"MOZAMBIQUE AT IT'S VERY BEST"Travel Information

TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR SELF DRIVES

Things to take

• Valid passport
• Identity book with a valid drivers license - if self-drive
• Copy of Barra Lodge booking form and confirmation voucher
• Original vehicle registration papers & SA vehicle clearance form from SA border
• Duplicate vehicle keys
• 2 Red triangles per vehicle if towing and a fitted red triangle to front of towing vehicle
• Vehicle third party - purchased on the Mozambique side of the border
• Drinking water
• Tyre pump and pressure gauge, tool kit and basic spares (fan belt etc),tow rope or strap
• Good flash light and batteries
• Camera
• Hat, sun glasses, sun screen, Malaria prophylaxis and insect repellent.
• Small first aid kit and personal medications

When driving in Mozambique wear seat belts and observe the speed limit in
all towns. The minimum speeding fines can be high and spot fines are imposed.

Situated 485km north of Maputo, access by road is on a tarred road  which is suitable for normal vehicles. The road from Maputo to Xai Xai has been upgraded and resurfaced and offers a much more pleasant driving experience. North from Xai-Xai there is an old section of road, approx. 70km, which is potholed. This section is being patched and will be completed in due course. After this initial 70km section the road is new and upgraded making the drive a lot easier.  Be aware of construction vehicles and road crews who may still be doing maintenance on the roads.

Please note that there are numerous towns and villages en-route and the main road often passes directly through these villages. Speed limits are enforced in these places and it is advised to drive with caution. Do not drive at night. The drive from Maputo to Inhambane can take anything between 6 – 8 hours and sufficient time needs to be allowed to avoid night driving.

Lindela to Pomene

From Lindela the road passes through Maxixe (pronounced Mashish) and then onto Massinga. This is also a new road once again making the drive a lot more pleasant. As you leave Massinga heading north you will find the Pomene turnoff (approx. 10km out of town) to the right. This is a dirt road of approx. 54km which is definitely a 4x4 drive.The road has some notorious sections and drivers need to concentrate and drive with caution. "Heartbreak Hill" is notorious and needs to be negotiated carefully. Nearer the coast the road becomes sand and it is advisable to deflate tyres for this last section (approx. 8km). The road is also narrow. Be cautious of oncoming vehicles.

However, arriving at Pomene makes it all worthwhile. Remote and rustic and definitely worth the effort.

Fuel and Distances

The AA have 2 excellent road maps available free to AA members.

How to get to Barra Lodge or Flamingo Bay from Johannesburg

Take the N4 - past Witbank, Nelspruit and all the way to the Komatipoort border.

Once through the Ressano Garcia border post, follow the main toll road to Maputo

As you enter Maputo proceed through the toll gate and shortly after take a left turn  onto EN1 to Xai-Xai. This is the main coastal road north.

Pass Villages of Maracuene (28km), Manhica (75km), Macia (143km) and Chissano to the town of Xai-Xai 204km North of Maputo, this is a good place to re-fuel.

Continue on the North Coastal Road passing smaller villages and towns, including Chidenguele (262km), Quissico (392km) and Inharrime (372km).

From Inharrime continue for approximately 45km passing Cumbano which has a large radio mast on the left side of the road to LINDELA

Keep a look out for a sign board on your left saying LINDELA.

Immediately after this sign the tar road forks, turn right.

Inhambane is approximately 33km from this turn.

Once in Inhambane drive to where you see the harbour quay on your left. Turn right at Broad Road Ave. DA Independecia (it is possible that there will be no road names up).

Continue to the large semi-circle, turn right onto the road running at the back of the circle. Continue with this road - it bears left as you leave the town. Keep on this road, passing the airport turn-off on your left. Continue with this road for 18km.

As you come over a rise you will find Babalaza Restaurant on your right. The tar road bears right and a sand road continues straight.

Keep straight on the sand road and follow signs to Barra Lodge and Flamingo Bay.

How to get to Barra Lodge or Flamingo Bay from Durban

Take the N2 north towards Mkuzi and Pongola. Before Pongola take the right turn towards the Lavumisa / Golela borber post entering Swaziland. The drive time across Swaziland is about 2 hours. Drive past Big Bend heading north with the Lebombo mountains on your right. There are 2 border posts exiting Swaziland into Mozambique namely Goba, which is the 1st one and then a little further north is the Lomahasha border control. From these border posts it is a drive of approximately 75km on a tarred road to Maputo. South African passport holders do not need visa'a when entering Swaziland.