CAMPING DESTINATION
34 | September 2019 go! Drive & Camp
MONTEGO RESORT, PRAIA DO XAI-XAI
Taking it easy
The Montego resort lies next to the Indian
Ocean and forms part of the Praia do
Xai-Xai Beach Resort community. It is
located approximately 18 km southeast
of the bustling main town of Xai-Xai
and about 300 km from Komatiepoort.
The road is tarred from the Lebombo
border post all the way to Praia do Xai-
Xai, but the last 3 km along the coast to
Montego is a compacted sandy road that
one can manage with a family sedan and
a regular caravan.
You know from the get-go this is
a cheerful resort – as you drive through
the gate, you’re greeted by bright graffiti:
orange octopuses and a scarlet sunset
with sailboats passing behind palm trees.
The resort is run by Moné Wauts, and
though she was born in Pretoria, she
considers herself a Mozambican. Moné will
recommend the best stand after checking
out your rig or towing combination. Road
caravans are sent to the most level section
of the resort, closest to the beach. If you
were to tow an off-road caravan with
a 4x4-vehilce, she will probably direct you
to one of four terraces above the reception
building. They each have a built-up braai,
power socket and a light that you can turn
on and off yourself. The topmost terrace
has a beautiful view of the sea, while the
others enjoy extra shade and are protected
from wind by the trees. In the furthest
corner of the resort are smaller campsites
designed for tents.
There are three-point plug points
everywhere, but taps are somewhat more
scarce. If the nearest tap is too far, Moné
will sort you out with a garden hose. You
camp on firm sand and your tent pegs willTRUE COLOURS The trees at Montego offer plenty of
shade. During the evenings the grownups hang out in
the Pirates Point bar while the kids make full use of the
resort’s free WiFi.