Looking for a change of scenery and the freedom of no time constraints? A Maputo holiday might just be the answer and even more so if you opt to ditch the plane and opt for self-drive. Driving to Maputo can literally open up Africa’s many gems in one trip to one destination. Bush, beach and city living – a holiday to Maputo offers it all.
Do I need a 4×4?
No, the great news is that substantial investment in Mozambique’s road infrastructure has now made it possible for self-drivers to no longer require bulky 4×4 vehicles – you can venture just about everywhere in any normal sedan.
Even Mozambique’s premier reserve, Gorongosa National Park, is now accessible in a two wheel drive vehicle during season.
However, 4×4 enthusiasts do not despair, as there are still ample opportunities to rough it out. Several of the beach and bush properties in Mozambique still require 4×4 vehicles and it is definitely recommended when travelling to Ponta Malongane and north of Inhambane province.
Getting there
The main border post between South Africa and Maputo is situated at Komatipoort, with Lembombo on the South African side and Ressano Garcia on the Mozambican side.
Two checkpoints, Pafuri Border and Giriyondo Border, are also situated in South Africa’s Kruger National Park allowing visitors to cross directly into the Limpopo National Park before heading for the coast north of Maputo.
Numerous border crossings from other neighbouring African crossings including Zimbabwe and Malawi can also be considered.
Did you know: During peak holiday periods the main border posts at Komatipoort are often open for 24-hours. To beat the peak travelling queues during busier periods consider travelling via Swaziland which is much quieter.
Maputo accommodation
From resorts to hotels, to guest houses to B&B’s, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Mozambique.
Even better news is that there is something to fit anybody’s bank balance without stretching it too far. It really depends what you are looking for in your Maputo accommodation.
What to do and see
Regardless of which side you enter Mozambique, driving to Maputo is sure to offer you some great sights and activities.
Whilst in Maputo you can look forward to, but are not limited to the following:
City Tour: A three-hour tour of Maputo can be arranged which includes a guided visit to the Natural History Museum, with the world’s largest elephant foetus collection, guided visits to the fortress (with Mouzinho de Albuquerque and other statues), guided visits to the CFM railway station, Modern Art Museum and Cathedral, central market and Feima curio market.
Inhaca Island Day Tour: A return boat trip is available to Inhaca Island which includes an Island visit and seafood lunch at a local restaurant. If you want more time to explore the beautiful island you can opt to spend a night or two.
Cultural experiences: Numerous opportunities are available throughout Maputo. Enjoy some traditional dancing, sculptors and painters: Contact Dana Tours to find out which activities are close to your accommodation.
Experience the Maputo Night Life: Dance the night away in Maputo. Venture out on your own or enquire about guided trips.
Things you need to remember driving to Maputo
- Do not venture off the main roads.
- Make sure to comply with all road regulations in order to avoid fines. Also remember to ask for a written fine if you have committed an offence.
- You will require a valid passport which is valid for at least six months after the date of your return.
- You will require a valid driving license. Also ensure that you have two blank pages in your passport.
- Make certified colour copies of your Passport, Driver’s license, ID Document and vehicle registration papers. It is a good idea to laminate these copies. (Keep these copies in a separate location to your original documents).
- Your vehicle contents and baggage may be subject to an inspection regardless of the type of declaration that you have made.
- You will need to make sure that you have third party vehicle insurance. You can sort this out at the border, but it saves time to do this before setting out on your trip.
- By Law in Mozambique all vehicles must carry a reflective vest which must be worn by the car’s occupants when repairing or loading a vehicle at the side of the road or at the scene of an accident.
- All vehicles travelling in Mozambique must have two red hazard triangles.
- If the vehicle you are using is registered in another person’s name or owned by the bank, ensure that you have a letter with you stating that you are authorised to drive the vehicle.
- Always keep in mind that any terrain visited by 4×4 on a self-drive journey should be maintained, and the philosophy of leaving an area as one found it is a big must when on a self-drive trip in Mozambique.
- When entering Mozambique you need not declare up to US$ 5,000.00 or the equivalent, in cash or travellers cheques. Above this limit you are required to make a declaration to the customs officials of Mozambique (Alfandegas).
- For easy reference click on the following links:
- BORDER CROSSING AND SELF DRIVE IN MOZAMBIQUE
- Travellers Allowances 2015
Be sure to look up DriveMoz on Facebook for more details and should you have any questions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/DriveMoz/
Want to know more about Maputo and Mozambique? Read the following blogs:
Maputo Nightlife: Where to let loose in Maputo…
Things to do in Maputo
Four Reasons why you should visit Mozambique
Discover the best of Mozambique
Mozambique Beaches: Tap your inner beach bum
