dolphin retreats

This is what we typically have lined up just for you …

Day 1

Self drive to the Kosi Bay border. We’ll collect you at the border at 11am and transport you to our accommodation for the week in the beautiful reeded lodge. You’ll be fitted with snorkeling gear and enjoy a snorkeling course with a professional instructor in the afternoon. A decadent dinner will be served at the lodge. 

Day 2

Bright and early we’ll go out on the big blue* to find the dolphins. Brunch is served after the launch. Michelle will take you through an opening blessing ceremony and meditation. A talk or healing modalities will occur in the afternoon. Dinner is out at a restaurant in town.

Day 3

Join us for an early launch* to swim with the magical dolphins. Brunch is served at the lodge. Join Michelle for guided meditations and a lesson on breathing the dolphin way, plus a few other techniques. A talk or healing modalities will occur in the afternoon. Dinner is served at the lodge.

Day 4

Another glorious morning to go find* our dolphin friends which is followed by a delicious brunch served at the lodge. Join Michelle for guided meditation, a lesson in the magic of TTouch for healing and presentations throughout the day. Dinner is at a restaurant in town.

Day 5

Join us for an early morning launch* to swim with the majestic dolphins. Brunch is served at the lodge. Today there may be an opportunity to go shopping or visit the curio stalls. A talk or healing modalities will occur in the afternoon. Dinner is served at the lodge.

Day 6

Optional launch* to swim with the dolphins for your account. Our final brunch is served at the lodge. Make your way home after a retreat that will live on in your memories for all time

* launches are weather permitting.
Please note that retreats are subject to a minimum of 6 and maximum of 11 people.

This is a guideline for you and is not obligatory.

Clothing: 

• Shorts, t-shirts, sarongs, summer dresses
• Sandals and closed toe shoes for evening
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants for evening
• Jacket, jersey or windbreaker in case it gets chilly. It’s advised to bring a blanket or pashmina if you get especially cold at night.
• Windbreaker, anorak or dry mac for the boat if it is windy. This is essential if you feel the cold, and please leave your fashion gear at home as it will get wet and salty. Bring something old and warm to snuggle into after an invigorating swim.
• Swimming costume and towel
• LADIES – There is no graceful way to get into the boat, so please bring along some boardshorts, long shorts, or lycra leggings to wear to preserve your dignity, and ensure your swimming costume fits well.
• Wetsuits can be hired at the facility for R200 for the 5 day retreat

Other items:

• Hat, sunglasses and sun block
• Beach umbrella/gazebo if you want shade on the beach
• Toiletries
• Slops for the showers
• Insect and mosquito repellent
• Motion sickness tablets if you need them. Contact your GP.
• Torch – remember the batteries
• Camera, charger, spare battery and memory cards
• Bottled water and juices / soft drinks. Tea, coffee, milk and sugar.
• Sweets, fruit, biscuits and snacks for yourself. Only brunch and dinner is catered for.
• Black bags for your luggage. When traveling from the border to the camp your luggage may get wet. If it is raining please place your luggage in the bags to keep your clothing dry.

Most Important:

• Cash
• Passport and Visa if required (Non-SA passport holders)
• Malaria precautions. Contact your GP.

• Your passport is your responsibility.
• Please make sure it is valid for 6 months and has two unstamped pages available.
• A printed Covid.19 vaccine certificate needs to be presented at the border.
• Detailed directions to the border are on this site. Please allow between 8-9 hours for your journey due to occasional roadworks.
• There are toll roads along the route, so please carry cash or a travel card with you. Budget on approximately R120 for tolls.
• Visas are required for non South African passport holders. Please contact the Mozambican consulate for assistance. Visas cannot be obtained at the border.
• There is a safe shade cloth covered parking area to leave your vehicle at the border. This parking area is under 24 hour police watch. The cost for parking is R40-50 per vehicle per night. You pay the watchman when you leave.
• If you wish to drive yourself to the lodge from the border a 4×4 vehicle is required. This at your own risk. Please note that you 
will need a certified copy of your vehicles registration papers, 
a certified copy of a letter from your insurance company giving 
you permission to take the vehicle out of the country and R280 for the border tax.
• Please note: Alcohol carries an import tax (a list will be provided on request). There is currently a foreign meat, chicken and egg ban in Mozambique, none is allowed across the border.
• In the event of bad weather and we cannot launch the boat, we will try to reschedule. Launches missed are not refundable.
• You do not need travelers cheques or Mozambican currency – Meticais. South African Rands are widely accepted.
• There are only a few credit card facilities in Ponta D’Ouro at some of the restaurants. Cheques are not accepted.
• Fins, mask and snorkel are supplied. Please take care of them. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer.
• Swimsuits are required on the boat. You can wear a wetsuit, lycra suit, shorts, t-shirt, anorak or dry mac for extra warmth and protection if you require. Weight belts are not allowed on the boat.
• Ladies please note that there is no graceful way to get onto the boat, so in order to preserve your dignity, wear a well-fitting costume and long boardshorts or leggings.
• There are a few shops, cafes and curio stalls in the small village, so bring extra money if you wish to explore.
• Diving can be arranged for you, if you wish, when you get to the lodge. Simply let us know and we’ll arrange it for you.
• International roaming does apply beyond the border. If you wish to stay in contact please ensure you have roaming setup on your phone. Turn off your cellular data roaming as it can be very pricey and there is little to no signal in Ponta D’Ouro. There is wifi available at the lodge. NO large downloads are permitted.
• Ponta D’Ouro does fall within the malaria belt. It is recommended that you take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten. Bring along Peaceful Sleep and vape mats to burn. Cover your arms and legs in the early evening, as this is when the mosquitos are most active. Mosquito nets are supplied in the rooms.
 You can take prophylactics such as Malanol, 
Doxycycline or herbal and homeopathic preparations. Please 
speak to your doctor or homeopath for assistance. This is merely a recommendation, you are responsible for your own mosquito preventative measures and medication.

