Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We offer family-friendly retreats, holidays, and accommodation.

Halo Gaia, its affiliated partners, property owners, retreat facilitators, and service providers cannot be held liable for any loss, damage, injury, illness, theft, accident, or any other unforeseen incident that may occur before, during, or after your stay or participation in any retreat, activity, or experience. All guests participate in activities and make use of the accommodation, facilities, transport, equipment, and surrounding environments entirely at their own risk.

By booking with Halo Gaia, guests acknowledge that certain activities and environments may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to outdoor excursions, ocean-based experiences, wildlife interactions, and travel within remote areas. Guests accept full responsibility for their personal safety and belongings and agree to take all reasonable precautions throughout their stay.

Halo Gaia does not accept responsibility for any interruptions, delays, or changes caused by weather conditions, travel complications, acts of nature, or circumstances beyond our control.

Indemnities and full terms and conditions apply upon booking, and all guests will be required to acknowledge and accept these prior to arrival.

South African and SADC passport holders do not require a visa for Mozambique.

Who are the SADC countries?
Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Yes. We create customized corporate retreats designed to support team building, wellbeing, and shared adventure. Many international companies have chosen Halo Gaia for unique, off-site experiences where colleagues can connect in nature, recharge, and return home with fresh energy and perspective.

Yes. Our youth programs focus on conservation, cultural immersion, and adventure. We’ve hosted groups of young people from South Africa and abroad, offering opportunities to learn about marine ecosystems, community, and personal growth through safe, guided experiences.

Most fly via Johannesburg but there are also direct flights into Maputo International airport. This is 2 hours north of Ponta Malongane

Common US connections are from New York (JFK), Miami, and Atlanta. Door to door airport transfers can be arranged  to Ponta Malongane.

Booking is simple. Fill out our Booking Form and choose your own adventure:: Retreat, Accommodation, Experiences, or a Custom Trip. Once you submit your details, our team will follow up to confirm availability and finalize your booking.

Yes. All Dolphin interaction at Halo Gaia Wellness and Adventure Travel is Conscious & Respectful, on the Dolphins terms and Nature`s conditions.

Not everyone is looking for a structured retreat. You can book just accommodation, add individual experiences like diving or dolphin swims, or request a fully customized holiday package that matches your group’s needs – from family holidays to honeymoons

Direct flights from Lisbon, Frankfurt, and London (among others) connect to Maputo, with transfers to Ponta Malongane.

Between June and October — especially popular with European travelers.

• Stamp both sides: Ensure SA exit and Moz entry stamps on arrival, and vice versa on departure. Check the dates in your passport.
• Alcohol/meat limits: Respect Mozambican customs allowances; declare when required. (Rules change—verify current limits before packing.)
• Peak times: If you do not have a 4×4 and are taking a transfer.
• Unload passengers/luggage near the gate, then park in the SA lock-up area; walk back to the border to stamp passports, details of transfer vehicle and driver will have been sent to you.

Southern Mozambique is low-risk but travellers should still consult a GP for prophylaxis advice.

• Malaria: Southern Mozambique is generally low-risk. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis; bring repellent and light long sleeves for dusk/dawn. Vit B6 and garlic tabs also work wonders.
• Medical: Clinic in Ponta do Ouro; hospital in Manguzi (SA). Carry personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.
• Water: Bring drinking water or buy in the village or own purification options.

Yes – licences and permits are required and purchased in Ponta Do Oura at the beach – Port Captains office is found at the Life Guard look out. Protected species (e.g. turtles, corals) must never be disturbed. Jet skis are only permitted for fishing use, must have valid skippers license and launch permits, not for recreational play in waves ( Dolphin zone )

No. Driving or parking on beaches without an authorised permit is prohibited and can result in fines or confiscation.

Exporting any marine life or shells requires a transport/export permit from the Maritime Office. Protected species may not be removed under any circumstances.

Yes. Mozambican Third-Party Insurance is compulsory for all foreign vehicles, even if you have comprehensive cover. It can be bought online or at the border. Driving without it may lead to your vehicle being impounded.

Kosi Bay border opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm
Aim to reach the border 30–45 minutes before your scheduled transfer.

From Johannesburg: ±8–9 hours to Kosi Bay. From Durban/King Shaka: ±4.5–5.5 hours. Consider an overnight stop (e.g. Pongola/Hluhluwe area) to comfortably make the morning transfer
Komatiepoort Border is open 24 hours

This will entail a 3 hour drive south via Maputo city to Ponta Malongane, You will cross the impressive Katembe bridge , the longest swing bridge in Africa ( 2 km ) there is a great tar road all the way to Ponta Do Oura, you will drive through a portion of the Maputo National Park, elephants and giraffe are often seen grazing on the side of the highway.

Kosi Bay border opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm

• Insurance: Mozambican third-party insurance (available at/near the border or online from Drive Moz website ).
• Vehicle papers: Certified copy of NATIS registration/licence. If financed or not in your name, bring a bank/owner letter authorising cross-border travel (both certified).
• Driver docs: Passport and valid driver’s licence ready for inspection.
• On arrival (Moz side): Complete vehicle import paperwork at immigration/insurance huts.
• Tyre pressure: Deflate to about 1.5 bar for sand tracks (re-inflate before tar).
• 4×4: Recommended for Ponta Malongane’s sandy access roads.
• Third-Party Insurance, fire extinguisher, and reflective vest as compulsory items.

Avoid night driving whenever possible. Rural roads may have livestock, pedestrians, and unlit vehicles. Plan transfers and border crossings during daylight hours.

• Border, customs, visa, child-travel, vehicle and marine-park rules change periodically. Guests must verify the latest requirements with official authorities shortly before travel.
• Halo Gaia’s transfer coordination uses local, licensed operators; final schedules, vehicles and prices are confirmed by voucher after payment.
  
• Marine encounters are conducted under ethical, low-impact guidelines and are weather/sea-condition dependent.
• SADC passport holders don’t require visas for stays ≤ 30 days; other nationals may obtain a visa on arrival – Check stamps on entry and exit.
• Clarify that minors must travel with unabridged birth certificates and certified parental consent letters if one or both parents aren’t present. Include certified copies of parents’ IDs.
• Declare cash > USD $5 000 and note penalties for false declarations. Keep receipts for temporarily imported goods (e.g. camera gear).
• Alcohol & Food Import Limit (1 L spirits, 2.25 L wine) and that alcohol consumption on public beaches is prohibited; permitted only at private lodges.

National Anti-Corruption Hotline +258 82 396 9890

South Africa – Department of Home Affairs
Visa rules, permit types, visitor/temporary residence

South Africa – Visa / Temporary Residence
Apply for visitor, transit visa, and other permits

Mozambique – e-Visa Portal
Apply online for Mozambican visas

Embassy of Mozambique (USA) – Visa Info
Types, requirements, consular service

Embassy of Mozambique (Sweden / Nordic) – Consular/Visa
For Nordic & other nationals; visa rules

UK Foreign Travel Advice – Mozambique
Entry requirements, health, alerts

Mozambique Visa & Passport FAQ
Tourist/visa rules, passport validity guidance

Ghana / General Business Travel – Mozambique
Business & tourism visa policy overview

• Currency: Mozambican meticais are standard; many places accept South African rand.
• ATMs: Available in Ponta do Ouro; cash is dispensed in meticais.
• Carry some small cash for markets, petrol top-ups, and tips.

Most restaurants do offer a card payment option (VISA more widely accepted).

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has blank pages for stamps.
• Have proof of accommodation (hotel/resort booking, etc.).
• Check your return or onward ticket to show you will leave Mozambique.
• Be aware of the entry fee and have the means (cash or card) to pay upon arrival unless it changes.
• Stay updated: the ETA or pre-travel registration requirement may be reinstated at any time once the technical system is fixed.
• If you are coming for purposes other than tourism/business (work, research, longer stay), you may still need a visa.

