Emergency & Other Useful Contact Numbers:

Maputo Hospital(00258) 21 35 5000/9

Ambulance services Maputo(00258) 21 32 5000/9

Ambulance services Nelspruit(0027) 82911

Road side emergencies Nelspruit(0027) 13 755 8800

Mozambique help with Medical, Legal and RoadEduardo
(00258) 82 967 804

Police Maputo(00258) 21 32 5031

Police Quissico Comm Aminosse(00258) 845 140 849

24 hours police assistance(00258) 827 125 300

Airport Maputo(00258) 21 46 5827/9

Airport Nelspruit(0027) 13 7537 500

SA Embassy in Maputo(00258) 21 491614

Contact in Quissico - Abu
Prepared to accompany you to police(00258) 82 2583710

En4 and En1 Toll road

A brand-new toll road has been built from the South African border crossing at Komatipoort/Ressano Garcia to Maputo, in line with the Maputo Corridor development scheme. The road between Maputo and Inhambane has also been completed and as much as the speed limit fluctuates continuously in the built up areas along the route, it is an easy drive as long as you stick to the speed limit and have all the necessary documentation, licenses, international stickers on your vehicle - the trip is very enjoyable.

But don't relax yet
The roads from the En1 to the coastline are sandy, rough and undeveloped, a 4x4 is required to get the Island.

Border Crossings

South Africa

• From Gauteng, N4 via Nelspruit and Komatipoort to Lebombo/Ressano Garcia - to Maputo

• From the Kruger National Park via Giriyondo Gate - to Mapai

Swaziland

Namaacha border post - to Maputo

Fuel Facts

Because most travellers to Mozambique arrive from neighbouring South Africa or Zimbabwe for fun, sun and fishing, the southern half of the country is the most visited. Fuel here is freely available, although diesel supplies are better (and cheaper) than petrol. Unleaded petrol is less plentiful. When travelling north, it's wise to carry extra fuel.

The Men in Blue and White

You are likely to be waved down by transitos (traffic police. Be as friendly as you can, but more importantly, keep your antennae finely tuned. Reports abound of foreigners being fined for fabricated offences, so politely stand your ground. And keep your hot fingers on your driver's license, passport or ID - you don't want them to be one up on you. Mozambican authorities are trying to put a lid on this.

Ablution facilities

There are numerous clean facilities at petrol garages and it is expected that you contribute a small fee for the use of them even though you are filling your tank with petrol there.

Directions to the Private Island from Nelspruit

Nelspruit to Maputo:N4/EN4±190 kms

Maputo to Xai Xai:EN1205 kms

Xai Xai to Chongoene:EN116kms

Chongoene to Chidenguele:EN146.7kms

Chidenguele to Madendere:EN110.8kms

Madendere to Zandamela:EN19.5kms

Zandamela to Chissibuca:EN114.8kms

Cissibuca to the  Private Island:Dirt track19.1kms

Total: ±511.9kms

From Chissibuca  to the Private Island  - detailed description of road:

• At Chissibuca turn right off tar EN2 at road which goes in between fresh fruit and vegetable market, just before first brick building i.e. Agent with Coke signage on wall.

• Follow most used double track, keeping to left at intersections where roads veer off.

• Arrive at bridge across Lake, cross over and follow road to Security check point.

• Hand security reservation form, they will inform management and you will be directed to office to check in.

Requirements to assist you on route:

• Make sure you have exchanged monies into Meticais as you need to pay toll fees in their money on route.

• Always use a well established garage to put in fuel on route and for ablution facilities.

Documents needed and other useful information about Mozambique:

Valid Passport (SA residents do not require visas. All other nationalities require visas)
Valid Driver's Licence of the driver (SA drivers licence accepted)
Vehicle Registration Documents
Valid Temporary Vehicle Import papers available at the border (only DA341 form)
Compulsory Third Party Liability Insurance Certificate

Border Hours

Border Post   OpensCloses

Komatipoort / Ressano Gancia  06H00 22H00

Giriyondo  08H00   17H00

Kosibay / Ponta do Ouro  08H00 17H00

Goba (Swaziland) 07H00 24H00

Namaacha (Swaziland) 07h00 18H00

Travelling in Mozambique

International and South African driver's licenses are recognised in Mozambique. Avoid travelling at night as there are some crazy drivers on the road. If you have to drive by night, drive slowly as some vehicle have no lights or reflectors. Broken down vehicles are left on the road and are sometimes indicated by tree branches left in the road. Hooting is acceptable in Mozambique, so use it to warn pedestrians you are approaching. Watch out for children running across the road without looking for oncoming traffic.

Traffic police will probably stop you on occasions to check vehicles and "papeis" (papers). The following will be needed: Driver's licence, import permit (DA341), "serguro" (third party insurance) and passports. When towing a trailer a blue and yellow triangle needs to be fixed to the front of the towing vehicle and the back of the trailer (or towed vehicle). "Seguro" Third Party Insurance is compulsory for foreign registered vehicles.

A temporary import permit must also be obtained at the border post, the DA341 is only obtainable at the border.

The vehicle must be equipped with two red emergency triangles, and safety belts must be worn at all times. Some policemen might try to fine travellers for bogus offences. Stand your ground if you have the necessary documentation. If you feel you are miss treated, take the policemen's number which is on a tag on his chest and lodge a formal complaint to the Anti Corruption Unit - SA 0027 800 002 870 and Moz 00258 800 002 870

Original ownership papers for vehicles are needed to get through the border posts. If your vehicle is still under a lease agreement, get a letter from the bank, giving you permission to take the vehicle across the border. Ensure that your current comprehensive vehicle insurance is valid in Mozambique. Observe speed limits well within the stated limits since the authorities might use outdated and "uncelebrated" radar and other equipment.

Money

The local currency is called METICALS (mt) This will vary and is directly connected to the international markets. For the best exchange rate it is advisable to go to a Mozambique bank when in Mozambique or at bank in Nelspruit. Money can also be exchanged at dealers at garages just prior to entering borders, but don't expect the same rate as offered by the bank. Locals might also offer to exchange money, but be aware of being short-changed as they are master con-artists and often offer false exchange rates.