The rates for our next magical experience are…

Cost per adult sharing : To be confirmed

Cost per single supplement : To be confirmed

Single and shared accommodation is in a rustic reeded cabana with an en-suite bathroom, fan, mosquito net, electricity, wardrobe and tea making facilities. 

Deluxe cabanas are on offer at an increased price, please contact Michelle for details.

This is a place of bare feet, no TV or distractions. Reconnect to yourself in comfort and peace. 

From Johannesburg

Distance one way is approximately 660kms based on your starting point. Due to roadworks please give yourself 8-9 hours for the journey, or split it over two days for comfort.

• Follow the N3 Durban highway towards Springs.
• At the split follow the N17 Springs tollroad. The road can be misty, so be careful.
• Continue on the N17 past Carnival City. Go through the Carnival City Toll Plaza. Follow the SECUNDA signs. Just stay on the N17 and pass the Standerton and Leandra off ramps.
• 67kms after Carnival City you’ll come to the Leandra toll plaza. 
Follow the N17 signs, please be careful here as the road can be foggy.
• 40kms on you’ll come to the TRICHARDT Toll Plaza. Continue on the N17.
• Follow the N17 signs until you reach BETHAL.
• Once you reach BETHAL, drive through the town. Follow the ERMELO signs at all times. Go straight. There is a clean Total Garage with decent toilets (R1 for use) along this route. There is also a new Sasol garage on the left which is lovely and clean. Just continue straight along this road and follow the ERMELO signs.
• You have now traveled 176kms. It is 60kms to ERMELO. 
Follow the ERMELO signs.
• You’ll go through the ERMELO toll plaza.
• Once you reach ERMELO, go straight through the town, 
over 5 robots. At the stone building, which is a FIRST NATIONAL BANK on Kerk Street, turn right. Keep going straight along that road. There is a Pitstop all night station along this road for refueling, clean toilets and coffee. There is also a Wimpy, Milky Lane and Steers along this route. At the third set of robots, at the Engen garage, take the slip road to the left. There is a Wimpy and Ocean Basket in this centre. There is a McDonalds on the right if you prefer to stop here. You’ll pass a big shopping center on the right with a Game.
• Continue along this road to PIET RETIEF.

It is approximately 102kms to PIET RETIEF, new name is now MKHONDO.
• Once you reach PIET RETIEF, you are half way. There is a decent Sasol Garage just before the town that has a shop, toilets and a Spur. On the opposite side is a new Total Garage with a Mugg & Bean and Calsitos. If you prefer, inside the town there is an Engen 1 stop Garage, Nandos, shop, toilets and Wimpy.
 Travel straight through the town of PIET RETIEF.
 Just outside of town is new mall called Mfula Mall which contains a Clicks, Woolworths, Banks and a few shops if you are needing anything last minute. Follow the signs to PONGOLA. 

It is approximately 90kms to PONGOLA.
• Once you reach PONGOLA, go straight through the town. This will be the last chance for a toilet stop or food before Manguzi. On the way into town there is a new EcoFuel stop with clean toilets, a Black Steer takeaway or sit down diner and a big shop. Further on the Engen shop, Wimpy and toilets are quite clean and the food is good. There is also a decent KFC and Shell garage on this route. On the right hand side you’ll pass a Caltex with a Steers and Fishaways. You are now on the road to JOZINI.
• You will pass a sign saying Golela Border Post, just keep on straight.
 Approximately 55kms outside of PONGOLA you will see a sign to JOZINI.
 Take the turn off to the left and travel to JOZINI. 
Be careful here as the turn is very sharp.
 It’s approximately 30kms to the town.
• Once you arrive in JOZINI, drive through the busy town, be careful 
of pedestrians. Be careful of huge speed bumps. After the KFC, you’ll see a BP garage in the Spar Centre on your right which has toilets which require R1 for use. They are quite reasonable. 

You will see that the road splits in two. Take the split to the LEFT towards the dam, and NOT right towards Kosi Bay. Travel along the dam wall and then onwards for approximately 35kms until you get to a T-junction.

