Mozambique Accommodation | Mozambique Tourism

The Reef Estate, Mozambique Blue Water Estate, Mozambique

Essential Mozambique Tourism Facts and Information:

Reef Rentals would like to assist you in making your Mozambique accommodation and travelling experience as memorable as possible. We provide you with some helpful Mozambique tourism facts and tips below:

Useful Facts / Information - Before You Leave:

Ensure that all passports are valid for at least six months (visas are not required for South African citizens);
Pack your vehicle registration papers; Border letter from bank;
If your car is being financed, you will have to get a letter from the bank stating that you have permission to take the car across the border;
Ensure that licence discs are current and visible;
Make sure that two red triangles are packed in your vehicle’s boot;
For the driver of the vehicle, it is compulsory to have a reflective jacket/vest;
It you are towing, it is compulsory for standard yellow / blue triangle stickers (see example of sticker below) on the front and back of vehicles and trailers / boats;
A ZA-sticker is also compulsory. All these stickers are available from AA Auto Shops, camping / outdoor shops and license plate suppliers and
All trailers must have reflective tape on the sides and back.

Mozambique Tourism - Compulsory Triangle Sticker for Towing of Boats / Trailers Compulsory AA ZA Sticker for All Vehicles Passports

Border Formalities:

Please note that all prices are approximate and to be used as a guideline only:
A Compulsory Third Party Insurance that can be obtained from border posts for R150,00 and is valid for thirty days;
On entering Mozambique a levy on passports of R15,00 per person and a road levy of R20,00 per vehicle need to be paid;
If travelling through the SANParks - Kruger National Park: if you have a Wild Card, take it with you as the park fees for a day pass are R60,00 per adult and R60,00 per vehicle. Children under the age of twelve may enter for free;
There are also entrance fees for the Transfrontier Park of 200 Meticas per person as well as 200 Meticas per vehicle. This amount can be paid in Rands but change will be given in Meticas;
Check the exchange rate before you leave as it does fluctuate. At present (January 2009), the exchange rate is 2,50 Meticas to the Rand.

Driving Tips:

It is imperative to adhere to the speed limits in Mozambique. Speed limits are generally 100 to 120 kilometres per hour on the open roads (100 kilometres if you are towing a boat or trailer) and 60 to 80 kilometres per hour in built up areas (50 kilometres if you are towing). Always be on the lookout for the road signs;
There are regular traffic police checks and a speed fine could cost you between 1000 and 3000 Meticas. This would have to be paid on the spot and it is certainly not a pleasant way to start your holiday. So buckle up and drive safely and slowly where necessary and
Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, goats, cattle and un-roadworthy vehicles.

Malaria:

As Mozambique is a malaria area, you are advised to take the necessary precautions. The decision whether to take prophylactics or not is personal. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice;
Our houses are regularly sprayed for mosquitoes and all the beds have mosquito nets;
Mosquito repellents like creams, sprays, sticks and a few citronella candles are recommended;
Please do not bring mosquito coils, there are many other effective products to use;
For more malaria info please see http://www.malaria.org.za/Malaria_Risk/riskadv/riskadv.htm

Groceries:

It is necessary to plan and do comprehensive grocery shopping beforehand. There are a few fairly well-stocked shops for supplies if you run out or leave anything behind;
There is a R350,00 allowance for groceries per person and a limit of a bottle of spirits or two bottles of wine per adult. It is necessary to keep your shopping receipts in case your vehicle is checked at the border;
As a safety precaution, have your meat, chicken, cheese, etc. vacuum packed;
Do not forget to pack eggs, long-life milk, butter, fresh fruit and vegetables (see note below regarding what is available in the area), pasta, rice, cereal, tinned items, a few spices for peri-peri chicken or a prawn curry, a few condiments, coffee, tea, sugar and rusks and
We recommend that you drink only bottled water. The tap water is suitable for tea, coffee, cooking, etc.

Items You Can Get in Xai Xai, Mozambique:

Fresh produce like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cucumbers, green peppers, lemons, coconuts, bananas and paw paws are available at the local markets;
Pineapples, mangos, avocados and oranges are available in season;
Cashew nuts are almost always on sale from the roadside vendors;
Fresh fish, prawns, crayfish and oysters are available from the local fishermen;
Fresh pau (the fantastic Portuguese bread) from the bakeries in town;
The beer is excellent and well priced and
There are a few restaurants that serve breakfast, fish, prawns, chicken, Prego rolls, hamburgers, toasted sandwiches and chips. The newly revamped restaurant at Peter George’s Chongoene Lodge has all of the above on their menu as well as pizzas.

Packing – What to Bring:

Costumes and beach towels (beach towels are not supplied by us);
Shorts, T-shirts, sarongs and summer dresses;
Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended for evenings. It is advisable to cover up as much as possible to protect yourself against mosquitoes in the evenings;
Hats and sunglasses;
Sandals and ‘rock-shoes’;
A light windbreaker or sweatshirt for the occasional chilly evenings;
Snorkel, mask and fins;
Small but comprehensive medical kit;
Camera;
Torch;
Optional items: a beach umbrella / gazebo and a few camping chairs;
Suntan lotion with a high SPF a must.