CROSSING BORDERS...

Corlia and I are going to Mozambique over the holidays (by bike off course). More specific to Barra Lodge near Inhambane. I think so far we have everything covered. Are there any general advice? i.e. stuff to take along, must do’s, don’ts, tips at border crossing, etc…? Your inputs will be highly appreciated!

CAN THIS (WORKING)YEAR NOT GET OVER ANY FASTER!!!!???

Important must do: Corlia needs her own bike...

Sias, always keep the following documents handy:
- Personal identification (Passport or certified copies)
- Driving licence (A LEARNER's LICENCE wont do - ask me! )
- Your bike's registration papers
- Third party insurance certificate (obtainable at the border)

And keep to the speed limits! There are always 80 and then 60 signs when you near a town. Some are very small villages but you often see the officials. Fortunately they dont even hide.

Cash (most garages and toll gates take only Meticais)
You can exchange at the border - are you entering at Komatipoort?
Rate is bad now - 2.4 - and was told this morning it can even go to 1.5 nearer to Christmas!
At least Deuce M (the local beer) is cheap enough!

Not applicable to you, but I understand they REALLY look in the trailer or boot to see if your groceries don't exceed USD50 per person! Advice is: keep the till slip (a till slip!) to prove it.

Wish I could go by bike! We will also be in Moz, bit to the north of Inhambane and 7 (SEVEN) in one vehicle!

Important must do: Corlia needs her own bike...

.... All in good time .....

GSlady wrote:Cash (most garages and toll gates take only Meticais)
You can exchange at the border - are you entering at Komatipoort?
Rate is bad now - 2.4 - and was told this morning it can even go to 1.5 nearer to Christmas!

Thanks Dani!

Where can I find more detail regarding the exchange rate? I've been searching on the internet without much success...

Yes we are entering at Komatipoort. I've read that border post will be open 24/7 from end November 08 to 16 Jan 09. We will be sure to enter VERY EARLY as Inhambane is not that close!

try www.oanda.com

Hi Sias,

The exchange rate is what they say it is.

5km before the Border there is a SASOL garage on the right-hand side. You can buy your 3rd party insurance at the oom in the caravan there.

Then, about 3km further on, on the left-hand side there is another garage. If you park there, the ladies approch you with lots of Meticais, you can exchange there. So you can wheel and deal a bit. We got 3-1, but I suspect you will get between 2-1 and 2.5-1 if you are lucky.

Take note, the locals all jump on the "tourism" bandwagon. so negotiate a better price for EVERYTHING you want to buy. We were all short of cash by the end of our trip in May. In Dec it will be much worse.

And go and ride the little track to the Barra Lighthouse, but on your own. Lekker SAND !!!

Sharkie's right, you pay what they say.
I could never really negotiate the rate. All the ladies trade at the same rate.

On OUR website www.bmwclubs.co.za on the right is a WEATHER link.
It will take you to the bottom of the NEWS page.
weather forecast AND a currency converter - Oanda.com - on your CLUB's website!

The webmaster thought about that long ago! and wishes you visit the site more? . .

Thank you Dani and sorry webmaster!

Our plan is to stay over as close to the border as possible and enter Moz early the following morning. Anyone know a nice place to stay close to the border?

Not sure when you will reach the border but CASA DO CAMPO is situated 6km from the Lebombo Border Post INSIDE Mozambique.
Collin Swart +27 82 454 2246
Our GS group stayed there twice - nothing fancy - ±R140 per person - restaurant as well.

Agree stay at Casa do Campo. We stayed there in March on our way up to Morrungulu. As has been said watch the speed limits. It is not worth taking a chance. Road from Xai Xai north is bad for about 90 km but generally the roads are very good. Leave the camp site early to avoid the traffic on the EN1 as you enter and exit Maputo. The road is not good and it is full of taxis, trucks and pedestrians. Would recommend that you not drive at night at all. Lots of vehicles in Moz do not have headlights. The trip to Inhambane whilst on the map or GPS does not look that far takes longer than you think because of the number of small towns that you go through and have to slow down to 60. The general speed limit is 100 which brings the average speed down dramatically. Inhambane is stunning. Mozambique is my all time favourite destination. Very envious. Only going again in March 09 to Ponta Molangane.

Thank you guys! All your advice makes me so excited, I cant wait!

Don't forget to get written permission from BMW Finance and Insurance (as is applicable) to take a financed bike across the border - or you may find yourself uninsured....