Weather

There are two main seasons at Ponta do Ouro, one wet and the other dry.

 

The wet season, from November to March, has a monthly temperature of between 26°C and 30°C (80 °F and 86°F), with cooler temperatures in the interior uplands.

 

The drier season is from April to October and has June and July temperatures averaging between 18-25°C.

 

The region enjoys a sub-tropical climate with most of the rainfall being recorded between December and March.

 

The summer months from November to April are characterised by warm temperatures accompanied by relatively high humidity levels whereas the winter months are moderate to warm with much lower levels of humidity.

 

Average temperatures

January ± 25°C         April ± 23°C                July ± 20°C                 October ± 25°C

 

The warm waters of the Mozambique Current flow southwards from Madagascar to within 10kms of the coastline.  The sea temperature generally tracks the land temperature and will go up to 28°C in the summer months and down to 21°C in the winter months.  This is an ideal ecosystem for the vast number of species of game and reef fish, dolphins, whales and turtles that traverse this area as well as for the other activities suited to an all year round warm water location.

 

The coastline from Ponta do Oura to Inhaca Island is saturated with the most beautiful and pristine hard and soft coral reefs, home to a bewildering variety of game and reef fish, turtles, dolphins, whales, shards and rays.  Unlike the coral reefs in South Africa, most of these reefs have remained untouched for nearly 2 decades during the civil war.

 

This again provides an ideal ecosystem for scuba divers and snorkellers alike.

 

The terrain consists of long and uninterrupted stretches of white sand beaches, high primary sand dunes, coastal forests, inland flood plains and numerous lakes and accompanying marshlands, making it an ideal playground for 4X4 vehicles/biking and hiking enthusiasts.  The roads from the South Africa border to the various locations are currently sand roads and therefore require 4X4 vehicles to adequately traverse them.  However, use of vehicles of any description is strictly prohibited along the beaches.

 

In order to make use of these activities, guests are however required to bring along whatever equipment and accessories that they may require as very little, apart from diving equipment, is available for hire in the area.