Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree3Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Smile Mozambique Visa and Security

Has anybody been in Mozambique recently?

Would prefer to get the visa at the border coming from SA. Was possible for us Swedes last time in 2012, but I've heard they are stricter now. Any reports?

We intended to go SA - Moz (Maputo-Tofo-Mutare) - Zim - Moz (Tata) - Malawi but now we'll must likely be doing the plan B:
Maputo - Tofo and exit through the Chiqualaquala/Sango Border (open?) to avoid military convoys and the violence. We will probably not reenter Mozambique, Tata region and go round via Zambia to Malawi instead.
Any reports or thoughts regarding this?

Happy travels all!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 137
Send a message to Kingkoru on this forum or Wheelie Adventurous Facebook page. He is in Mozambique right now or has just left. I'm sure he will have all the info you need
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Thanks, I'll send him a PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 380
I took the Zambia detour to Malawi a couple of weeks back as the noises out of Tete were not good.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Jul 2016
Overland Tonka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Originally London. Now driving my Toyota.
Posts: 191
This is taken from Leisure wheels..

Here is Kingsley Holgate’s account of how he and his party got ambushed at midnight by AK47 wielding youths in northern Mozambique.

Potholes and Bullets
We make it to the end point of the Rio Save military convoy without serious hassles. Then duck north-east onto a dirt track that crosses the Busi River via a clapped-out ferry and across a beautiful floodplain over the Pungwe to arrive in Beira in the dark – only to learn there are still more challenges ahead.

Now I don’t want to make too big a thing about this and put people off coming to Moz, its a great country and there are no troubles in the south, but the truth is that for this northern area there will have to be peace talks with Renamo otherwise it’s going to escalate into a real bun fight! Renamo are also attacking cars and trucks on the road to Tete and the Malawian Minister of Transport is urging truck drivers to take the longer route through Zim, stating that the Tete convoy is too risky. This Renamo issue is affecting an already bruised economy says our host in Beira who together with others urges us not to take the Dondo gravel road through to the Zambezi as was our plan as it seems bandits have also attacked and burnt out vehicles on that road.

A call to friends in Gorongosa National Park seals our fate: ‘Taking the Dondo road is like playing roulette. Don’t do it.’ comes the reply. So after a break in Beira,we ‘pothole’ it all the way to the start of another bloody military convoy, this time from near Gorongosa to hopefully take us through the beautiful natural forests past Renamo’s stronghold and down to Caia on the Zambezi. The game is on! We juggle for position,dodging potholes and racing past eager bus,truck and bakkie drivers all whom, it seems, want to be directly behind the lead armored vehicle. And then,about an hour into our journey, the wildfire shooting starts.

Machine gun and AK bullets spray the forest. Leaves and dust everywhere! We come across another burnt out vehicle on the roadside. Some of the troops jump down AK’s at the ready. Thick forest either side of the road – I think what sitting ducks we are. This section of the road could also win the SADAC Pothole award. In the Landy Pink Floyd plays ‘Wish you were here.’ Life on expedition is never dull. We’re first into Caia filling station for diesel. The soldiers give us a thumbs up we give them some coldrinks and water and then we’re off across the Zambezi. We break west to take the narrow track to Morrrumbala.The elephant grass higher than the Land Rover. Beautiful scenery. No Renamo here were told. All quite and peacefull from here on.

We cross the Shire River on a hand – winched ferry and then head North up the Shire valley. Malawi here we come. But the late convoy start and the hassles on the convoy mean we can’t make the border in time,so we pull off the road to not be too conspicuous,light a small fire,throw out a tent and bedrolls and sit back. It’s the most beautiful starlit sky imaginable….

They hit us around midnight. We hear whispers in the bush. I shine my torch and then they’re all over us shouting and throwing our kit around. The torch gets slapped out of my hand. AK’s in our faces. Very nasty! Fortunately one of the soldiers speaks a little English. I take him by the hand and try and reason with him. Stop. Be calm. We’re just tourists. One of the soldiers gets into our tent and throws the bedrolls out. The bunch is high on tension and question and start forcing us at gun point to pack the Disco. Two guys force themselves into the Landy. Drive to the border we’re told.

These young soldiers are threatening and want bucks. We keep calm. At the border compound they take our car keys and passports but allow us to put up a tent. In the morning we talk they say. One arrogant youngster says ‘Hey mister you not the boss. This the boss.’showing me his AK.
During the night Sheelagh and I get a message out to a well connected mate in Maputo who by morning has a strongly worded Portuguese message on our phone assuring the authorities of our credibility. It helps a bit but still we are searched from bumper to bumper. ‘We thought you were Renamo’ said Mr Big. ‘The villagers thought you had come to kill them, they saw your lights in the bush and came to report to us, so we came to kill you… I get one of them to add a message to the large Canvas and leather bound Scroll of Peace and Goodwill that we carry on every expedition. Seems that at this rather tense time with Renamo, it’s sorely needed. Will keep you posted.”

