Comfort
Dugong Beach Lodge is situated in the Vilanculos Coastal & Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge is made up of 14 beautiful chalets, and boasts and ideal location along pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. All chalets are equipped with A/C.
Due to the remoteness of Dugong Beach Lodge power is obtained from a combination of solar and generator power. The generator operates during the day until the afternoon and again from sunset until approximately half an hour after the last guest has gone to bed.
Meals
Breakfast: buffet with sweet and savoury options, tea and coffee, juice.
Buffet lunch.
Dinner is served at your table and consists of grilled meats, vegetables, fresh fruit.
Mineral water is provided when riding but is not included in your meals.
Climate
- Dry season: from April to mid-October, temperatures between 15° and 20°
- Wet season: from November to March, with hot temperatures (26-31° during the day)
November to March are hot and you might see some short trains. February and March are hurricane season.
April to October are cooler with beautiful blue skies. April can be quite busy and is very popular with families, especially around Easter. May and June are lovely to visit as they are less busy and the temperatures are ideal. In July and August, expect many guests! September and November are ideal if you are looking for warmer weather but dry conditions.
Guide and local team
English and Spanish speaking team.
Tips
It is customary to tip the local team as a gesture of thanks and we would recommend c. £15-20 per day, but you should give what you feel is right.
Packing list
Head
- Helmets are mandatory and not provided.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and dust
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared. Layering is key to cope with the fluctuations in temperature between day and night
- Casual clothes for the evening
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Bathing suit
- Casual clothes for the evening
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps as long chaps/long boots can get very hot.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding
Nightwear
- Thermals are a good option for sleeping in in the colder months, or a t-shirt and shorts for warmer nights
Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided and you should pack it into two bags if it weighs more than 15kg so it's easier for the team to transport between camps
- Take a second, smaller bag to pack things you may need during the day such as a book or suncream then you can easily access it during the long lunch break
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Other useful items
- Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Hand sanitiser
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Binoculars
- Mask and tuba
In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Small penknife
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Rehydration sachets (dioralyte or similar)
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Ear plugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper
- Micropur or similar water purification tablets
Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals