 The Nkomati River finds its source in the highlands of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa from whence she passes through Swaziland and on to the lowveld. Here she meets the Crocodile River which, for a long while, forms the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park. Her journey then takes her into the 3rd country on her trip to the ocean as she enters Mozambique. From here the landscape flattens out and the Nkomati meanders through flood plains and reed beds while providing the water to sustain these sensitive wetlands and the related birds, mammals and reptiles which inhabit them. Her exciting journey to the coast ends as she widens into the estuary north of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
 Situated on the banks of this, the last portion of her journey is the delightful
Incomati
Estuary Lodge. This superb little lodge caters for a maximum of 8 people in most comfortable en suite chalets. The ambiance is one of absolute peace and tranquility while still offering a base to explore the myriad of opportunities the area has to offer. From the deck one has views up and down the wide Nkomati with unique sunsets and sunrises over the slowly flowing river. Local fishermen in canoes or reed boats pass the flocks of water birds on the sand banks while monkeys cavort in the trees and flowered shrubs around the lodge.
The estuary provides a magnificent array of fresh fish and the lodges menu boasts some of the finest sea food cuisine you could wish. Prawns and langoustines, giant crabs, fresh clams and a host of other local delicacies are featured daily. As an empowerment initiative, we make use of local supplies including the delicious fresh local bread “pao”.
 Your beach and surf experiences are very integral to the whole holiday. Apart from swimming and tanning on the startling white sand, the crystal clear waters of the Benguera current of the Indian Ocean, washing the Mozambique beaches, are internationally renowned for excellent game fishing. As the ocean is easily accessible from the lodge, excursions are available to the renowned Baixo Cutfield and Baixo Paiva Monso in search of Caranx Ignoblis, the powerful King Fish or the feisty King Mackerel.
The focus of our leisure activities is based on and around the river and this lends a wonderful ambiance to the more sedate options. For instance, a river cruise to the beautiful beaches for a swim takes us past local communities offering cultural interaction. We have the opportunity of encountering subsistence fishermen, fruit sellers, fish markets and reed collectors.
Your holiday at
Incomati
Estuary Lodge will offer you such a variety of superb options that you will surely want to return in order to complete the gambit and maintain contact with your new found friends – we look forward to welcoming you back!
Wildlife Encounters (Judy and Bruce Meeser) now run scheduled tours into their lodge in Mozambique. The tours run out of Nelspruit on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with return shuttles back on the same day. Guests can choose from 2 nights, 4 nights or spend the weekend there from Friday to Monday. The lodge has a bar lounge, dinning area and swimming pool.
PACKAGE RATES VALID UP TO 31 OCTOBER 2008
The package includes road transfers from Nelspruit to Marracuene and back, water transfers to the lodge and back, accommodation in en suite units, 3 meals a day, all teas and coffees and a morning and afternoon activity every day. Activities include canoeing, fishing, boating on the river and to the ocean at the mouth, 4 x 4 beach trips, swimming, birding walks on the flood plain, beach picnics, sun-downer cruises, cultural tours to the village, the market and local artists. Extras are visa costs, drinks at the lodge & optional meals out at local restaurants.
From R3,100 per person sharing for 2 nights (Mon - Wed OR Wed - Fri)
From R3,700 per person single for 2 nights (Mon - Wed OR Wed - Fri)
Rates for 3 night packages (Fri to Mon) and 4 night packages (Mon to Fri) are available on request.
Also available in conjunction with Transfrontiers Walking Safaris: Do a walking safari in Greater Kruger Mon to Fri and then transfer to Incomati Estuary Lodge from Fri to Mon and then back to Johannesburg. This package runs from Mon to Mon or Fri to Fri. Prices are available on request.
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