Situated on the extreme southern end of pristine Mozambican coastline, Tartaruga Maritima is an exclusive self-catering luxury tented camp on a large private coastal estate offering privacy and tranquillity to the discerning nature lover and adventurer. Tucked away in thick forest - only metres from the beach - eight luxury en suite tents erected on wooden decks are connected with a walkway through the Milkwood trees to the main lodge elevated on stilts with a spectacular view of Malongane bay. The lodge houses the dining and living area as well as the well-equipped kitchen for the use of the guests. A dive centre offering daily trips to the nearby reefs for scuba diving, surf safaris and swimming with dolphins is a 15 minute walk away along the beach and the picturesque village overlooking an inland lake behind the camp is an ideal venue for a late afternoon sundowner and a delicious seafood dinner. The region is a crisscross of sandy tracks through a vast undeveloped and unpopulated wilderness area where until recently the legendary wild elephants of the Maputo Elephant Reserve roamed freely. Guests without 4x4s can arrange Border Transfers to meet them at the Kosi Bay border post 14kms away.
I visited Tartaruga Maritima in Ponta Malongane in October 2012 with my wife and a tour group traveling around Southern Africa. We stayed for 2 days at Tartaruga enjoying the remote location tucked in the jungle along the Indian Ocean. It is a phenomenal place that you'd never think was there, and it isn't the easiest to get to, frankly, but well worth it!
Pros: - Gorgeous permanent tents - yes they are tents, but they are beautifully appointed as you can see in the pictures. - Hot water, wonder shower stall, bottled water waiting for you, plenty of room, secluded - fantastic! - The remote location makes you feel as if you're the only person out there; yet help was always available if needed. - Beautiful beach - while it rained most of the time I was there, I still went to the beach (and got in the ocean); the beach is soft sugary brown sand, extremely wide and relatively clean. - Whale watching 24/7 from any location - humpback whales making their way northward along the coastline were omnipresent throughout the two days I was there. - Everything was clean, from the linens to the floors and bathroom facilities; and the lodge area was always kept clean and tidy. - Each room is named after a species of sea turtle, and has a large canvas picture hanging in the room by the bed. The decor is oceanside whitewashed, and feels very comfortable from beginning to end.
Cons: - These are tents - very nice ones, but tents, so there's a risk of bugs, rodents, and there's no heat or air conditioning. Anything that gets wet will likely stay wet unless you get laundry done. - It rained the entire time I was there - not a con for anyone else or the hotel, that's a gamble you take, but it limited what we could do. - The walkways can be a bit slippery at times - the constant rain on the wood made travel a bit slow and tenuous. - The walkways are a maze - remembering which way to turn for going to your tent, going to the lodge, going to the beach, going to the transport, etc. is confusing, particularly at night.
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Date of stay: October 2012
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had the pleasure of staying at Tartaruga Luxury tented camp in October of this year. It is situated pretty much right by the ocean.The tents, this seems an inaccurate description as they are more like a hotel room, but this is what they are called are very well appointed and extremely comfortable. What better way to wake up, than to the sound of the waves and to the beautiful sight of seeing little monkeys swinging through the trees that surround each tent. Each tent is very private and is accessed by a boardwalk. The beach is also accessed by a boardwalk. I especially enjoyed being able to greet the day with a session of yoga right on this glorious beach. The weather was beautiful and our days were sunned filled. We had much fun walking along the beach to the dive shop and taking the most amazing journeys out to sea to see and swim with the local dolphins. Not far from the camp there is a market within easy walking distance that supports a local craft industry. There are also little outdoor bars that supply very reasonably priced drinks. The owners of this property were only too happy to assist in any way they could to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. Tartaruga has a very peaceful and soothing feel to it and I look forward to when I return.
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Date of stay: October 2008
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Tartaruga was our last destination of many over a two week holiday, and so, we didn't really have any expectations. But wow! We had an incredible three night stay! Tartaruga offers magical coastal forest accommodation in the form of luxury tents that are kept immaculate by the fantastic staff. In-room tea and coffee stations are refreshed daily with good quality coffee and bottled water. The amenities in the bathroom are lovely, and the towels (both swimming and bath) smell fantastic and don't have that clammy feeling that normally happens at the coast. The swimming pool area, communal lounge / kitchen area and braai area are all looked after by Moses, who is warm, friendly and very accommodating, with lots of knowledge on the local village and restaurants. The kitchen has been very well thought out and has everything you need and more (there's even a paella pan!). The ocean can be seen from the deck of the lounge/dining area, and is a short walk away too. The beach is stunning, with tons of crabs and birds, and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. We really can't wait to go back to this very special place!
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Date of stay: January 2016
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent seven nights in the family cabin and it was ok. The cabin has a corrugated iron roof and in severe weather it is extremely noisy...also in close proximity to the village pubs. So all in all we did not sleep much. The cabin has aircon. Power permitting. We were without power 4 of the 7 nights.