Each traveller may bring:

• 200 cigarettes (or equivalent)
• 1 litre of spirits
• 2.25 litres of wine

Anything over these limits may attract duty or be confiscated.

Fines are payable on the spot only with an official receipt. Typical penalties:

• Ignoring traffic signs – ±1 000 MZN
• Speeding – 1 000 – 2 000 MZN
• Driving under the influence – from 2 000 MZN

Fines may be subject to change. Report bribery attempts to +258 82 396 9890 (Anti-Corruption Hotline).
OR Join the Drive Moz community Facebook page and have the Zello app installed on your phone – tuned to drive Moz Station , live assistance is always available via Zello

• Ponta Malongane (resort): S26°47’22.9″ E32°53’16.3″
• From the Kosibay Moz border, take the tar road to the first traffic circle, take the first exit to Ponta Do Ouro (left), Look for the Ponta Malongane sign, at the new hospital development, take this red sand road (left) and then continue to white sand tracks. Keep to central tracks; avoid extreme left/right spurs. Expect up to ±40 minutes on sand.

• Kosibay Border transfers: Halo Gaia coordinates local, licensed 4×4 transfers. They typically run twice daily; your voucher will confirm times.
• Pricing (indicative): Per-person return, with a trailer fee if applicable. Transfers are confirmed on proof of payment.
• Parking: Secure, paid on departure parking is available on the SA side for 2WD vehicles.

Please reach out for our current rates.

You must carry:

• Two red warning triangles
• Two reflective vests (driver + passenger)
• A fire extinguisher
• A ZAR country sticker and reflective towing decal if applicable

Remain calm, courteous, and request a receipt for any fine. Never offer money directly. You may photograph the scene if you feel unsafe.

Stop immediately, contact the police, exchange details, and notify your insurer. Do not leave until permitted by an officer.

Emergency numbers

• General Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 112
• Police: 192
• Ambulance: 848888
• Fire: 198
• South African Police Emergency: 10111

• Beach-friendly: Soft bags, swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light layers.
• Food: If self-catering, pack in lidded plastic crates (monkey/bush-baby safe).
• Snorkel basics: Bring your own mask/snorkel if preferred (clean and dry).

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry, with blank pages.
• Visa: South African passport holders generally do not require a visa for short leisure visits; other nationalities may. Confirm your status before travel.
• Children under 18: Carry an unabridged birth certificate and, where applicable, parental consent/affidavit and supporting IDs. If one parent is absent, bring the relevant consent or legal documents.
• Final check: Confirm current rules with SA Home Affairs and Mozambique Immigration shortly before departure.

According to Decree No. 10/2023 (31 March 2023) and other government notices, citizens of 29 countries are exempt from needing a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 30 days.
The countries include:

• Belgium
• Canada
• China (mainland)
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Ghana
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Russian Federation
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

What the Exemption Means

• For the countries listed, there is no visa required for entry for stays up to 30 days for tourism or business.
• The stay of 30 days may be extendable for another 30 days, subject to approval.
• Even with the exemption, travellers must meet standard entry conditions: valid passport (typically at least 6 months), proof of onward or return travel, accommodation details, sufficient funds.
• HALO GAIA will assist with your letters of invite and proof of accommodation prior to your arrival , print this to apply for entry on arrival

• WhatsApp (en-route updates only): +27 73 544 1485 – Courtney
• For non-urgent planning: explore@halogaia.com

Unfortunately, no pets are permitted at any of our properties.

No, the pools do not have safety features. Use of swimming pools and facilities is entirely at your own risk. Halo Gaia, homeowners, and estates cannot be held responsible for injury or accidents.

Yes. No groups under the age of 25 are allowed without adult supervision and approval.

Basic groceries are available in Ponta Malongane and Ponta do Ouro, Fresh produce is limited and seasonal but we recommend bringing most of your favorite supplies from home.

Out of respect for other guests and residents, no parties, events, or loud music are allowed. Quiet hours begin at 10 PM.

While Ponta Malongane does not have an official government noise ordinance, many resorts and estates have a quiet hours policy, typically restricting loud noise and music after 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM. These rules are often enforced by private security and property management within individual resorts to ensure a peaceful environment for all guests and residents.

No. Each house has a strict maximum occupancy. Extra guests are not allowed and may lead to fines and forfeiture of your breakage deposit.

Halo Gaia, its affiliated partners, property owners, retreat facilitators, and service providers cannot be held liable for any loss, damage, injury, illness, theft, accident, or any other unforeseen incident that may occur before, during, or after your stay or participation in any retreat, activity, or experience. All guests participate in activities and make use of the accommodation, facilities, transport, equipment, and surrounding environments entirely at their own risk.

By booking with Halo Gaia, guests acknowledge that certain activities and environments may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to outdoor excursions, ocean-based experiences, wildlife interactions, and travel within remote areas. Guests accept full responsibility for their personal safety and belongings and agree to take all reasonable precautions throughout their stay.

Halo Gaia does not accept responsibility for any interruptions, delays, or changes caused by weather conditions, travel complications, acts of nature, or circumstances beyond our control.

Indemnities and full terms and conditions apply upon booking, and all guests will be required to acknowledge and accept these prior to arrival.

Yes, a refundable breakage deposit applies to all private beach house bookings. The amount varies per property and will be refunded after your stay, pending inspection and adherence to estate rules.

Please take extreme caution. Many beaches in Mozambique do not have lifeguards or warning signs, and rip currents can be dangerous.

Always swim with others, avoid swimming alone, and alert someone onshore before entering the water.

No smoking is allowed inside any of our listed properties.

• Accommodations: Smoking is prohibited inside accommodations, including houses, chalets, and on balconies.
• Designated areas: Resorts may have designated smoking areas, such as the parking lot or specific outdoor spots.
• Beaches: Smoking is generally allowed on public beaches, but you must maintain a safe distance from children and those with health conditions, which means keeping at least 5 meters away from them. It’s always best to check with specific resorts and facilitators for any additional rules they may have for beach areas.

Please dispose of all smoking waste appropriately and be respectful of your environment, the rules and those around you.

No. It is ground bore hole water, The local water is suitable for showering and washing but not for drinking. Please bring or purchase bottled water for consumption; this is available in the village, we do however encourage large 5 litre bottles to avoid excessive plastic waste made with smaller disposable bottles

Some homes do have a filter systems on kitchen taps (faucets).

Power outages and voltage dips do occur, especially during peak season. We suggest bringing torches, gas lamps, or burners as a backup.

Check-in and check-out times may vary between properties.
Generally, it is a 14h00 check-in and check-out at 10h00 but this may vary.
Please refer to the individual accommodation page for specific details. Early check-ins and late check-outs can sometimes be arranged in advance, subject to availability and an additional fee.

We recommend bringing:

• Food, drinks, and large 5 litre bottled water
• Beach towels and equipment
• Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
• Charcoal and firelighters
• Snorkeling gear and torches
• Adapters, chargers, and first-aid kit
• Personal toiletries
• Binoculars and camera
• Beach umbrellas

Full payment is required 30 days before arrival to confirm your booking.

• Luka’s Butchery – offers meat, marinades, sauces, and can cater spit braai functions.
• The Trading Post in Malongane village sells fish and braai packs
• Moz Meat – supplies quality meats at fair prices. Visit www.mozmeat.com or contact Andre at +258 84 782 5422.
• The local markets also sell fruit, vegetables, dry groceries, charcoal, wood, and bread, along with a curio market for handmade crafts.

Note: The SA government prohibits transporting wooden items, fruit, vegetables, meat, or fish across the border when returning to South Africa. A permit for wooden crafts can be acquired with the craftsman you bought from