We’ve all missed Mozambique travel during COVID-19 restrictions. At the time of writing, COVID-19 regulations and congestion are complicating the journey but Mozambique is a beautiful country, and once through the Forbes/Machipanda chaos, the border hassles will have been worth it. We trust these notes will prepare you for Mozambique travel during COVID-19 …
Mozambique COVID-19 Travel Regulations (at the time of writing):
A visitor may enter Mozambique with a PCR test certificate issued within 96 hours*. From the time the sample has been collected, travelers have 96 hours for the first border crossing. (*Extended from 72 hours and became effective on Saturday, 19 December). The regulations listed on the Facebook/DriveZim group state that if the visitor returns within 14 days, another COVD-19 test is not required. Regardless, arrange to have a PCR test in Mozambique, within 48 hours of issue, for re-entry into Zimbabwe (all ages).
Make sure you have your Yellow Fever Card if you have traveled to central or eastern Africa in the last 12 months.
A short overview of the documents to carry:
Passport, police clearance certificate, vehicle and trailer registration papers, and insurance certificate. If compliant in Zimbabwe, your vehicle will display the licence and insurance discs, and Third Plate.
Remember the SDC requirements for minors, who require specific documents when crossing borders. For more on this, http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry-effective-1-june-2015
At the time of writing, fuel is cheaper in Mozambique and readily available.
Road conditions (Inchope to Vilanculos)
Once you turn towards Vilanculos at Inchope there are some bad potholes for approximately 50km but from then onwards the roads have been repaired or resurfaced all the way, making for a far more pleasant drive.
Curfew regulations (Inchope to Save Bridge)
With the ongoing Renamo/Frelimo tensions, a curfew has been imposed.
The section between Inchope and Save Bridge is under a 19:00 to 07:00 curfew. The road only opens at 07:00 and the last car is allowed to enter either side at 15:30. In mid-December, 2020, a traveler reported 28 military and 4 police checkpoints.
A case of Cokes or frozen bottles of water will be appreciated and ensure that delays at the checkpoints will be kept to a minimum.
Vehicle equipment requirements for your Mozambique travel during COVID-19
We are often asked what the vehicle equipment requirements are for Mozambique. If your vehicle is compliant with Zimbabwe’s statutory requirements, you are well covered.
But unique to Mozambique are the following vehicle equipment requirements
- If towing, you must display Mozambique yellow on blue triangles, which are available from Big Sky. The large decal is to be placed on the right-hand side at the rear of the trailer, and the small decal on the right front of the towing vehicle. Be aware these triangles are required ONLY if you’re towing …
- We also recommend you carry a reflective vest for each occupant in the vehicle.
For your peace of mind, we recommend the following as essential equipment:
- A good map. Big Sky stocks the Mozambique/Malawi InfoMap with GPS coordinates and points of interest.
- You’ll want to drop your tire pressures when off the tar. This will improve your ride over corrugated gravel roads, and significantly reduce the chances of getting stuck in soft sand. An air compressor is essential for reflating tires before driving at high speeds. Big Sky stocks the T-Max 72 litre compressor which will inflate your 4×4’s tires faster than you’ll finish your Coke.
- A decent tow strap will come in handy when you are a good Samaritan and recover a stuck vehicle …
- Consider fitting a long-range fuel tank and avoid the hassle of jerry cans at the border and the roadside. Big Sky is supplying quality, auxiliary fuel tanks for a wide range of vehicles, including the Ford Ranger, Isuzu (6th generation), Toyota Hilux (Vigo and Revo), Landcruiser (75, 79, 80, 100 and 200 Series), Fortuner; and Nissan Hardbody and Navara, and VW Amarok. For more, visit https://bigsky.co.zw/tales-trails/
- To check availability and price for your vehicle, email sean@bigsky.co.zw or call/WhatsApp on 0772-420-517
Finally, you could be driving in isolated areas. Check the road worthiness of your vehicle, tyre condition, including the spare wheel, etc..
Take it easy and enjoy the drive, it is not only the destination that is beautiful. Wishing you a safe and hassle-free journey,
Obrigado,
The Big Sky Team
Published: 16 December, 2020
Other resources:
Facebook/Zimvine post 14 December, 2020 https://bit.ly/3nuzcaF
Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/DriveMoz
