First of all, don't be put off by the drive, and secondly make it worth your while - stay at least two nights, and ideally several. Sadly we had only booked one night and if I had known what was here I would have changed that.
I chose to book at Oyster Bay Estate as I was looking for a reasonable place to stop for a night between Maputo and Villanculos and this seemed to fit the bill. Well, that was a tad unfortunate as it meant that we just got to experience the beautiful area just for one night when I know we would have been very happy with longer stays. I hope to return one day.
The road to get here is a tad rough, and I suggest that you time it for daylight, not night as we did. You will need a 4x4 and your tires should have low pressure (c80) and ideally have thick tred. I really recommend having a bit of sand driving experience if possible - we got stuck but great teamwork and a winch got us going.
The Estate is about 25km from the EN1. From what I recall the way to get there on the dirt/sand road was a bit like "at the first y intersection go right, then you get to a village and you go right again, then there is another y intersection and you go left, and then you see Ligogo village, stick to the right, then left then right". Ah, it would be so much easier in the daytime!!
Anyway, once we arrived we were warmly greeted by Alan and Mary Ann, as well as their lovely Alsatians Lula and Noah, and Foxy Mona and we were shown through to the restaurant where we had great chats with Mark the bar-man and the other guests from Polokwane, all having a shared interest in Super 15 Rugby (they're Sharks supporters) and my local team (go the Highlanders) having just gotten in to the Final. Great bonding topic.
We chatted and had drinks for about an hour while our dinner was cooked. Fresh barracuda with home made tartare sauce, chips or baked potato, and Greek salad. My partner had also brought some plantains and asked if they could be cooked and they were done beautifully. On the table was some delicious homemade chili along with standard condiments.
After more conviviality we made our way to our house. Our car got a bit bogged down but lowering the tire pressure worked like a charm to negotiate the sand.
We got to our Casa which was lovely. It has a fully stocked kitchen all ready for easy self-catering, and an open lounge area with a view across grass and down to the sea. Stunning! There is a bedroom at each side, one with a double bed, one with twin beds, and each with generous en suite bathrooms. The walls only go to the beginning of the roof line, which adds to the open feeling, but it does mean that sound travels. Outside has a nice grass area, built in braii with chimney, and table and chairs in the shade of the veranda. Very comfortable.
The double bed was deceptively comfortable. It was firm and supportive but with a nice amount of give in the mattress. The pillows were totally fabulous and soft. The linen clean and fresh with generous fluffy towels. The shower took a bit of time to run through as it seemed to have an air bubble in the hot water cylinder but once that was done it was good pressure and great temperature.
Waking in the morning and opening up the curtains to the view and sound of the ocean was amazing. Blue sky, blue sea, and white breakers with the green of the bush and the other casa down the hill from us were just lovely. The slight breeze helped to cool down the heat from the sun.
Moving up to the main area by the pool and reception for breakfast was lovely. Again very convivial and fun chats about the Estate and plans for the future. Alan made me bacon and scrambled eggs just the way I like them, and Mark made Nestor a most marvelous omelette. Mary Ann kept the whole operation running smoothly.
Unfortunately before too long it was time to get on to the road and head north. It was so nice to have all the crew, including the dogs, some to say goodbye and safe travels. Next time I come to Oyster Bay Estate I will stay for longer, that's for sure.
