Mozambique Travel 101 - some good tips and advice.

[MrDeeSA]

I hope I am allowed to post this - else just let me know please Dirk

Please check this post, it comes with lots of advice and experience form various people. See you in Moz

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Drli...4120836134588/

ALL VISITORS TO MOZAMBIQUE - DECEMBER 2017. ---- #DriveMoz101 -for Moz travel 101
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Those who want to join our group - remember to answer 3 questions (check your notifications) before we can approve you.


1. ☔‼️PREPARE PROPERLY. PREPARE PROPERLY ‼️
Check all your documents, be sure it is valid. (Passport, UBC + Cert Copies less than 3 months old, Vehicle papers, Vehicle and trailer licence, 3rd Party, Stickers, Spare keys, check your spare tyre and spare tyre lock.

2. Do NOT drive at night. Yes you fitted light bars, spotlights, LED globes etc. That's not the problem. The problem is the things and people that can run in front of you in the night (maybe drunk), the vehicles without lights or reflectors, but worst of all, if something happens, you will be most probably on your own, at the mercy of the policeman, street dwellers, mosquito's etc, that are still awake. Take this tip seriously. Most people don't want to listen to your sad story at 01h00.
They trap at night too (Mozzie Eyes)


3. 😡AT THE BORDER - DO NOT use RUNNERS.
Keep your gate-pass and documents in a closed folder. They pose as officials, they will swarm your car. Stand your ground and ignore them blatantly.
You do not need to use them.
LISTEN NOW - 📢📣If one person waits at the car, don't fall for the scam that your "husband" wants change, or money for this or that. Ensure (feel) your car is locked. Leave a person at the vehicle if things are open. Hide valuables inside the car. That person can stamp later.


✅✅🔴Save time, get your 3rd Party Insurance online long before the time at www.DriveMoz.iSureAfrica.com. An option is to add the Legal Roadside assist to be able to "Phone your Lawyer"
NOTE: The 3rd Party is compulsory, its different to your insurance in SA's 3rd Party cover.
The Moz 3rd party is like the SA Road Accident Fund, which is paid for in the fuel levy. It is law to have the 3rd party from an approved Moz insurer. GET IT.

4. If you speed - you will save maybe 30 to 40 minutes... assuming you are not caught. Sit back, relax when you enter Mozambique. Its not only your destination that is beautiful. Stop frequently, join Drivemozzers for a cool-drink next to the road. Be HAPPY.
Greet fellow Drivemozzers, you recognise them by their DM stickers. 3 honks + "d" finger sign (Get your DM sticker - consult the website www.drivemoz.co.za for sticker vendors).
If there is NO speed upliftment sign, just check for oncoming traffic speed-signage, go 100m past it and accelerate. Top-speed is normally 100kph and even if it shows 120, it is 100kph if you tow.

5. Obey the law. Accidents are difficult to handle, and it does happen.If you are wrong, take it like a man.

6. Print the documents and maps in the Files Vault on website, even the Law and put in travel folder

7. Load Zello and Telegram (Works like WhatsApp) from the App-store, join DriveMoz Channels. Learn how to use it before you go. Don't wait till you need it. (It Works on Data). Details in Files.

8. ⁉️Lets see who still reads all this -

9. The Files of DriveMoz. has been prepared with care. Print what you need and take with in a Travel folder (Files Vault on Website. From phone tap the 3 horizontal bars to open menu).

10. If you are lost / in trouble / need advice - call on Zello, there are many that have knowledge that may assist. Also chat on the Chat channel if you get bored, or want to know about weather, fishing and bikini sales, etc.

11. Do not drive with Slip-On's, without shirt, with alcohol inside the cabin (open or closed), body parts outside the car, topless etc. All passengers must be fastened with seatbelts and do not exceed the official seating capacity as on the licence disk. Children below 12yo must be strapped in car seats.

12. If stopped, switch off the radio, remove sunglasses, be respectful. Check the allegation, make sure it's your vehicle that has defaulted. If you wrong, check the correct fine in the law, pay the fine and insist on a receipt. If in need, call on Zello and or your legal assist (if you selected it on 3rd party online portal)

13. DO NOT BRIBE. You are feeding the dragon. Make sure you get a receipt for a fine. Make sure of the amount as per the info in the Files (print it, take it with). Moz government is out to catch people that participate in bribery. Watch it.

14. Do NOT ROAM - its R50 to R100 / MB. Buy a Moz Simcard, get it Registered, buy Airtime, convert to data. Leave some airtime for a few calls. Moz data is VERY cheap. How to set-up is in DriveMoz Files (see point 9). Ensure you switch off the ability that data shortfall eats your airtime. How to will be in Files later.

15. Fueling-up . Stand next to the fill-cap whilst attendant is filling. Make sure all fuel goes into YOUR vehicle. When paying with Credit Card, make very sure of the amount, (check slip also) hide your pin entry, never let the card out of your eyes. Exchange rate at Fuel stations are not favourable. Currently most fuel stations do not stock 50PPM Diesel, but the network is growing. Petrol around 60MT and diesel around 55MT per liter (Rate is ±4.3MT: R1)
16. Read our Border Procedures in the Files. No money needs to be paid for any service. How to complete the TIP (Temporary Import Permit) is also in the Files.

17. Money Exchange: DO NOT exchange Money in the Border ZONE Areas. There is an ATM on the Moz side. Moz police is watching you. You WILL be conned.

