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Driving Directions

Directions from Johannesburg or Pretoria (Gauteng) to Bilene, Mozambique:

From Gauteng, take the N4 to (or N12 that merges onto the N4) straight to Komatipoort and the Komatipoort Border Post in which you should pass Witbank and Nelspruit along the way.
Distance to cover from Gauteng to Komatipoort Border Post (approx.): 467km
BORDER GATE TIMES: 06H00 – 24H00 / 7 days a week. Tel: +27 (0)13 – 793 7311
(kindly phone and confirm before leaving)

Once you Processed everything at the border and back on the road again you will immediately be on the EN4.
Follow the EN4 for approximately 85kms until you get to a T-junction where you will turn left onto the EN2 towards Maputo.

Distance to cover from Komatipoort Border Post to Maputo (approx.): 95km

As you Enter the town of Maputo, turn left onto the EN1 highway (follow Xai-Xai signs) and travel North for approximately 150km to a town called Macia. When traveling through Macia, look out for the sign that says “Praia do Bilene” and turn right towards Bilene which is approximately a 32km drive.

Distance to cover from Maputo to Bilene (approx.): 182km
Total Distance from Gauteng to Bilene (approx.): 716km (10 – 11 hour Journey)

Directions from Durban to Bilene, Mozambique:

From Durban, take the N2 to straight to Golela Border Post going into Swaziland in which you should pass Richards Bay and Mtubatuba along the way.

Distance to cover from Durban to Golela Border Post (approx.): 362km
BORDER GATE TIMES: 07h00 – 22h00 / 7 days a week (holiday season: 06h00 – 22h00)
Tel: +27 (0)34 435 1070
(kindly phone and confirm before leaving)

Once you Processed everything at the border and back on the road again you will immediately be on the MR8.
Follow the MR8 for approximately 70kms and turn right onto the MR16. Follow the MR16 for about 38km and turn left at the T-junction which continues to be the MR16. Follow the MR16 for about 4km and turn right at the T-junction onto the MR3. Continue along the MR3 for about 52km until you reach the Naamacha Border Post going into Mozambique.

Distance to cover from Golela Border Post to Namaacha Border Post (approx.): 164km
BORDER GATE TIMES: 07h00 – 22h00 / 7 days a week (holiday season: 06h00 – 22h00)
Tel: +27 (0)34 435 1070
(kindly phone and confirm before leaving)

Once you Processed everything at the border and back on the road again you will immediately be on the EN5. Follow the EN5 which becomes the EN2. Follow the EN2 highway to Maputo.

Distance to cover from Namaacha Border Post to Maputo (approx.): 76km

As you Enter the town of Maputo, turn left onto the EN1 highway (follow Xai-Xai signs) and travel North for approximately 150km to a town called Macia. When traveling through Macia, look out for the sign that says “Praia do Bilene” and turn right towards Bilene which is approximately a 32km drive.

Distance to cover from Maputo to Bilene (approx.): 182km
Total Distance from Durban to Bilene (approx.): 790km (11 hour Journey)

Border Post Information

We cannot be held liable for any change in rates, requirements & times…

This is merely a guide to help you plan your trip into Mozambique, but every attempt is made to keep the information contained herein as accurate as possible.

Always check what requirements are needed by contacting the authorities directly.

Traveling from Johannesburg, you will be going through the Komatipoort / Lebombo Mozambique Border Post.

Traveling from Durban, the fastest route would be through Swaziland and to the Namaacha Mozambique Border Post.

Komatipoort, Namaacha and Golela Border Requirements

KOMATIPOORT BORDER GATE TIMES
06H00 – 24H00 / 7 days a week. Tel: +27 (0)13 – 793 7311

NAMAACHA BORDER GATE TIMES:
07h00 – 22h00 / 7 days a week. Tel: +258 21 960090

GOLELA BORDER GATE TIMES:
07h00 – 22h00 (holiday season: 06h00 – 22h00) / 7 days a week. Tel: 034 435 1070

  • Valid Passport with more than 6 months remaining until the expiry date. Citizens of South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe do not require holiday visas, though all other nationalities require holiday visas (which can be obtained from the border) to get into Mozambique, (takes approx. 30min). All Nationals need a working visa only if he/she is entering Mozambique for business.
  • Valid Driver's License of the driver (SA drivers license accepted)
  • International / Mozambican driver’s license if staying for longer than 6 months (can be obtained from the AA)
  • Vehicle & Boat Registration Documents
  • Get a letter from the bank allowing your vehicle across the border IF your vehicle is being financed
  • A temporary import permit is compulsory for vehicles & must be filled in at the border (only DA341 form)
  • Compulsory Third Party Liability Insurance Certificate (valid for 30 days from date issued) per vehicle & per towed application. If you are towing anything, eg: Quad Bikes, Jetskis, a Caravan, a Trailer - you will need to attach the BLUE & YELLOW TRIANGLES to the front of your 4x4 and on the back of the towed application.
  • If you are entering Mozambique with $US 5,000 or more, a “Declaration of entry of foreign currency” must be collected and completed at the customs desk If your vehicle is longer than 6 meters, then you will be required to put reflectors on the front and rear of your vehicle.
  • Each vehicle must have the 2 red reflective triangles & 2 reflective vests
  • No drugs, firearms or explosive materials can be brought in Mozambique.
  • 3rd party insurance (available at the border) is compulsory - R150 per vehicle
    and R80 per Trailer.
  • A temporary import permit for vehicles and whatever trailer you are towing - R10 each.
  • Approximate total needed for the border: R350 (prices are subject to change)
  • Goods to the value of $US 200, inclusive of beer and other consumables,
    such as meat.
  • 1 (one) liter of spirits
  • 2,5 liters (3 bottles) of wine
  • 2 cartons (or 400) cigarettes
  • Children under the age of 18 do not qualify for liquor allowances.

