FAQ

Reservations

  • How do I make a reservation?

See our booking process here.

  • What are your house prices?

Each house has a minimum base price for the entire house, not per person, and you can add up to 2 overnight guests for an extra fee. To see the most accurate base price, select a date range, search and see the available houses and their current prices here.

Our base prices vary depending on the season/special holidays.

You can pay extra to increase the number of overnight guests and to enjoy an early check-in and/or late check-out, pending availability. See our current fees for additional services here.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

50% of the paid total amount is refundable for cancellations made five days or more before your check-in date.

The reservation is nonrefundable within five days prior to your stay.

  • Do you offer discounts or packages?

Here is a list of our current specials:

Frequent Guest Discount:

To qualify, you must complete four separate stays within one year.

From your fifth stay onwards, you will benefit from a discount of MZN 1.000,00 from the base price per night for the dates you wish to book at our facilities.


Weekly/Monthly Discount:

Reservations with over six nights benefit from our weekly discount of 14%.

We also offer a long-stay monthly discount of 20%.

Follow us on Facebook here and Instagram here for more updates.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

Paypal (USD) 

International bank transfer (USD or MZN)

National bank transfer (MZN)

BCI -> BCI

MBIM -> BCI

M-Pesa/e-Mola/mKesh (MZN)

M-Pesa/e-Mola/mKesh -> BCI 

Any nacional bank/M-Pesa/e-Mola/mKesh -> M-Pesa

If you are paying using a method other than PayPal, only contact us when you are ready to pay the total amount.

We will prepare a proforma invoice for you to pay. Please reference the proforma invoice number to facilitate payment tracking. We will only block a House for an hour; prompt payment is crucial to prevent unblocking.

  • Can I pay 50% or a deposit to secure my reservation at Mandowa?

No, you must pay 100% to complete your reservation. 

  • Can I book a half-day at Mandowa?

There is no special discount or half-day rate. We only have nightly rates, and our standard check-in time is 14:00. The standard check-out time is 11:00. An early check-in at 9:00 and late check-out at 16:00 is subject to availability and payment of the early check-in/late check-out fee. See our current fees for additional services here.

There is no refund if you choose to leave before the standard check-out time or if you choose to check-in late.

  • Can I add extra guests to my reservation?

We allow up to 2 extra overnight guests, adding to the base capacity of each house. An extra person is any guest over the age of 2. See our current fees for additional services here.

  • May I invite visitors who will not stay overnight at Mandowa for a small gathering?

Yes, however, we must approve visitors in advance.

Please read and comply with the House Rules here.

  • Are children charged the extra person fee at Mandowa?

An extra person is any guest over the age of 2. See our current fees for additional services here.

There is no fee for extra people below the age of 2, but we do not provide cribs. 

Location and Transportation

  • Where is Mandowa Located?

Macaneta, Mandowa Beach Forest & Cottages, 7PFX+WJ6, Marracuene, Maputo, Mozambique.

  • Do I need a 4x4 car to reach Mandowa?

You do not need a 4x4 to reach our facilities, but you need a 4x4 to explore the surrounding areas. 

We do not offer transportation and cannot assist you if you get lost.

  • How do I get to Mandowa?

If you have never been to Macaneta, use Google Maps to reach the Macaneta Bridge. Once you are at the bridge, do not use Google Maps. The path Google Maps suggests to get to our facilities from the Macaneta bridge is not good, and previous guests have gotten lost or stuck while following it. Follow our custom map here to get to Mandowa from the Macaneta Bridge. We offer two route options and there will be road signs to Mandowa along both routes.

Do not drive to Mandowa at night. There is limited street lighting.

  • Does Mandowa offer transportation?

We do not offer transportation and cannot assist you if you get lost.

Previous guests who required transportation used taxi services.

Arrival and Departure

  • What are the check-in and check-out times?

The check-in time is 14:00, and the check-out time is 11:00. An early check-in at 9:00 and late check-out at 16:00 is subject to availability and payment of the early check-in/late check-out fee. See our current fees for additional services here.

  • What is the latest time I can arrive?

The latest time you can check in is 19:00. If you plan to arrive later, please let us know. 

We do not recommend driving to Mandowa at night. There is limited street lighting.

Accommodations and Amenities

  • What is included in the nightly rates at Mandowa?

Our Houses are self-catered with fully-equipped kitchens, bed sheets, toilet paper, and bathroom towels. You must bring your own beach/pool towels and mosquito repellent.

Our Staff will clean the Houses once a day. We do not have a meal preparation service.

Guests will have access to the pool, garden – with an eating area and small braai – and the tennis court. Those spaces are accessible and shared amongst all Mandowa Guests.

  • What do I need to bring for my stay at Mandowa?

Our Houses are self-catered and have fully equipped kitchens. You must bring your own food, including basics like drinking water, salt, oil, tea and charcoal – to name a few. We offer bed sheets, toilet paper and bathroom towels. You must bring your own beach/pool towels and mosquito repellent. Please read the House Rules here.

  • What is not allowed at Mandowa?

We do not allow parties or pets. Additionally, we do not permit smoking inside the Houses. Please read and comply with the House Rules here

Food and Dining

  • Does Mandowa have a restaurant?

No, we can share nearby restaurant options when you book with us. Once on-site, our staff can provide further up-to-date recommendations and where to procure fresh seafood.

  • Is there a grocery store or convenience store nearby?

Guests should purchase food and other items in Maputo or Marracuene. Options are very limited in Macaneta.

Additional Information

  • Can I bring a speaker and play music at Mandowa?

You can bring your speaker and play music at a reasonable volume.

We do not allow loud music at our facilities as it disturbs the tranquillity of other guests and our neighbors.


Our contact number for bookings is +258 86 479 0013, but it only functions on WhatsApp.

*We do not work with intermediaries.

At times, we will not be able to answer your calls. Please send your inquiries via text or voice message.