18. Do NOT wait for another person just outside the border. Drive 5km on, stop at Casa Do Campo (left side), and drive together from there. Also. Lock doors and close windows. Keep valuables out of sight until you are 5km asay from border, then calm down and relax even more.
19. Ring Road is a shortcut that bypasses the Maputo and Matola congestion. The Map is ins Files, as well as a video. Do not confuse this with Moamba North or South roads, which are gravel. Please note. FOLLOW the DriveMoz instructions - DO NOT follow children that want to "guide" you for refund.

They jump on your car and take you on decoy's. ‼️‼️Listen to DriveMoz, follow local traffic and apply logic. It is 1km gravel, then beautiful tarred dual carriage way. You will save about 2 hours. Speed Limit is 60, but it only takes 17 minutes. Hear in Zello or FB the condition before you attempt it without 4x4 else use alternative Ring Road.. details in files.

Join our #DriveMoz2Gether campaigns to find other DriveMozzers to drive 2gether with. 1st DriveMoz2Gether was in 2014.

ENJOY MOZAMBIQUE - You worked hard for the holiday, you and everyone else are looking forward to it. Be careful, PREPARE, be obedient, be respectful, BE HAPPY and be a PROUD DRIVEMOZZER.

[Paul Dold]

Excellent guide! This will prove most useful to those traveling to Mozambique.

But I must say does not sound like a relaxing holiday!

[DETOUR-GP]

Excellent guide! This will prove most useful to those traveling to Mozambique.

But I must say does not sound like a relaxing holiday!

Honestly? Common sense applies, respect people the way you want to be respected. On all our travels we always treat government officials the way we want them to treat us, a smile, a hand shake and asking about their day goes a very long way and to date have not had any issues what so ever. What we also do in most places is keep an open bag of sparkles or other wrapped sweets handy, when being pulled over place it somewhere visible. When asked for your paperwork give it to the official, while they are checking your documents help yourself to a sweet and offer a sweet. Is it bribery? no but it certainly makes any situation into a friendly one.

Moz is great, enjoy it and travel safe!

[Wild Life]

Thanks for the info - it reinforces my decision not to visit in the foreseeable future - thanks again

[Kalahari Safari]

Great info indeed, thanks for the trouble.
However, if I have a chance to escape the rat race, rules and orders for my vacation I do not choose to go places where these are more stringent.
So for me it is - THANKS MOZAMBIQUE, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND WE MIGHT CONSIDER AGAIN.

[Leon Venter]

Ek geniet Mosambiek ek gaan nou al vir baie jare soontoe en nog nooit enige moeilikheid gehad nie,pas net aan by die omstandighede en geniet dit

[DETOUR-GP]

Ek geniet Mosambiek ek gaan nou al vir baie jare soontoe en nog nooit enige moeilikheid gehad nie,pas net aan by die omstandighede en geniet dit

This is the important part, being able to adapt to the surrounding situation

[MrDeeSA]

Excellent guide! This will prove most useful to those traveling to Mozambique.

But I must say does not sound like a relaxing holiday!

If you go to Italy, you need to be prepared for language, pick-pockets, your passport, travel route etc. But there you have much beter communication methods. Unfortunately / fortunately this is Africa. These are guides only, how to be ready for mishaps, its not the ordinary. (Like having an umbrella does not mean it will rain)

[Kiri]

For me there is no stay away from a place like Moz, due to the border annoyances and its little quirks, is a missed experience. The rest of the place makes up for it, over and over.
Mr Dee, thanks for a very useful post.

[Ntando]

Thanks for the post, very helpful. I'm going to Inhambane next week for 10 days

[ants01]

Goodday anybody that can tell me if we can take fresh meat across the border? Entering at Kosi bay borderpost.
Thanks!

[j9x]

No problem
Have it covered,
They seldom look

[jelo]

My next visit will be Ponta. That EN1 with all the traffic cops just grates my bum.

[Ntando]

This is great advice. Joined DriveMoz on Facebook and got more pointers there as well.

Holiday was great! Drove from Joburg to Inhambane in one day but would not attempt that again. We were fortunate that the Lebombo border was not too busy although there was a bit of a traffic jam with all the heavily loaded trailers filled with mattresses and the likes. Took us two hours to get through the border.
We stayed in Inhambane booked through Airbnb at a place on the bay, it was awesome!
Spent a few days in Barra and Tofo, the beaches were superb! Food was excellent, and pricing was very reasonable for a holiday spot.
We were only stopped once just after entry into Moz, after that no trouble at all.
The roads are good but Moz drivers are risk takers and you have to be alert all the time.
I would definitely recommend Moz as a holiday destination!!!

[worldofinflation]

Mods, can we Pin this?

[Curtis Strange]

Anyone aware of how far the road between Kosi and Maputo is now? Travelling 28th March and want to use the route through to Tofinho!
Am I correct in saying best to overnight Maputo area rather than trying to get through in 1 day...

[GH]

How do I join DriveMoz without facebook?

[Pietskeade]

Heading to Inhambane for Easter. Going to hit the Komati border early morning on Friday 30th.

Anybody experience/theories on how bad/busy it might be and how long it could take to get through?

We are bracing for a wait but could always plan to go through Swaziland instead if we knew it was going to be a mess .

Any advice much appreciated.

[TonyP]

If I'm not mistaken, the border post should be open 24 hours a day. I know it is over December, but not sure about Easter

[Pietie Parra]

If I'm not mistaken, the border post should be open 24 hours a day. I know it is over December, but not sure about Easter

Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post will open for 24 hours from 28 March to 4 April and it is expected to be fairly busy on 30 March