Welcome to Anvil Bay
Anvil Bay is a private and exclusive barefoot beach camp on a rare untouched stretch of coastal wilderness in Mozambique’s most southern national park. Created with the smallest possible footprint to preserve the wilderness and special sense of place the camp is set up on the beach under canvas and thatch.
Just 10 Casinhas are nestled in the dune forest on stilted wooden decks, each with its own stretch of beachfront.
The lure of Africa is to experience the wilderness as it’s been for thousands of years. Anvil Bay is a beach in Africa where it is as it’s been for thousands of years. On a rare unspoiled stretch of beach guests get to experience life close to nature but with all the comforts of home.
The perfect beach holiday to just relax and recover from a strenuous overland safari. Or go on new adventures at sea, on the beach or exploring the lakes forests and savannas of the park. Escape to a world of simple pleasures and lifetime memories.
Sunrises over the ocean and sunsets across the Parks pristine lakes and vast savannas. Evenings under the stars around a campfire. Miles of untouched beaches and an ocean teeming with marine life to explore. Anvil Bay is a dream destination for nature lovers in search of the perfect get away from it all wilderness beach experience.
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 is located at S -26.3508 E 32.9316 at Ponta Chemucane within the Maputo Special Reserve in Southern Mozambique.
Helicopter Transfer
A scenic private charter helicopter direct to Anvil Bay in just 30 minutes from Maputo International Airport. Met by your pilot after clearing customs and immigration to sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery as you fly across the Bay of Maputo before passing over lakes, mangrove, savanna and the flourishing game of the Maputo Special Reserve.
Road Transfer
Why not treat yourself to a scenic game drive as part of your journey to Anvil Bay? Transfer by road is available from Maputo, the Reserve entrance or from the Kosi Bay border post. Driving time from Kosi border is 2.5 hours, from Maputo is 3 hours of which 2 hours is a safari through the Reserve.
Safari Game Drive
A 3 to 4 hour guided safari tour of the Maputo Special Reserve with a light breakfast for early departures from Maputo. You will be guided by experts with extensive knowledge of the parks attractions.
Self Drive
The adventurous spirit and 4×4 enthusiast can drive to Anvil Bay, Ponta Chemucane. A high clearance 4×4 vehicle is required. You will need to enter the Maputo Special Reserve before 17h00 in Summer or 16h00 in Winter. Contact us for detailed directions.
We welcome you to enjoy nature at its purest. The fully kitted out Activity Centre offering a host of ways to explore and enjoy …
Beach Walks
The stunning unspoiled coastline concession boasts 3km north and 2km south of the 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 Maputo Special Reserve with a local guide. Whether you are a keen birder or you just want to take a relaxing stroll to the nearby lake and view the resident hippos.
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, marine guides will show you where the best pools can be found.
Beach Games
A selection of beach toys and games are available in a 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 one may be 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.
Beach Bikes
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.
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.
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.
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 encouraged.
Snorkeling Trips
$40 per person min 2
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.
Ocean Safari & Whale Watching
$70 per person min 2
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.
Ocean Fishing
$200 per person min 2
The Indian Ocean off the coast of Anvil Bay, Ponta Chemucane offers some of the best sport and game fishing in the world. Species such as black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, wahoo, dorado, various tuna species, king and queen mackerel, kingfish and barracuda are all found here. We offer half day guided fishing charters from our unique jet powered wave boat. All fishing activities are conducted in line with international conservation guidelines. Subject to sea conditions.
Game Drive in Maputo Special Reserve
$100 per person min 2
Explore the surrounds of Anvil Bay in the fascinating Maputo Special Reserve – Enjoy a drive through the plains, dune forests and diverse landscapes of the park.
Culture Village Tour or Santa Maria Tour
$100 per person min 2
The Village visit takes a tour past the mangroves to Mabuluco where most of our staff comes from and where the dhow delivers our goods from across the bay of Maputo. The Santa Maria village has a small market, bakery with Bemugi’s restaurant.
Charged Activities are Nett per person, minimum of 2 – Rates valid to 6 Jan 2020
- Private barefoot-luxury wilderness experience
- Miles of uninhabited pristine coastline
- Located in the spectacular Maputo Special Reserve (formally the Elephant Reserve)
- One of Earth’s biologically richest ecosystems
- Southern Africa’s last herd of coastal elephant
- Whale and turtle encounters in season
- Myriad beach, ocean and park activities
- Authentic Mozambique Cuisine and fresh seafood
- Small ecological footprint, fully solar powered
- Community-owned, responsible tourism destination.