Tartaruga is in need of some maintenance. There are insufficient fridge freezer space for 20 people and the utensils need to be replaced and replenished. One cheese grater by way of example is just not enough.
When big groups of 12 people check in, private people can feel a bit overwhelmed as the communal area contains only one living area and this is easily taken over by larger crowds. Our little family of four battled at times.
The linen and towels are clean, but full of holes. The communal gas braai in need of an upgrade. Small things that niggle now but without spending money on it now will become a bigger problem down the line.
I also think that cleaning is done superfluous and sparingly and that a proper clean is required from time to time.
Moses is lovely and tries really hard with limited resources.
We had a turn of bad luck when visiting in that there were lots of power outages. This means that camp runs on generator. The noisy kind. When weather was bad it meant that 20 people sat in the communal area listening to the generator. The water purification plant also broke down and this meant that we had dirty water for about a day.
The views are scenic. The beaches magnificent. All in all not bad. Don't think we will be back in a hurry.
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Date of stay: December 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
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We Stayed here for 3 Days after the Mozamboogy Music Festival to recover and Relax, and that we did... Set in and Amongst the trees was our Spacious Luxurious Tent, with all you needed, comfortable, Bedding and Linen, Shower with great water pressure and heat... Tranquillity and Relaxation is what we got… All you could hear was the sound of the Ocean, the occasional cry of the Elusive Bush Babies that are Indigenous to the Area and the Bird life. All the Tents are linked by wooden Pathways and the Dining Area is high Above the Trees, so getting there meant you had to walk up a considerable amount of stairs. But well worth it as the view from the Top was Absolutely Spectacular. The Dining area had all the Utilities needed, Including, Fridges, Freezers, Stoves, Toasters, Kettles etc.etc.etc… They even Had a Gas Braai and Filleted Drinking Water. They also had more than enough Space for all to keep their food and Drink. I Loved the fact that you always felt like you were the only ones there. Staff were never to be seen but once we got back to our Tents they were always serviced and cleaned. None of the Tents have views of the Ocean, but you were only a couple of Minutes’ walk to the Ocean. The Ponta Malongane Beach is one of the most Magnificent I have set foot on. The Sand is Soft and White, the Water warm and Free of Pollution…We went in August and personally feel that is the Best Time of the Year to go. No Wind, No extreme Heat, not Many People Around…No Mozi's, You felt like you had Paradise All to Yourself. The Resort has a quaint little Pool Hidden Amongst the Trees and One TV Room if you really have the urge to watch TV. The Village is in walking Distance, There they have Barracas with all you could think of, Fresh Bread, Baked Daily, Fresh Fish. The Most Delicious Prawns you have ever Tasted Made fresh for you as you wait. Little taverns where you can sip on R&R’s, the Local Cocktail of Rum and Rasberry Softdrink and The World Famous 2M and Laurentina Beer. So many Little spots to explore, There is Even Pizzaria’s… If you feel Like Driving to Ponta D’Ouro is only about 6 Km away and there are Numerous Little Restaurant Along the Way. Ponta Mamoli is also Just as close in the other direction. This is the Perfect Place to Stay when Exploring Southern Mozambique…Will Definitely Be Back only next time we will stay longer.
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Date of stay: August 2015
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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We just loved our stay. Comfortable. Well thought out facilities. Staff and managers could not have been more accommodating. Beware that the tents are in a forest and there will be lots of insects. Would suggest taking a small cooler bag and ice bricks for keeping water and drinks (not food coz of insects and monkeys) in the tent so that you don't have to hike up to the kitchen. Will definitely return.
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Date of stay: January 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had the great pleasure of staying at Tartaruga Maritima for a wedding and it was an absolute treat. The staff are amazing, the setting is idyllic and the amenities are more than adequate. We will definitely return for a longer stay
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Date of stay: April 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Tartaruga Maritima, as close as one can get to 'self catering' heaven on the beach! What a remarkably wonderful venue set in coastal forest right on the beach - wish we could have stayed longer - we will certainly return to this really special lodge. Yes, it does have plenty of stairs, up and down from the chalets to the living areas but I would be happy climbing them every day to be there and I am 69 and managed quite easily. The living areas, dining/kitchen/lounge are exceptional with breathtaking views. The kitchen is extremely well equipped. Plenty of fridge/freezer space, 2 x stoves, eye-level oven, large gas braai, lots of pots and pans etc. The pool and outside braai are beautiful and the lounge alongside them has a TV - which we did not have time to watch. The chalets are very good, spacious, clean, just perfect! With nice verandas all amongst dune forests and connected with wooden walkways that lead straight onto the beach, and what a beautiful beach - on a 3 hour walk we saw no more than 10 people. Absolute bliss! One suggestion - if you plan to have drinks on your veranda, take a cooler box to keep them in - it's a up, up, up walk to the fridges in the kitchen. The staff were exceptional - all of them - nothing is too much trouble. The village is within walking distance and there is lots of activity there and at least two good restaurants. There is good snorkeling and a dive center a short walk down the beach - plenty of activities for those who wish.
