim and children accompanied by parents. Life jackets are supplied. Conditions permitting. From July to November the Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales make their annual migration along the Mozambican coastline on their way to and from breeding grounds and can be easily sighted direct from shore but if you’d like to get a closer look then join us for an Ocean safari in season.
Whale Watching
From July to November every year the Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales make their annual migration along the Mozambican coastline on their way to and from their winter breeding grounds. Keep an eye out for the telltale blow as they surface to breathe, or perhaps you will be lucky enough to witness them breaching, lob tailing or pec rolling. The whales can be easily sighted direct from shore but if you would like to get a closer look then join us for an Ocean safari in season.
Shore Fishing
Enjoy the exciting experience of angling on the Mozambican coastline. For those new to the sport we can provide a basic introduction, equipment and someone to guide you to the best spots. If you’re familiar with the techniques grab a rod and explore the options. Species typically caught from shore include three spot pompano, stumpnose, shad, bonefish, and trevally. Catch and release.
Ocean Fishing *
The Indian Ocean offers some of the best sport and game fishing in the world. We offer half day guided fishing charters from our unique jet powered boat. All fishing activities are conducted in line with international conservation guidelines.
Subject to sea conditions.
Rock Pool Exploration
Reef walker booties are available from the activity center to explore the tidal rock pools along the shoreline at low tide. A fun activity for all ages, our marine guides will show you where the best pools can be found.
Beach Games
A selection of beach toys and games are available in our treasure chest at the beach lounge. Have fun with beach castles, a spot of Frisbee, a game of volleyball or touch rugby.
Turtle Nesting Walks (Seasonal)
From October to March each year we are privileged to witness the nesting of Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. The emergence of the Hatchlings occurs from December to late March. Anvil Bay participates in the turtle monitoring program and guests can take a turtle tour to view turtles laying their eggs.
*Indicates additional charge
No two days are ever the same at Anvil Bay but here is a suggestion of what you could experience in a typical day:
Awaken at your leisure and join us for a delicious breakfast of fresh fruits, cereal, yoghurt, cold meats and cheeses, freshly baked muffins and your choice of hot items cooked to order and served on the beach.
After breakfast meet our marine guides and get set for an Ocean Safari adventure where you could get to swim with wild dolphins, view migrating humpback whales or snorkel over pristine coral reefs.
Back on shore you can re-live those memories and experiences whilst enjoying a scrumptious light lunch at the beach bar overlooking the ocean.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure or you may choose to explore the in-land dune forest trails, take a stroll on the beach, a dip in the ocean or simply relax on a lounger soaking up the sun and magical atmosphere.
As the sun sets join us for a pre-dinner drink before settling in to enjoy an excellent meal prepared by our chef who takes advantage of the fresh seafood and produce from local communities to prepare world class cuisine with a Mozambican flair.
After dinner retire around the campfire and enjoy the light pollution free African skies where the stars shine down on us at the end of a perfect day.
The Maputo Special Reserve
Maputo Special Reserve is home to Southern Africa’s last remaining coastal herd of elephant and was originally established to protect this elephant population in the 1930s. Its purpose in the 1960s was expanded to include the protection of other large mammal species and again in the 1990s, thanks to the growing recognition of its wider biodiversity importance.
The reserve is an important component in the protected areas system of Mozambique, as it conserves the exceptional biodiversity of a coastal zone that lies in the Maputaland Centre of Endemism. At 1040 km², it is a spectacular area that combines lakes, wetlands, sand forests, grasslands and mangrove forests with a pristine coastline. It supports an exceptionally high number of endemic species of fauna and flora and is part of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Biodiversity Hotspot, thus part
of one of earth’s 25 biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial Eco regions.
In 2010 the Mozambican government began a translocation program to Maputo Special Reserve in order to re-introduce species that were historically found in the area. Over a thousand animals have been reintroduced so far.
The translocations are backed up by aerial surveys and counts, which have been taking place annually since 2011. The 2014 census indicates that the introduced populations are steadily increasing. The species found to be the most abundant are hippo, reedbuck, elephant, crocodile, red duiker, blue wildebeest and zebra, while the giraffe, nyala, kudu, bushbuck and waterbuck populations are growing.
Marine Life
Turtles
The Indian Ocean off the coast of Southern Mozambique is home to 4 out of the 7 species of sea turtle that can be found worldwide. Loggerhead, Leatherback, Hawksbill and the Green turtle occur here. Guests joining us for an Ocean Safari adventure may be able to spot these magnificent ancient reptiles when they surface.
The coastline is also a rich nesting ground for both Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. The turtle ‘season’ officially begins on the 1st of October each year and runs through to the 31st of March. As part of our conservation efforts Anvil Bay, Ponta Chemucane assists with the monitoring and protection of Mozambique’s southern turtle populations in association with the team from the Ponta Partial Marine Reserve. You can read more about the turtle monitoring program and the Ponta Partial Marine Reserve here
Whales
The majestic Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae) and occasionally the larger Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena Australis) follow an annual migration pattern when they leave their summer feeding grounds in the Antarctic and head north to the waters nearer the equator during the winter months. The migration brings them to the warmer waters of Mozambique between the months of July and November during the breeding and calving season.
Dolphins
Of the three species of Dolphin which occur, Spinners, Indo-Pacific Humpbacks and Bottlenose Dolphins, the most commonly encountered are the Bottlenose, easily recognized by their cheeky smiles. The Marine Reserve, within which lies Anvil Bay, is one of the few places in the world where one can swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Bird Life
The great variety and richness of the habitats found in the Maputo Special Reserve support a remarkable diversity of bird life with a list of around 350 species recorded.
Vast expanses of beautiful and varied countryside, include grass covered rolling hills and tracts of tall sand forest, a diversity of woodland types, coastal dune forest, a number of large lakes and innumerable smaller lakes and wetlands.
Sand-forest specials include Neergaard’s Sunbird, Pink-throated Twinspot, African Broadbill, Rudd’s Apalis, Eastern Nicator and gorgeous Bush-shrike. Coastal dune forest and dune forest in remnant dunes some way inland offers Livingstone’s Turaco, Green Malkoa, Green Twinspot, Brown Scrub-Robin, Woodward’s
Batis and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. Extensive rolling grasslands are home to specials such as Swamp Nightjar, Denham’s Bustard, Grey-rumped Swallow and various raptors. Damp grassland areas may offer Rosy-throated Longclaw and Pale-crowned Cisticola. Large lakes and associated seasonally flooded areas hold a variety of water birds including Herons, Storks, Pelicans, Flamingos, Cormorants and ducks – and a variety of waders – particularly in summer. The woodland/wetland mosaic offers a variety of other birds including Southern Banded Snake-Eagle, African Crowned Eagle and African Cuckoo-Hawk. In summer the Sooty Falcon occurs along the northern part of the reserve in association with mangrove swamps.
One of the solutions to saving the worlds dwindling areas of wilderness relies on creating sustainable enterprise where local communities and national parks coexist. The Mozambique Government’s landmark decision to grant the Chemucane Community an ecotourism concession in the Maputo Spacial Reserve has resulted in such an opportunity. The Chemucane Tourism Company – CTC is a joint venture formed between the Chemucane community and the Bell Foundation, a philanthropic trust established for the benefit of the local community. With funding from the World Bank and the Bell and Ford Foundations,
CTC which has built and operates Anvil Bay beach camp, has already created great benefit for the community in terms of skills transfer, construction and hospitality jobs and the purchase of local materials, produce and services. In an area with little previous economic opportunity a sustainable enterprise now exists.
All benefits from your holiday accrue to the community while concession fees go to support conservation efforts in the park making Anvil Bay the perfect responsible tourist destination.