Madagascar to South Africa, Richards Bay
In October 2017, Alba completed the 1,200-mile passage from Madagascar to Richards Bay. This report includes a link to a set of Cruising Notes for the passage down to South Africa, which includes the anchorages in Bazaruto. This is a concentration of various articles and blogs that was found during their research, plus their experiences:
Published 7 years ago, updated 6 years ago
In October 2017, Alba completed the 1,200-mile passage from Madagascar to Richards Bay. We had a great sail down but had to call into Bazaruto, Mozambique to dodge a southerly “front”. It took ten days for the next weather window to appear, which was big enough for us to sail directly to Richards Bay in one go.
We had a good time in Bazaruto, exploring the various anchorages, meeting the locals and exploring the huge sand dunes. Most of the anchorages are subject to strong tidal currents, so they can be uncomfortable when the current is against the wind. Everyone was very friendly apart from the exclusive resorts, none of who wanted us scruffy yachties near their lovely bars and restaurants. At no time were we approached by any government officials or given any hassle by locals.
Walking on the huge sand dunes was fabulous – it felt like being in the Sahara Desert in some places. We didn’t manage to find any crocodiles but did find a solitary Flamingo, who had arrived a month early.
I’ve put together a set of Cruising Notes for the passage down to South Africa, which includes the anchorages in Bazaruto. This is a concentration of various articles and blogs that I found during my research, plus our experiences:
http://www.thehowarths.net/cruising-information/cruising-notes/534-passage-to-south-africa
Neville Howarth
Yacht Alba
Related to following destinations: Madagascar, Mozambique, Richards Bay, South Africa
