Question 1

What does "GFP" stand for?

Accepted Answer

GFP stands for Green Flamingo Project. The Green Flamingo Project offers luxury self-catering accommodation on a secluded, pristine beach. GFP consists of two house units: Casa Flamingo and Casinha Girafa. You can use and book both units together exclusively or you can book each house separately.
Green Flamingo Project is supporting social projects such as “beach clean-ups”, building a school room and a hospital for the local community.

Question 2

How to reach us?

Accepted Answer

Location: 
The houses of Green Flamingo Project (GFP) are located 650km north of Maputo between Inhambane and Vilanculos at Pomene North Bank. Be aware: we are not located in the nature reserve – that is Pomene South Bank. So no costs for entrance of the nature reserve.
By plane: 
The nearest airport is Vilanculos. From there it’s a 4 hours drive to GFP (2 hours drive on tarmac road and 2 hours drive on dirt road). Transfer can be arranged upon request and extra costs.
By car: 
To reach us by car, you can expect a 10 hours drive from Maputo. We usually recommend a stopover nearby Xai-Xai. From Maputo you drive up north on the main road N1 (tarmac road) until the city of Massinga. From there a 1,5hr-2hr ride on a sandy track will take you to the residence. A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended to pass the dirt road (sand). There is no good mobile phone service during the dirt road, therefor a GPS is useful. Otherwise we do have a detailed way description.
Distances: 
Johannesburg - GFP: about 16 hours drive (excl. boarder crossing & breaks)
Maputo - GFP: about 10 hours drive
Inhambane - GFP:  about 4 hours drive
Vilanculos - GFP: about 4 hours drive

Question 3

Do I need a 4x4 to reach GFP?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend to approach us with a 4x4 vehicle. From the nearest city of Massinga it's a 2 hour dirt road with sandy tracks, bumps and potholes. A high ground clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.

Question 4

Which houses do we offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer two luxury self-catering accommodations, located direct at the beach of the estuary:

Casa Flamingo: consists of a main house with two sleeping rooms (one with a big relax area and additional sleeping possibilities), two bathrooms and a big kitchen house with a spacious pool area, terrace, pool toilet and beach shower. For a room layout please see the image “ground plan”.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9c4498_8b108e577ed6409db512cde37c83b66c~mv2.jpeg

Casinha Girafa: is the smaller house, with a cosy sleeping room and an outrageous open view on the sea. The groundfloor offers a spacious bathroom and an open outdoor kitchen with a dining and relax area. This house has no pool – pool usage of Casa Flamingo is only possible if you book both houses.
For  a room layout please see the image “ground plan”.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9c4498_57d8302a80f643609cacd33675075914~mv2.jpeg

Question 5

Are the houses located directly at the beach?

Accepted Answer

The houses are located directly at the beach at the end of Pomene estuary. There's no big waves at our beach, which makes it really child friendly and the perfect spot to enjoy swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddling.

Question 6

About the surroundings?

Accepted Answer

Southwards: Along the beach cost southwards there are a few private holiday homes and commercial holiday accommodations. It's a nice walk southwards the estuary on the beach, until the Pomene channel divides Pomene North and Pomene South bank, flanked by stunning mangrove forests.

Northwards: Along the beach northwards it feels as if you had the beach for yourself and you can enjoy lonely beach walks for hours.

Inland: 10 minutes up the hill you will find the local the local settlement and a small kiosk with basic beverages and groceries.

Question 7

How about safety, health & security?

Accepted Answer

Health: 
We have a generally low risk of malaria in the area. Usually there's a permanent light breeze from the sea with only very few mosquitos. Nevertheless all beds are equipped with mosquito nets. 
In the main house we always have a first aid kit for your disposal. In case of a health emergency, there is a local bush hospital. The closest municipal hospital is in Massinga and a good private hospital in Vilanculos (Centro Médico de Nhamacunda).

Crime & Security:
Crime is not an issue – regardless, our residence is equipped with 24/7 security service and we do have a safe in Casa Flamingo for small valuables.

Question 8

Are there wild animals?

Accepted Answer

There is no big wild animals at Pomene North beach. Don't miss to watch the flamingos in the estuary during sunrise.

