Travel tips & checklist

travel tips & checklist

This is published as an extract from the popular Outdoor Warehouse brochure and other published materials are used as references to ensure you have all the compulsory requirements and documentation travelling through Mozambique.

compulsory requirements & documentation

THIRD PARTY VEHICLE INSURANCE – we recommend you obtain online via https://www.hollard.co.mz/travel-insurance/third-party-for-foreign-vehicles
VEHICLE REGISTRATION PAPERS – if you own the vehicle, you need a certified copy of your NATIS document. If your vehicle is financed, you will need a letter from the bank. This also applies to trailers.
VEHICLE INSURANCE – letter from insurance company confirming your vehicle is insured, and for which countries.
TEMPORARY VEHICLE IMPORT PAPERS – only available from SARS at the border.
VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE – South African and International Licenses are accepted.
PASSPORTS – which will not expire within 6 months of visit, for adults and children. Visas are not required by SA passport holders for tourism purposes for a stay of up to 30 days.
MEDICAL AID – check they provide medical insurance in Mozambique. If necessary, obtain a temporary policy through a reliable agent in SA. Emergency air and/or road evacuation can be very costly.
STICKERS ON CARS AND TRAILERS – black and white ZA sticker to be displayed in plain sight on all vehicles. If towing a trailer, display a sticker with a yellow triangle on a square blue background, on both the front of the vehicle and the rear of the trailer. All trailers and caravans must display a full chevron or reflectors at the rear and yellow reflective tape on the sides.
EMERGENCY KIT – 2 red warning triangles, 2 reflective vests and a fire extinguisher must be kept in the vehicle.
BANKING – inform your bank that you are travelling to Mozambique. You will need to do this if you wish to pay with your card or draw cash from an ATM.
CASH – exchange for meticals before you cross the border. You can exchange at the BP in Komatipoort if you are entering through the Lebombo border post. You will need cash for the toll gates, and anything you wish to purchase from locals, such a fresh fish, souvenirs etc. The spaza shops in Nhabanga Village also only accept cash.

useful travel tips

ROAD CONDITIONS – main roads are mostly tarred, but the quality varies and there are potholes, particularly north of Xai Xai. More minor roads are almost only suitable for 4X4 driving.
TRAVELLING AT NIGHT – avoid this as it is very dangerous. There are vehicles without lights or reflectors and many pedestrians and cyclists beside/in the road. Broken down vehicles are left in the road, sometimes indicated by tree branches. If you have to drive after dark, drive slowly.
DRIVING ALONE – avoid this as breakdowns can be difficult to deal with (no infrastructure or spare parts). Take basic spares along and a proper, quality tow-rope.
GENERAL DRIVING - keep your headlights off during the day and keep your safety belts on at all times, for all passengers.
SPEED LIMITS – keep well within the speed limits, as speed limits are strictly enforced throughout Mozambique.
THE ‘ASINHOS’ ORGANISATION – this organisation protect tourists and international investors from corruption and help avoid red-tape problems in the Gaza Province. Roger Gomes can be contacted on +258 823 969890, or Frans Nel can be contacted on +258 826 778429 in case of any uncertainty or any problems.
SA EMBASSY and HIGH COMMISSION – contact them on +258 21 490059.
ACCESS TO BEACHES – is only allowed on existing roads. It’s illegal to drive on the beach unless launching a boat. Offenders could run the risk of having their vehicles impounded.
CELL PHONE COVERAGE – you can buy a Vodacom SIM and airtime/data at the border or one of the towns you pass through. They will set up the sim and load your airtime/data for you.
MAPS – we recommend you download an offline version of the map on Google Maps before you cross the border. This is just in case you do have connectivity along the way.
FB GROUP – we recommend the Drive Moz Facebook group. Members are always willing to help with queries, and they have a lot of useful information.
MALARIA MEDICATION – Mozambique is a malaria area, so please ensure that you take the necessary precautions such as malaria medication, and peaceful sleep/tabard. Also ensure you close all windows and doors before dusk.
WATER – we recommend you only drink bottled water. We recommend you stock up on water in Macia/Bilene, but is readily available at the resort and in Nhabanga Village.
GROCERIES – we recommend you bring your own meat and dairy products, as these are not readily available.
FIRST AID KIT – we recommend having a well stocked first aid kit on hand, as medical services in rural areas are hard to come by.