Anti Malaria Tips & Prescriptions in Bilene

Yes, Mozambique as a whole is a Malaria risk Area / Country. We recommend you take precautions and visit your nearest Doctor (you now need a prescription for Malaria Tablets) to prescribe you with what’s recommended before you leave for Mozambique. Be prepared and take other Prophylactics like Insect Repellent sprays, Mosquito Coils, light long sleeve tops, and bottoms to further prevent bites.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Malaria and what Malaria Tablets is recommended.

The information below is merely a guideline for those who want to familiarize themselves with some of the Anti-Malaria Tablets. There are a lot of things to consider, but ultimately, you & your doctors are going to have to make the final decision with regards to which Anti-Malaria Tablets to take.

There are different types of anti-malaria tablets available to choose from. Choosing one depends on your medical history and what malaria area you are visiting. The most effective and common anti-malaria tablets on the market today are either Mefloquine (Mefliam) or Doxycycline (Doxitab) which both require a prescription. Contact your nearest doctor to prescribe you what recommended.

Mefliam:
Mefliam should be taken at least a week before entering the Malaria Area. The Adult dosage of Mefliam is 1 tablet per week and should be taken after your evening meal with plenty of water to wash it down. The course must be continued for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area.

Mefliam Side effects:
Some side effects can include weird dreams and hallucinations.
Mefliam is not recommended if you are planning to go scuba diving in Mozambique.
Contact your nearest Doctor for more information regarding Mefliam.

Doxycycline:
Doxycycline should be taken a day or two before entering the Malaria Area and the course must be continued for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area. Doxycycline should be taken after a meal with plenty of water to wash it down.

Doxycycline Side effects:
Doxycyline can cause photo-sensitivity (Skin can get sensitive to sun-burn)
For Females, Doxycyline can cause vaginal yeast infections (thrush). Doxycyline can also interfere with certain contraceptives (interference for about 3 weeks) which means it is important to use additional contraceptive methods (such as condoms) for the first 3 weeks on the Doxycyline course.
Contact your nearest Doctor for more information regarding Doxycyline.

Yes, Malaria cannot be fully prevented therefore there is a small chance that Malaria can be contracted, which means it is still recommended to take anti-malaria medication. Prevention is better than cure! Though it is very important to notice any symptoms of Malaria as soon as possible because Anti-malaria medication can hide a lot of the symptoms of Malaria for a few weeks. See Symptoms below.

  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Chills (feeling very cold)
  • Pain in joints (Arthralgia)
  • Feeling very tired or sleepy
  • Cough
  • Fast heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Delirium
  • Anemia (low red blood cell levels in the blood)
  • Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
  • Enlargement of liver or spleen
  • Coma

If you experience any of the symptoms above, visit your nearest Doctor as soon as possible to get checked/treated.

Safety when travelling and staying in Mozambique:

Although Mozambique does not pose a high crime rate, safety is still important when traveling and staying in a foreign country. Below are a few safety tips:

  • When traveling and staying over in Mozambique, remember to lock all your car doors when you leave your vehicle.
  • Keep all valuables in a safe place when you leave the premises you are staying at.
  • When site seeing and touring, make sure to keep the valuables you are carrying close by.
  • Avoid driving at night.
  • Do not drink and drive.
  • Drugs are illegal and do not be tempted by offers what so ever.
  • There are no shark nets, and in any situation, always keep an eye on your children when bathing.
  • Stick to the rules and obey all signs to avoid the obvious inconveniences when breaking the law.
  • Beware of con artists and do not accept bribes.
  • Do not go off the beaten track as Mozambique is known to have undetected landmines from its past civil war in isolated areas.
  • Some areas are very protected and photos aren’t allowed.
  • Some beaches are protected and 4×4 are not permitted.
  • Respect the locals, their community and do not litter

What to bring when travelling to Mozambique:

When Travelling to Mozambique, there are a few things that we recommend that you take:

  • Petrol canister for extra fuel, especially when traveling long distances as some petrol stations run ‘dry’ though the busy holiday seasons and you do not want to run out of fuel for your inconvenience.
  • Spare tire in case you get a puncture or blowout
  • Wheel Jack and Wheel Spanner
  • First Aid kit
  • Sun protection
  • Hat or peak to cover the sun
  • Bathing or Beach Towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Extra cash in hand in case you cannot draw or are not near an ATM
  • Bring meat from South Africa if you are planning to have a braai (barbeque) in the first few nights.
  • Cooler box to keep meat / cool drinks cool and fresh
  • Cell phone charger
  • Washing powder
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Refuse Bags
  • Mosquito Coils, Tabard, and other Prophylactics
  • Lots of bottled water as some taps in Mozambique could be contaminated or is not fresh.
  • Camera and binoculars for all the good times spent in Mozambique ?
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