Source: 4×4 forum – July 4th ,2016
Image: Kingsley Holgate Foundation
__________________
Facebook " Kevin Heike " come and say Hello as we travel around the world.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Thanks. Doesn't sound too good...
We will most likely go for plan B and skip the middle and northern part of Mozambique all together and get our visa in advance this time.

Anybody got Moz visa at the border recently?
Anybody used the Chiqualaquala/Sango Border?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
F that. Zambia it is.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Jul 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 23
We got the Moz visa at the Ressano border with SA without problems end of April 16. Went up until Vilanculos, then via a back route to the Zim border of Espungabeira without any issues. Were told to better avoid the convoy as it gets often attacked. You can see our route on the map under www.afrikabisunten.wordpress.com

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Thanks for the report! Are you Austrian citizens?

(If you don't have an embassy in you home country it's supposed to be easier to get a Moz visa on the border.)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Jul 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 23
Yes, we are Austrians. But we have a Moz embassy in Austria, and it was no problem.
The guy was just fighting with computer problems for half an hour until a colleague explained how to use the computer program

If there is a Moz embassy in your home country they ask you to pay some extra border for the border handling (i think it was less than 10 EUR), in total we paid about 900 Rand for the visa and it was cheaper than at home.
You may pay in ZAR or USD or EUR.
We enjoyed the south of Moz - beautiful beaches!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Jul 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Visa

We are Australians & got a Visa at the border....Oct/Nov....pretty easy & if your in a vehicle don't forget your blue & yellow triangle sticker !!!

Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Jul 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Sweden
Posts: 29
Hi,
I drove on a motorbike with the convoy between Save and Muchungue in the end of May 2016. I was not up to date with the current situation when I got there. I had heard about problems in the north of the country and didn’t think much of it. I was only going to Inchope and then crossing into Zimbabwe at Mutare. No problem, I thought but that was before I heard about any convoys.

The convoy was scheduled to leave Save at 09:00 O’clock and while I was waiting there was another convoy arriving from the opposite direction. First came a bus with a bullet hole in the wind screen escorted by a police vehicle. I was told by an officer of the military that accompanied my convoy that seven people had been killed on that bus. Needless to say I was a bit nervous while driving with the convoy that took 1,5 hours. I stayed in the back among the trucks and away from any buses and minibuses that seem to be the main targets. It’s a hit or miss. If I would have known I would have taken another road.

In Vilankulos I met a Dutch family in a Landrover that took the sandy road from Mapinhane just south of Vilankulos crossing over to Chicualacuala without any problems. The road is supposedly rough on a bike though.

Although I got my Moz visa in Durban, people were readily issued visas at the border.
__________________
/Anders Bråhn
www.voodoochile.se
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Sep 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
Has anyone travel through southern Mozambique recently (Gaza Region) ? Any safety issues?

Anyone tried to get the Zimbabwe Kaza uni-visa at Chiqualaquala/Sango Border near Malvernia?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 21 Sep 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 17
Hi,

We travelled through Mozambique to Malawi recently in our Land Rover without any problems! We entered Moz in the south (Ponto d'Ouro), coming from SA.
After Vilanculos we drove to Gorongossa NP. We took te mandatory convoi between Rio Save and Muxunghue. After Gorongossa we were advised a gravel road towards Caia, which we did. Lovely rural area and nothing of problems or danger at all. We had a great time and really are happy we visited that part of Mozambique.
Anyone who wants more details about the route and our experiences feel free to mail us at:
vrijwilligdoorafrika@gmail.com

Cheers! Kars & Simone
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2 Oct 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 141
We have now driven through Moz the intended route. No issues at all.

Cheap country and very friendly people.
Diesel was very cheap but not available on all gas stations, they had ran out.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
mozambique, security, visa


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Kenya to Europe cliveandann Middle East 1 8 May 2016 02:24
Kenya to Europe cliveandann sub-Saharan Africa 3 4 Sep 2015 00:21
Round Africa with a Surfboard garnaro Ride Tales 185 9 Jun 2015 00:23
NEW RULES for Ethiopia Visa sincs 18 June 2014 travelmaniacs Trip Paperwork 1 1 Jul 2014 17:32
Sydney to Germany - the African way BikingMarco Ride Tales 320 23 Sep 2012 11:31

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:24.