Question 9

What about "Food & Beverage"?

Accepted Answer

Generally we are a self-catering accommodation. Please consider to bring your own supplies. There’s only a local corner shop (5 Min with the car) for soft drinks, alcohol and smaller articles of daily use like basic groceries (unrefrigerated). 
However, our housekeeping team is at your service for any support if needed. They can arrange freshly baked bread every morning. You'll enjoy to get in touch with the locals at the beach to buy your fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables and delicious daily catch of fresh fish.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9c4498_9117eb60b1b94aee81281c09395f5999~mv2.jpg

Question 10

Is the property child friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do have lots of games and activities for children and the kids enjoy to play at the beach around the house. We can offer extra beds, but we do not have child beds or child seats. We have some life jackets for children available if you plan to your kayak tours with children. There are also some swimming aids like swimming wings for use in the pool or estuary.

Question 11

Can I bring my pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pets are allowed.

Question 12

What trips can I do?

Accepted Answer

Craving further Experiences in the Surroundings?
There’s lots of secrets in close proximity to our GFP residence.
Enjoy extended walks at the coastline, explore the Mangrove forests or red dunes and the Bazaruto Archipel in Vilanculos. If you are too lazy to walk, simply grab one of our sups or kayaks to change perspective and discover the Blowing Blocks and the abandoned ruins of Old Hotel Pomene.

1. Ruins of Old Hotel Pomene and Blowing Blocks (Pomene South Bank):

2. Boattrip to Bazaruto Archipel, Vilanculos

3. Red dunes, Vilanculos:

4. Diving, Tofo

5. Local Market, Massinga

Question 13

Is there a souvenir shop nearby?

Accepted Answer

Yes - 5 minutes up the hill is a small handicrafts shop. The local artist Batista is happy to welcome you. 
Occasionally he comes to the beach with selected pieces of his collection.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9c4498_10ca4a2bb4a94bc198390ae024e2faaf~mv2.jpg

Question 14

Which services are included?

Accepted Answer

> have a look on our homepage “services”:

-Housekeeping: Washing the dishes, cleaning the pool, making the beds, cleaning the house, changing towels and bed linen - our staff team will take care of the entire house on a daily base (7am-4pm) and make your stay as comfortable as it could be. 
-Security guards: Crime is not an issue – regardless, our residence is equipped with 24/7 security service. 
-Linen, Towels & Co: We are providing fresh linen, sheets and towels upon your arrival. Each bed (including extra beds) is equipped with a mosquito net. 
-Extra Beds: Do you need more sleeping options than we offer? let us know and we can provide you extra beds. 
-Kitchen: The kitchen is fully equipped - just bring your own food. Our houses are self-catering.
-Sport, Activity & Games: The usage of two Kayaks (2,5 seater) including paddels and a stand-up Paddle Board is included. There is a box with a lot of indoor games and a box with outdoor games like beach volleyball including net, football, beach ball, pétanque balls, frisbee, pool equipment, snorkel gear like masks, fins and snorkel. 
-Key-Box & Late-Check-in

Question 15

Which services are at extra costs?

Accepted Answer

- laundry service
- 4x4 taxi shuttle 
- fruits & vegetable, fish and fresh bread: We are a self catering accommodation, but our staff can support to arrange fresh baked bread, selected local fish, fruits and veggies. 
- cook/kitchen help: We are generally a self-catering accommodation, but on request we can arrange a freelancer cook at additional cost (availability to be checked).
- a traditional cooked meal: Our statt team can cook Matapa – a traditional Mozambican dish – upon request.

Question 16

What do I have to bring?

Accepted Answer

You only have to bring your private cloth, cosmetics and groceries (food and drinks). We are a self-catering accommodation - please consider to bring your own supplies. There’s only a local corner shop (5 Min with the car) for soft drinks, alcohol and a small selection of articles of daily use like basic groceries (uncooled). A supply option with a larger selection is 2 hours away. However, our housekeeping team is at your service for any support if needed. They can arrange that you get fresh baked bread every morning. And there are some “fruit ladies” which come nearly every day to our beach to sell fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. If you are lucky the fisherman comes by to sell the daily catch of fresh fish.

