Planning is one of the most important steps of a self-drive holiday. This is a rough guide of how to ensure that your vehicle is ready for a self-drive holiday in Mozambique.
Many people have stories about their encounters with the notorious traffic cops of Mozambique. This is a rough guide to the essentials of getting your vehicle ready for travel in Mozambique; however, please contact one of our Destination Specialists or the Mozambican Embassy for the latest advice.
Traffic Violations
If stopped by a traffic cop (official uniform is white shirt and navy blue trousers) for a traffic offence, you might be asked to pay a spot fine. When you pay you must always insist on a ticket and an official numbered receipt containing the officers name. Regular police officers (official uniform is grey) have no authority to issue traffic fines.
They may request to see your drivers license and search your car for weapons. Never hand over your passport or drivers license, you are only required to show your documents to officials. If you are asked for a bribe by any traffic or police officer, contact the Anti-Corruption Hotline +258 82 965 7804
Please note it is against the law to take photos of policemen in Mozambique.
Driving Rules
- All vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road in Mozambique
- You must adhere to the speed limits when driving in Mozambique - 120 km/h on main roads outside of town - 60 km/h on public roads in towns and villages - 40 km/h in national parks and game reserves
- You may not drive and use your cellphone unless it is hands-free
- You are required to wear your seatbelts at all times
- Do not drive on beaches or off the beaten track unless it is designated as a driving zone
- Do not drink and drive
- Be on the lookout for wildlife and domestic animals crossing the road and slow down accordingly
- Do not throw cigarette butts out the window of your vehicle
When to go on a Self-drive Holiday to Mozambique
Try to avoid travelling during the rainy season, as the roads can become, muddy, rugged and difficult to negotiate. If you can avoid going in the middle of summer from November to April as this is when it is uncomfortably hot. This is also the time of year when it can rain daily and is cyclone season.
Avoid the South African school holidays; Mozambique is a popular destination for South African families. If being in a crowd is your thing then the vibe during the holidays is great, but if you are looking to escape the crowds, then its better to travel out of season.
Paperwork
When travelling in Mozambique you will need to carry your cars registration papers or if you are paying off a vehicle, you will need a letter of permission from the bank. Take along your licence paper as well. Take along your valid driver's licence. South African's do not need a Visa to enter Mozambique, but you will need your passport which needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your return.
Insurance
You will need to make sure that you have third party vehicle insurance. You can sort this out at the border, but it saves time to do this before setting out on your trip. Make sure that your car insurance covers travel in a foreign country and off-road travel. If your insurance does cover Mozambique get a letter from your insurance broker stating that Mozambique is covered.
Reflective Vests
By Law in Mozambique all vehicles must carry reflective vests which must be worn by the car's occupants when repairing or loading a vehicle at the side of the road or at the scene of an accident.
Two Red Triangles
All vehicles travelling in Mozambique must have two red hazard triangles. If you break down and are conducting repairs or loading and unloading the vehicle you need to place one triangle about 50 meters in front and behind the vehicle one for the front and another for the back.
Stickers
Many South Africans not in the know wonder when they see a vehicle with a yellow-and-blue triangle sticker. More than likely, this vehicle has been taken into Mozambique. You need to display this sticker if you are going to tow a trailer, boat or caravan.
Service the Vehicle
It is always a good idea to service a vehicle before a long journey to ensure that it is in good working order. It is especially important when travelling to Mozambique, as many of the roads are rough and it may be difficult to get the vehicle repaired.
Take Spares
It is a good idea to have an idea of what goes on underneath the hood of your vehicle. Take along a few spares such as a fan belt, fuses and a basic tool kit and jack. Do not forget to check that the spare tire is in good working order.
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