Shopping and Food Matters

There are a few well-stocked convenience stores that have provided groceries for locals as well as holidaymakers and lodges for a number of years. Shoprite Supermarket (next door to Protea Furnishers in the main street) is recommended. 

 

These stores stock a range of groceries and many other local lodges still get their supplies from them; it really is possible to get it all in Xai Xai these days. If you have any luxury items that you simply cannot do without, bring them with you, but get the rest in Xai Xai. You will have a lot less packing to do!

 

The beer is excellent and well priced and you can get these as well as cold drinks (lovely fruit juices as well as sodas) from any of the stores mentioned above.

 

The water supply in our houses is from a borehole on the Resort. If you would prefer to buy bottled water, it is available from all the shops in town and it is inexpensive.

 

Customs and Duties

If you are self-catering, make sure to take all the slips to prove the value of your groceries, if checked at the border. Check the value of goods allowed.

 

Fresh Produce that Is Available Locally (in season)

Tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, green peppers, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, lemons, coconuts, bananas and paw paws, apples (imported) and in season: mangoes, oranges, pineapples and avocados are available.

 

Cashew nuts are available from roadside vendors on the way to Xai Xai and you can also purchase these as well as roasted peanuts from the Central market in Xai Xai.

Fresh fish, prawns, crayfish and oysters are available from the local fishermen, and there is also a fish market in town where you can purchase these items.

 

Fresh bread is available from the bakeries in town. A 24 hour bakery is situated at the top of the circle into the Praia.

 

Eating Out

There are a few restaurants in the Praia that serve breakfasts, fresh seafood and a selection of other light meals.

 

Blue Dolphin Resort have a lovely bar and in addition to a good selection of music, they serve a selection of drinks as well as fresh fish and chips and snack platters.

 

Chongoene Holiday Resort (1.8 kilometres away - travelling north) serve light meals and are open for breakfast, lunch and supper.

 

The Haley Hotel and the Xai Xai Camp Site also serve meals. They are situated on the main beach front which is 2 kilometres south of the Paradise Properties.

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Bamboo Bar (travelling south) offers a casual beach cafe.

 

There are a few restaurants in and around Xai Xai, which are worth a visit, and our staff will be available to direct you.

 

Packing - What to Bring

• Costumes and beach towels (beach towels are not supplied by us)

• Shorts, T-shirts, sarongs and summer dresses

• Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended for evenings. It is advisable to cover up as much as possible to protect yourself against mosquitoes in the evenings

• Hats and sunglasses

• Sandals and 'rock-shoes'

• A light windbreaker or sweatshirt for the occasional chilly evenings

• Snorkel, mask and fins

• Small, but comprehensive, medical kit

• Camera

• Binoculars

• Torch

• Optional items: a beach umbrella / gazebo and a few camping chairs

• Suntan lotion with a high SPF a must

• Fishing gear