Question 17

What about "WIFI"?

Accepted Answer

We have a Router with Star-Link WIFI at the houses and limited public service at the beach (usually "LTE signal"  at some spots). But please switch off and enjoy the silence and nature.
The speed of the wifi should be fast enouth for mobil-working.

Question 18

What about the house equipment?

Accepted Answer

We offer fully equipped houses:

- Bedrooms/Bathrooms: All bedrooms are equipped with linen, mosquito nets as well as large cupboards with hanging and shelf space. You only need to bring your private stuff.
- Kitchen: Main house Casa Flamingo offers a fully equipped kitchen with cutlery, crockery, for 12 pax (including Ice machine, 5 flame gas stove incl. gas and an outdoor gas braai). Everything you need for cooking is available -just bring your groceries.
Casinha Girafa provides a fully equipped kitchen for 4 pax including a two-flame stove and cutlery, crockery, cooking pots, pans, etc.. 
- Braai-Area: We also have a large braai and open fire area. Grill tongs, grill grate, pot holders and cast-iron Dutch oven and plates are part of the equipment. 
- Greenhouse: We do have our own greenhouse and grow seasonal vegetables and spices. Season your home-cooked dishes with spices fresh from our greenhouse.

> See how the houses are equipped:

Question 19

What about sport & leisure equipment?

Accepted Answer

- we offer two Kayaks including paddles and a stand-up paddle board. 
- there is a box with a lot of indoor games (see image Indoor games, f.e. puzzle, board games, ) and a box with outdoor games like beach volleyball including net, football, beach ball, pétanque balls, pool equipment, frisbee (see image outdoor games). We do have a house equipment list upon request.
- Hammock and various relaxation areas with seating and lying down options inside and outside

Question 20

Is there a braai-area? Can we have open fire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do have a special braai area, where you have the possibily to use the braai outdoor grill or make a open fire in the middle of the round boma. We also have braai equipment like a dutch oven, braai grid, BBQ tongs, fireproof potholders and so on.

The braai area is a shared area for casinha girafa and casa flamingo.

Question 21

What about water and power supply?

Accepted Answer

Fresh Water: we do have our own borehole and good quality of drinking water out of the tap. There is hot water. In Casinha Girafa we have a donkey. Our staff take care, that the water is hot in the morning and make fire again, before and in Casa Flamingo we have a solar geyser for the hot water).

Waste Water: We do have a septic system. So please don’t flush feminine hygiene items, wipes, paper towels or trash.

Electricity: The houses do have “selfsupplied” solar system. The pool is a sweet water overflow pool and our staff take care of it. Please be aware that we have an solar system and sometime when clouded or with big electric consumers, power might be off for the night.

Question 22

What about the waste separation?

Accepted Answer

We have a separated waste system: 
- Bottles and cans/aluminium 
- Organic compost 
- Residual waste

Question 23

What activities can you do on site?

Accepted Answer

Please see section “activities”:

Outdoor Activities: 
 - Swimming (Pool, Estuary & Sea)
 - Kayaking incl. savety jackets for children
 - Standup Paddling
 - Kitesurfing in the estuary
 - Surfing in the open sea
 - Snorkeling
 - Beach Volleyball
 - Frisbee
 - Football
 - Beachball / Paddleball
 - Boccia / Petanque
 - Fishing
 - Beach Walks

Question 24

What about boats and fishing trips?

Accepted Answer

We do not have a boat at our residence. 
You are free to bring your own boat however. Please note: therefore we strongly recommend to come with a 4x4. It’s possible to launch your boat nearby. Please inform about the tides –  the estuary is changing the whole time. Occasionally you might only be able to drive in and out at high tide.

We don't organize fishing trips. We are happy to arrange contact to private boat trip suppliers however.

Question 25

Do you have a boat at GFP? Can you organize fishing trips?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we do not have a boat there. We don't organize fishing trips. But we can give you the contact to someone who organize boat trips.

Question 26

Do you have a cook / chef?

Accepted Answer

We are a selfcatering accomodation and we don't have a permanent cook. We work with a freelander cook and we can make a request if it is your wish. But we can't promise, that he has time in peak season.