 Please drive carefully as people, chickens, goats and cows frequently cross and walk along this road. This road is often pocked with potholes, so be extra careful. At the T-junction turn right. You are now on the road to MANGUZI. This road is often potholed and there are usually some roadworks along this route. 

It is approximately 75kms to MANGUZI.
 At the traffic circle go straight towards KwaNgwanase / Farazela border post on the R22.
• Once you get to MANGUZI, be careful as there are big speed bumps 
on the road. Travel straight through the town of MANGUZI. If you need to stop there is a Total Garage with a shop and Steers for a takeaway. The loos here are very clean, but there is a R2 coin fee to use them.
 You will see a sign saying Farazela Border Post, that is where you are heading. This is the KOSI BAY border. 

Continue straight along this road for approximately 30kms.
• 60 metres before the border, you will see a shade cloth carpark on your left. 
That is where you will leave your car under cover during your stay.
 
Park you car undercover for the fee of R40 a day.
 You can arrange this with the watchman and is subject to change. Walk to the border with your belongings or leave them at the border with someone to keep an eye on them.
• Walk to the border, make sure you have your passports. 

Go to the brick building on the left first to be stamped out of South Africa.
 Then go across the fence to the Mozambican side. Have your passport stamped.
 The 4 x 4 will be waiting to transport you the town. The driver will have your names.
• If you are running late, please contact:
 Michelle on 082 458 1302. 

If we have to return to the border to collect you 
due to lateness you will be charged R260 extra for the journey. Have a safe and pleasant journey.

On your return journey, back track as you came through along the N17. Please chat to us if you need detailed directions. 

Continue on your way home.

Directions from Durban on request.

Booking an international holiday requires advanced planning and bookings. Please ensure you communicate your intention to book your holiday with us well in advance so we can ensure you of a relaxed stay and booking process.

Accommodation is limited so please don’t delay in booking.


Your name on our list is NOT a guaranteed booking!

STEP 1


Send us your completed booking form and a 20% non-refundable deposit to secure your place.

STEP 2


Two months before the tour starts, the balance of your retreat fee is required.

PLEASE NOTE:


• Your 20% deposit is not refundable. 
If you cancel your booking within 3 months of the tour, 90% is refundable. If you cancel your booking within 2 months of the retreat only 50% we will attempt to refund you what we can. If you cancel your booking less than 1 month before the tour you will not be refunded.
• Please consider carefully before canceling as your actions may jeopardize the entire tour.
• Please ensure you have a valid passport and visa (for non SA residents).
• If you need assistance to get the visa, please contact us and we will gladly help you.
• Please note that these retreats will only run if we have confirmed bookings for six people minimum. The lodge can accommodate up to 10 adults and 2 children.

Please contact us for a booking form.

“The atmosphere of positivity, wellness and the eagerness of everyone to assist Nicki and I was so appreciated. I enjoyed the lack of television, traffic noise and cool temperatures. It was a real escape from daily Johannesburg life. It was quiet, calm and restorative..”
Kathy Tinney

“This is the most well organized retreat I’ve experienced.”
Judy Barnes

“A life changing experience”
Mozz

“A most amazing, enriching experience. I believe we all left a piece of ourselves in Ponta, if only to ensure our return, while at the same time we took something away with us. Michelle and Arnie made us feel so special. Thanks for that guys, it is a gift you have, treasure it!
”
Marthie, Koos and Sven Van Der Merwe

“The experience of encountering wild dolphins and beautiful whale sharks up so close was utterly transformative. We were completely inspired. The trip was a tonic for my tired soul and I felt restored to youthful vitality and a deep sense of spiritual connectedness. The trip was wonderfully co-ordinated by Michelle and the team and we all felt very cared for, safe and looked after. The food was also quite divine. This one is really up there…”
Ingrid Hurwitz

“The trip far exceeded my wildest dreams. To be able to hold my fiancée’s hand as we swam with the dolphins will remain with me forever. Thanks to the entire team for a great experience.”
David Batzofin

“A big thank you to Michelle, Arnie and all the staff for the memorable days spent with you all. Thanks too for all the “little extras” that took so much thought, time and care; and made the stay something special. The work you are all doing there is so worthwhile and I’ll definitely be telling my friends to put your trip on their “reach for a break” agendas!”
Les Ambler

After wading through 5 excruciatingly long workaholic months I finally arrived at the page in my diary where I could escape from the humdrum and embark on my personal jounery with the dolphins – the majestic and learned creatures of the ocean. Each day – whether on land or in the sea – was a powerful and emotive experience overflowing with what will be unforgettable memories – in my heart, mind and soul. With Michelle and her truly wonderful and attentive soul partner Arnie, spearheading the trip, your experience will be stretched beyond your wildest imagination! The only warning is, you won’t ever be the same again!”
Nicky Carter

“By the time I left, I knew that something in my life had changed irrevocably. I haven’t quite figured out exactly what has changed but I do know that I will never be able to do my life in quite the same way as I did before I arrived. I left with my heart wide open, filled with love and gratitude. Thank you!”
Norma