Northern Mozambique?
 

Hello,
Could anyone give us advice and information on travelling from Tanzania through north mozambique down to South Africa? Would it be silly to travel alone (not in convoy) through mozambiques northern regions just after the rainy season- any info on mud, rivers, isolation would be greatly appreciated? And any Tanzania/Mozambique border crossing stories also welcome.
Many thanks,

Jemma

Hi Jemma,

Have a look at Mike Slater's website here Mozguide.com and in particular at the "4x4", "General" and "Ask Mike" sections. He has recently updated the info on the bridge across the Rovuma at Negomane. Rainy season travel can be tricky in some areas - the road between Maruppa and Montepuez can become impassable in the wet, but many other roads are being upgraded, and some tarred on a regular basis. Shouldn't be a problem travelling solo.

Tony

Thanks tony, Mozguide is really helpful. It seems the Mtwara route is now open on the coast and crossing at congresso nr lake nyassa is also possible.
Thanks again,

Jemma

Hi Jemma,

we crossed into Malawi a couple of weeks ago after 4 weeks in northern Moz. Some of the roads in the north are bad, but not impassable. It's more that it takes a long time to cover any distance due to the potholes once you get off the tar. Definitely no need for a convoy though. We drove from Montepuez to Maruppa and it was still a bit wet in places, but as there's barely any traffic on the road the going was still firm under the water. One potential problem on this road is the basic log bridges...we very nearly broke one of them with our loaded up troopy! Local people were generally friendly and helpful, but you won't find many people who speak English, so if you don't speak Portuguese remember to pack a phrasebook.

Have fun,

Paul

Hi Jemma

I rode from Durban, South Africa through Swaziland and Mozambique to Malawi and back and it was a fantastic trip. Northern Mozambique is not geared for "tourists" so its difficult to find campsites etc. My Garmin Oregon GPS with its "points of interest" was really useful in finding places to stay, things to see etc.

You might find the following interesting:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...e-malawi-48750

Motorcycling Madness

Check out the blog and the gallery for riding conditions. Then imagine the heavens opening up on those roads:mchappy:.

Also in Mozambique if you're in a car you're supposed to carry a high visibility vest for each person. We just had one which we kept on the drivers seat back so the police could see it. Not sure what the rules are for bikers.

There's a new campsite opened at Marrupa run by a very friendly guy called George. He has big plans for the place, but facilities are basic at the moment. Charges are 'pay what you feel it's worth'.