To Mozambique!

Mozambique is a dream destination, even though there are people who believe it’s dangerous and that you’ll struggle to find basic necessities. It’s not nearly that bad, says Lambert Badenhorst of Mooketsi in Limpopo.

Once you’ve buried your toes in the snow-white sand, swam in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoyed freshly caught fish and crayfish, and washed it down with an ice-cold Laurentina Preta, you won’t ever want to leave enchanting Mozambique. My wife, Mardene, our kids Lané (15), Du Toit (9) and Nuelle (5) and I had been here once before, but with our last visit, in July this year, we camped in our Jurgens Xplorer for the first time. It was an incredible experience.

Where did you camp?

We stayed at Morrungulo Beach Resort, 150 km north of Imhambahne, for 15 nights. It’s about 650 km from the Giriyondo border post. Here you camp in the shade of lush trees next to a long, white beach and clear-blue sea. James and Barbara Nelson own the resort and make sure you relax and have everything you need. I can honestly say you won’t want for anything. You camp on grass and there are more than enough power sockets for you appliances. The ablution facilities are superb and you have a strong stream of hot water.

What vehicle did you use to tow?

We towed with my Volkswagen Amarok. It only has a rear diff lock, but it’s more than enough. In fact, you can reach any well-known resort in Mozambique with a Toyota Tazz, although you will at some stage encounter some sand or even a bad dirt road. Most of the time it’s in the resort you’re staying at. In my opinion a diff lock is adequate.

What preparations did you make for your trip?

Although we travelled on our own this time, I can highly recommend that prospective visitors join the Facebook group DriveMoz. Here you get advice on travel documents and other essential information, and you can find other travellers who want to drive in convoy with you. It makes things a lot easier.

What are the road conditions like?

Most of the roads to destinations like Xai-Xai, Bilene, Guinjata, Inhambane and Morrungulu are in good condition, but don’t be surprised if you encounter a pothole or three. Traffic officials wear white shirts. Be friendly and if you can, greet them in Portuguese if you’re stopped. I’ve been pulled over many times and have never been treated aggressively. Mozambique has a lot of pedestrians. Be very careful, keep to the speed limit (it’s never more than 100 km/h) and try not to travel at night.

What about food and fuel?

You’re allowed to take a little bit of meat and provisions, but every town has a shop that sells fresh bread, dairy, and fresh produce. There are also wellknown retailers like Shoprite and they’re a lot cheaper than in South Africa. Almost every town has a filling station where you can pay with your bank card. Be on the lookout for Petromac, which (mostly) has clean toilets. Remember, you won’t find 50 ppm diesel in Mozambique.