JHB to Gonarezhou via Pafuri and Songa advice

[James K]

Hi All

I have trip planned into Gonarezhou in August 2025. My plan is to start in the South of the park, move up to the North, then back to the South. I am thinking of going via Pafuri then into Gonarezhou at Songa (Chiqualaquala). T4A shows me a route that crosses from Limpopo Island across to the N221 and then up to the border post.

Any comments on this route or should I rather cross at Beitbridge, then up to Mwenezi and then down to Mabalauta?

Regards

[River Rat]

We did this powerlines route last month and we struggled to find the Limpopo crossing, the coords of the N221 turnoff are S22,470444° E31,511799. It's definitely the better route compared to alternative route along the border cutline. There was both diesel and petrol at the Chiqualaquala Funae fuel stop, they don't take cards but will take Rands.

It took us 6 hours from Pafuri including border posts, I think the Beitbridge option will take about an hour longer.

[digby spearpoint]

Can't really comment on the Beit Bridge route, but what I can tell you is that going across the Limpopo via Pafuri /Sango adds to the "adventure",BUT won't do it again.The section across Moz (+-70 km's )takes about 4 hours, excluding the border posts!.This route has become quite popular over the last couple of years and the locals have taken advantage of tourists.We just returned a couple of weeks ago and are already planning our next years trip there.A magical place ,can't wait to get back,but not through Moz again if I can help it! Go through Zim and enter the park in the north at Chapinda ,my 2c

[James K]

We did this powerlines route last month and we struggled to find the Limpopo crossing, the coords of the N221 turnoff are S22,470444° E31,511799. It's definitely the better route compared to alternative route along the border cutline. There was both diesel and petrol at the Chiqualaquala Funae fuel stop, they don't take cards but will take Rands.

It took us 6 hours from Pafuri including border posts, I think the Beitbridge option will take about an hour longer.

Thanks. Did you have any problems with the locals on this route?

[River Rat]

Thanks. Did you have any problems with the locals on this route?

The Moz border officials all wanted something but a firm no sufficed, about 1km after the Pafuri border there's an unofficial army post. The lone soldier asked for something and again a firm no was fine, it is a bit irritating. The villagers were mostly friendly happy to wave and smile, they actually helped us find the crossing.

[Greenmachine71]

Hi All

I have trip planned into Gonarezhou in August 2025. My plan is to start in the South of the park, move up to the North, then back to the South. I am thinking of going via Pafuri then into Gonarezhou at Songa (Chiqualaquala). T4A shows me a route that crosses from Limpopo Island across to the N221 and then up to the border post.

Any comments on this route or should I rather cross at Beitbridge, then up to Mwenezi and then down to Mabalauta?

Regards

Following as I am considering this route in May 2025

[mudgrubber]

Following as I am considering this route in May 2025

Done in October last year. Be prepared to pay a few ZAR along the way but it was never excessive (R20 to R50). These areas are bleak so I do not feel bad about dropping some money there.

Only spot to be careful is crossing the Limpopo; get a guide, watch T4A and proceed cautiously; there are some slippery mudholes, fields and lots of villagers; all friendly.

Dumela is good to camp at IMHO; shaded, some bird watching, reasonable ablutions and cold 2M.

[CrossingZimbabwe]

Herewith the border flow document to cross Beitbridge Border Post

[rvdm1]

We did the trip in September this year. Be prepared for corrupt officials on Moz side of both Pafuri and Sango. After having zero issues going to Moz in Dec last year, we weren't mentally prepared for the Moz officials on this trip. They eventually took some cokes off us at Pafuri after inspecting the fridge and basically helping themselves. As a rule I don't pay bribes, be it money, cool drinks, cigarettes or whatever, so this really irked me. They tried again the next day at Sango, wanting a R100 bribe because my number plate on the NATIS document is different to what is on the car (I bought it from another province). This time I was ready for the fight, still being irritated about what happened the day before and I had all the documents to back me up. Eventually just got into the car, drove up to the boom and waited there until the official standing at my closed window trying to get my attention realized he wasn't getting anything and opened it up. Probably a good 10mins. The Zim side of Sango was good, the process is slow, but it is all above board and the people are friendly, so we didn't mind.

We camped at Dumela which was a good stopover destination. We were the only people in the camp. Be careful of local kids trying to jump onto the cars and/or trailers at the Limpopo crossing, it can very quickly turn into a bad accident.

If I had to do it again I would take the same route, I would just be better prepared for the fight with Moz officials.