All would-be travellers to Mozambique are advised to read Justin Fox’s book “With Both Hands Waving” (Kwela books 2002).¬† Apart from many useful observations about how, and how not to travel in Mozambique, the book includes copious historical notes.¬† At the time that journey was done the smart tar road running west of Gorongoza crater had not been completed.¬†

Driving is on the left (except when dodging potholes). 

R1,00 = MTN3,10.  The standard note is MTN100 = R32 (about).  Most tourist prices are quoted in US dollars ($1,00=MTN25), to which the metacal is linked.

THE MAPUTO ROUTE: On our first visit in 2003 we decided to avoid border posts and travel from Johannesburg through Komatipoort and Maputo and then the long 2500 kilometer potholed road North.  4-wheel drive is quite unnecessary, but the potholes smashed our front shock absorbers.  The road is still not too good, but at least the terrible 100 kilometers between Rio Save and Nchope has been fixed.

THE ZIMBABWE ROUTE:

Zimbabwe road vista

The best and shortest road is the 600 kilometers through Zimbabwe via Masvinga to Forbes Post at Mutare; then down the Beira corridor through Chimoio, turn left at Nchope and then on to the new 300 km Gorongosa tar road to the Zambesi ferry at Caia.  Transit visitors to Zimbabwe may carry extra fuel which has been declared. In 2007 we experienced numerous unpleasant road blocks in Zimbabwe.  The latest unsettled election results can only make matters worse.  So, sad  to say, the Zimbabwe route should be avoided until things become stable again.

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