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Date of stay: May 2015
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â There is one chalet that has air con the rest just have fans.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tartaruga's accommodation is made up of spacious stilted luxury tents and should not be confused with camping. At the back of the tent is a bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet. This is also where the cupboard for your clothes is located. The windows have flaps that can be raised or lowered according to preference. The views out the windows are all lush coastal forests. The tent also has a covered outside patio where you can sit and just watch the forest around you. The beds are under a large mozzie net which is under a big fan. The mattresses are ok but need to be replaced. Some are hardish, some are sagging. But I still slept right through the night, which is very rare for me.
The rooms are all linked by raised decking pathways which all lead to the pool and braai (bbq) area, and raised common room. The common room is large and has a fantastic view of the sea and beach below. The kitchen is fully equipped with several stoves, oven, microwave, gas griller and 7 refrigerators. A common irritant for me is finding old and blunt utensils but I was happy to find good quality utensils at Tartaruga which even included a knife sharpener! Being very close to the sea and constantly exposed to the elements, some of the kitchen equipment is showing signs of ageing and wear and should be replaced but this did not detract from the general quality of the place. The cleaning staff magically appear and clean up after you quite often. The cleaning in the kitchen is adequate but could be improved. I felt that the cleaning staff did just enough to keep the plates and utensils, counters and table, etc, clean but that was it. A good deep clean is needed. The security guards are always roaming and Moses, the operations manager, was always on hand but discrete and always polite and professional.
Although this is a self catering place, you must eat out while here. In particular, I suggest "Come to Sea". Don't let the name put you off, their chicken and prawn combo is unbelievable. Add a couple of R&R drinks and you will be singing soon. They are located on the right, 50m away from the traffic circle in the direction of Ponta d'Ouro. Sunset Shack is ok for the party crowd but the food doesn't compare by any means.
The wood balustrades and structures are all in OK condition but the elements are unforgiving and they are just starting to show signs of neglect. Even if they tackled just the tops of the balustrades with a little sanding and a new coat of varnish/enamel, the place would look like new.
Getting there from the Kosi bay border involves driving on very loose beach sand tracks. A high ground clearance vehicle is a must and 2x4 vehicles will make it there ok if the driver has experience driving in these conditions and you deflate your tyres to about 1.1 bar. A 4x4 is preferable is you are not travelling in convoy with another 4x4.
From the rooms, there is a walkway that leads all the way to the beach. At the edge of the beach there is a deck covered in a pergola type roof. Perfect for a snooze on a beach towel listening to the waves. Take a picnic basket and make a morning of it there. Then take a long walk to Ponta Malongane's dive center for a beer at their elevated pub.
We dived with the dive centre next door which we drove to every day. 5 minute drive. Derrick or Lerato will satisfy all your diving needs and their gear is in good condition and they have 3 dive boats. Beware of non local or non resident dive masters leading your dives as they will mostly not have much knowledge of the reefs.
Although there is always a sea breeze whether in the tents of the common area, you must take mozzie protection. Also, beware of the thieving monkeys that have easy access to the common area. Anything you leave out of the cupboards or 'fridges and left unattended, will be stolen by the cute but clever monkeys. Be on the look-out for bushbabies (nagaapies) at night. They are very shy and very cute.
We will definitely go back.
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Date of stay: September 2014
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â All the rooms are equally well located and we couldn't find reason to prefer one over another.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is Southern Mozambique's best kept secret! We have been back to this little jewel 4 times over the past 4 years and we are going again soon!
This is an "affordable-luxury-self-catering-tented-lodge-with-loads-of-charm" behind the dunes under a canopy of Milkwood trees right on the beach...the waves will lull you to sleep at night...!!!
This is camping gone LUX and packed with charm!
Stunning authentic tented-en-suite rooms built on wooden stilts with a small wooden deck - all tents are linked to each other and the main lodge with raised wooden walkways.
Beautiful main deck lounge with open plan kitchen facilities and the wonderful staff would lay your dinner table with candle's and linen et al!
Another gem of the resort is their "boma" area next to the pool and the jacuzzi; there's no better way to relax after a day on the beach or diving than to sit under the milkwood trees next to a roaring fire!
Diving is fantastic here. + Beautiful, beautiful area with its signature in-land lakes. + Adventurous 4x4'ing + the most charming bar's and restaurants in the area!
Don't fool yourself with a 3-night stay - go for 7 nights or longer!
A big Salute to Tartaruga and its owners!
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Date of stay: October 2011
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your really helpful comments!!! Looks like I voted thumbs down but did so accidentally as I do not have my glasses on! 🤓. We will be sure to look up your recommendations! Thanks again Tina x
There are more places to choose from in the Ponta Malongane area.
LOCATION
MozambiqueMaputo ProvincePonta Malongane
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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