Serenity is situated near the little village of Nhabanga on the Bilene Lagoon, Mozambique. Previously known as Sao Martinho, Bilene is a popular spot with a number of restaurants and bars, a great bakery, fuel station, basic shops, a market and even a weekend disco. There are no credit card facilities in Bilene.

Nhabanga is about 8km / 5 miles away from Bilene, on the opposite and upper side of the lagoon. The tiny village can only be reached by boat or by 4x4 vehicles – high clearance vehicles can also cope on the sand road with certain adjustments an experienced driver. The sand road to the village is a 23km / 14 mile stretch that will normally take close to an hour to complete.

Directions to Serenity

From Gauteng, take the N4 to Komatipoort.
Exit R.S.A through Lebombo border post at Komatipoort.
Continue for approx. 90km / 56 miles to Maputo. At Maputo, follow the EN1, Xai-Xai signs.
From Maputo, travel on EN1 for approx. 150km / 93 miles to the town of Macia.
In Macia, turn right at the “Praia do Bilene” sign (opposite the BP Garage).
Continue for approx. 32km / 19 miles to the town of Bilene.
In Bilene, at the first circle, take the second left in front of the hotel and continue until you reach a T-Junction.
Turn left and continue to the next T-Junction which is the beach road (do not take the first and only left hand turn-off).
Turn left again and drive past the market. Just past the market, look out for Chin-Chin Restaurant and BIM Bank. Between these two buildings, on your left, is a sand road with various signs to Nhabanga Village and Serenity.
Follow this sand road for approx. 23km / 14 miles. There are various turn-offs, but keep on following the signs to Nhabanga e.g. Serenity, Villa Nhabanga, Nhabanga Paradise etc. When entering Nhabanga Village, continue straight to the beach, past Lourenco’s Bar.
When you get to the beach, turn left and continue on the beach for approx. 2km / 1 mile, past Villa Nhabanga, until you get to the Serenity sign on the beach.
When the lagoon is high (May to September) it will be impossible to follow the beach road. In that case turn left at Lourenco’s Bar, continue straight and exit the village.
Follow the sand road up the hill, at the top of the hill turn right and descend the hill towards the lagoon.
Follow the sand road down to the beach and turn left on the beach. Travel approx. 150 metres to the Serenity entrance on the beach.

Notes

If travelling at night, look out for the lit up sign board and a blue light on the beach at the entrance. It is advisable to stick to the speed limit in Mozambique as spot fines are issued. Also adhere to the new requirement for reflective vests, large triangles etc. Remember the papers for your vehicle and trailer!

The sand track from Bilene has some deep sandy patches, and a 4x4 is preferred, alternatively a vehicle with high ground clearance, tyres deflated to 1Bar and a driver skilful in sand driving can manage! At the difficult sandy patches, there is normally some sort of “chicken route” which is better to follow especially if towing a boat or trailer.

When the lagoon is low, there are various shorter routes to Bilene, all involving beach driving. Keep in mind that beach driving is an offence and is policed with a very heavy fine.

GPS Co-Ordinates

25:15:42.11S
33:20:5.49E