Batu Ya Mai is a kind of utopian dream that let's you experience rural Africa with the help of the local people, in a natural and eco-friendly environment, to enjoy nature. It took over a year to receive all the necessary documentation from the local government, which finally confirmed the approval and go ahead of the building of "Il Terreno". It is still a work in progress, but for the time bein
g, this what we have:
Casinhas:
3 x Chalets, each with a double bed, full mosquito net, bedding, towels, wardrobe, dresser, table and chairs. Bathroom facilities:
There's no bathrooms in the chalets, but separate freestanding building with shared 2 x toilets and 2 x showers. Water:
Fresh water from our well goes straight to bathroom and kitchen. There's no hot water, but the tank is in the sun on top of the hill, so in case you require a warm shower, best to have it around 1:00pm, when the sun is high. There's a clay water filter in the kitchen, which makes the water safe for drinking. Kitchen Facilities & Communal area:
In the communal area, you'll find Storage room, eating area and a fully equip kitchen with the following: gas stove top, cutlery and crockery, pots, pans, paper towel, serviettes, cleaning products and a large gas powered refrigerator. Gas bottle supplied for fridge and stove. Self Catering:
Batu Ya Mai is self-catering and Inhambane daily products are very basic and limited, so please ensure you bring all special and specific requirements from home. Shopping in Inhambane:
There is a Chinese owned Supermarket in Inhambane as well as a Local owned fresh Food (Fruit, Veg, Meat) Market in the Municipal square. You'll also find many small shops, Indian General Dealers that sells anything from Toiletries to spices and sauces AND local bakeries, where you can buy freshly baked pao (bread), in Inhambane. There's a South African Imports Supermarket on the way to Tofo about 10km from "Il Terreno" that sells anything from meat, cheese to wine. You'll also find shops at the petrol station near Tofo. Banks and Money:
The local vendors and restaurants all trade in CASH ONLY, mostly local currency, Mts. Some of these vendors will also accept South African Rands (ZAR) or American Dollar ($). Just keep in mind the exchange rate when trading. You'll find a BCI ATM at the petrol station otherwise more ATMs available are in Inhambane city (BCI, Millennium, BIM and Barclays.) Accommodation RATES:
Casinhas are 2/3000.00 Mts (30/45$ - 25/40€) each, per night (sleeps up to 2 people)
The rate above includes your daily Caretaker, Joannes, Nightly Security guard and a daily cleaning lady which will service the chalet. Please organise directly with caretaker, Joannes, if you require additional help for the kitchen, cooking, washing dishes and baby sitter service for your children. Additional cleaning help cost an extra 250,00 Mts per day
Baby sitter / child minding service cost additional 250.00 Mts per day, however please negotiate this upfront to avoid any confusion. Reservations:
Please contact owner:
Fabrizio Falcone
Email: [email protected]
(Mobile / Telephone number will be supplied via email)
All bookings to be paid upfront. An invoice with banking details will be supplied. Bookings only confirmed on receipt of payment. Caretaker's details and a map / directions will be supplied post booking confirmation.