70 km north of Xai Xai, the EN1 road to Beira winds to its closest brush with the Indian Ocean, only 5 km away. The countryside undulates gently, lush and green with pockets of coconut palms towering over cashew nut thickets - freshwater lakes dominate the area. Here, in a clearing, lies the tiny, sleepy village of Chidenguele (meaning "The Highest Point" in the local, Chope language).

 

The village may only have one short street, but its name is emblazoned proudly in white stone on the hill behind the sandy soccer field. The cathedral (!), crisp and white on the opposite hill, seems quite out of place with its stained-glass windows. The rustic, African 'mercado; (market) trickles out a supply of whatever fruit and vegetables are available, but always beer and pau (the legendary Mozambican bread).

The Bar and Restuarant
at Paraiso de Chigenguele are legendary. Well stocked, a stunning ocean view and open till late. Sports lovers have access to DSTV. Enjoy fabulous seafood dinners or light meals ('a la Portuguese) in the open-air restaurant.

- The lodge itself can be accessed by 2-wheel drive vehicles.
- Bring your own gear and enjoy fishing, (rock, surf, fly, fishing ski or deep-sea - this is KINGFISH COUNTRY!), snorkeling, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, sightseeing in local villages, bird watching and hiking, or just relaxing and doing nothing at all!

Common shore catches include kingfish, queenfish, pompano, rock cod, stumpnose, lemonfish, speckled snapper, blacktail, shark, guitarfish and stingray. Couta (king mackerel) and barracuda are also been taken from the shore.

· Surf fishermen have endless expanses of beach offering both blue and white water on sand or rock
· Rock fishing offers kilometres of gullies, deep channels, or white water.
At spring low tide, the offshore reef can be reached on foot offering access to clear, deep water - excellent for spinning or lures

· Fly fishers can choose their spot from the beach or rock - large, deep pools exposed during low tide hold an array of feisty adversaries!
· Fishing skis unmatched at Paraiso de Chidenguele ... enough said!
· Ski boaters have access to a surf launch site and can look forward to excellent gamefish catches

Snorkelling:
Snorkelling is wonderful at low tide, even for the less confident or inexperienced - perfect for beginners or children. Explore the numerous, magnificent rock pools, shallows and gullies teeming with sea life and marvel at the incredible diversity of shape, form and colour in the underwater world.

Walks and Hikes:
Stroll or jog the endless beaches searching for the perfect cowrie shell or take walks through unexplored sand forest to one of the freshwater lakes covered with water lilies and fringed with emerald palms - birdwatchers always seem to return so much later than anyone else!

Bird Watching:
The area has a wide variety of birds due to its varied eco-systems - beach, thick primary dune forest, savanna and freshwater lakes. Birders, please help us compile a bird list by recording your sightings in our "Bird Sightings Log" in the bar.

 

Lake Inhambavale:
Ancient and steeped in history, this freshwater lake, only minutes away by vehicle, is 23 km long, clear and lukewarm. Lake Inhambavale is perfect for safe swimming, canoes, sailing, windsurfing, etc., and offers fun filled time away from the beach... so bring your non-motorised toys.

Boa Paz Lighthouse:
This lighthouse is still active and in nightly use. Drive (only minutes away) or walk through African savanna and past three freshwater lakes, to the light housekeeper's shack. Now trek a short way to the top of the highest dune in the area - the more adventurous may climb to the top of the lighthouse itself - either way, the view is breathtaking!