Frequently Asked Questions
When planning a holiday, we all have questions. Our team has tried to answer some of the frequently asked questions. Please feel free to email us if you have further questions not answered below.
Categories
Beach
Boat, Jet ski and beach licenses can be obtained from Maritime, which is next to the garage in Bilene (compulsory), cost will depend on the watercraft. Vessels are launched at the Public Slipway in town. You pay Slipway fees, also payable at the Marine Office.
This is a malaria area, please beware and take the appropriate precautions.
A course of anti-malaria tablets is strongly advised. Prophylaxis – Larium (Mefloquin) or a Paludrine / Daramal combination is often used. Please contact your doctor for further information and advice. Insect repellants (citronella, Tabard, Mosquito coils, etc.) is good to take with. Herbal – aqueous cream with a few drops of citronella, eucalyptus, and lemon grass essential oils make for a wonderful moisturizer and it wards off the insects too. Homeopaths also recommend taking a Vitamin B complex, which makes the blood sour, as well as garlic tablets.
Vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio tetanus and typhoid are also recommended. A yellow fever certificate is required for those arriving from infected areas.
For medical problems most major towns have a hospital or clinic, which are fine for minor problems, they are excellent for things like Malaria tests – the equipment is sterile and you get the result in 15 minutes. Medical Evacuation Insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for serious health problems. We recommend that you ensure this evacuation insurance is covered or added to your normal medical insurance (www.travelinsure.co.za).
Hotel
- There is no need for an off road vehicle (4 x 4)
- Any meat brought across the border should be vacuumed packed.
- Sunscreen
- Beach towels
- Beach umbrella
- Insect repellants
- Camera, camcorder, binoculars and batteries.
- Small medical kit – Hydrogen peroxide is very effective for insect bites and scratches.
- Pen to complete border crossing papers
Travel on the N2 past Richardsbay, Empangeni, Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe , Mkuze and Pongola Game Reserve entrance on right. Turn right at Golela/Swaziland sign (this is before Pongola town) to travel +/- 10 km to the border. As you cross the Golela/Lavumisa border you will reach a very large traffic circle, keep straight. You will pass USA Distillers on your left and Shell and Sugar Mill on your right. +/- 60km from border, turn right toward Siteki (MR16 Siteki/Maputo) (this is after the Big Bend road to the left). +/- 30 km turn right at the T-junction towards Siteki. +/- 10 km in Siteki town turn left to Goba border post. +/- 30 km further on you will reach Goba border post (Mhlumeni border – Mozambique). From Goba follow road to Maputo for +/- 45 km.
Turn right at T-junction, towards Maputo for another +/-30km.
Pass through tollgate (only Mts change). After 3kms you will see a sign to Xai-Xai (EN 1), just before you cross over a large bridge.Turn left (take Xai-Xai off ramp). (Turning right will take you to Maputo.)
Follow directions to Xai-Xai for 165 km to a town called Macia. You will be going through a lot of robots, traffic circles and small towns. On route to Bilene you will go through the following towns: Maluana, Manhica , Palmeira, 3 de fevereiro , Magul, Traffic control center, Macia.
+/- 165 from Maputo at Macia (BP fuel station on left) and Shoprite supermarket on the right turn right off the main road to Bilene There is a sign “Praia do Bilene”.
Travel+/- 33 km to Bilene, you will see a river on the left and reach a traffic circle.
Leave the traffic circle (3:00 position) so the Hotel (yellow building) is on your left hand side.
Follow road for 2km to the T junction and turn right.
After 500m the tar ends and becomes a pavement and you will see the Villa Espanhola signage .
After 500m take the 1st road left. Follow the road, it will turn to the right.
Villa Espanhola’s gate will be on your left hand side.
Take N4 (Witbank highway – very good condition) from Johannesburg to Nelspruit.
Continue on the N4 to Komatipoort, the last town on the South-African side.
+/- 50 km from Komatipoort you will go through the last SA tollgate.
Just past Komatipoort is the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post.
Once you are on the Mozambique side, follow the EN4 for another 100 km to the capital city of Maputo, you will see a sign to Xai-Xai (EN 1), just before you cross over a large bridge.Turn left (take Xai-Xai off ramp). Follow directions to Xai-Xai for 165 km to a town called Macia. On route to Bilene you will go through the following towns:Maluana, Manhica, Palmeira, 3 de Fevereiro, Magul, Traffic control center, Macia.+/- 165 from Maputo at Macia (BP fuel station on left) and Shoprite supermarket on the right, turn right off the main road to Bilene. There is a sign “Praia do Bilene”. Travel+/- 33 km to Bilene and you will reach a traffic circle.
Leave the traffic circle (3:00 position) so the Hotel (yellow building) is on your left hand side.
Follow road for 2km to the T junction and turn right. After 500m the tar ends and becomes a pavement and you will see the Villa Espanhola signage. After 500m take the 1st road left. Follow the road, it will turn to the right. Villa Espanhola’s gate will be on your left hand side.
Johannesburg to Bilene: 7 hours
Jhb – 4 hr – Komati border – 1 hr – Maputo – 2 hr – Bilene
Durban to Bilene: 9 hours
Durban – 4 hr – Golela border (Swaziland)- 2hr – Goba border (Mozambique) – 1hr – Maputo – 2 hr – Bilene
Please follow the GPS coordinates below:
Lodge GPS coordinates: S25’ 17.436, E 033’ 14.305’
The main access to Mozambique is via Johannesburg in South Africa, although TAP Air Portugal and LAM Mozambique Airlines (www.flylam.co.za) operate direct services to Maputo from Lisbon.
Flights to Mozambique available from
- South Africa: Durban, Cape Town and Mpumalanga (flysaa.com)
- Portugal: Lisbon and Porto (flytap.com)
- Tanzania: Dar es Salaam
- Kenya: Nairobi
- Zimbabwe: Harare
International Airports
Mavalane International (MPM), five miles (8 km) north of Maputo.
Beira (BEW), eight miles (13 km) from the city Beira.
Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba and Vilanculos.
Information
To the North of Maputo, in the province of Gaza, are the famous beaches of Bilene and Xai- Xai. They offer you a choice of water sports, fishing and relaxation in the luxurious setting that will entice you to stay longer and return time and time again.
They are bustling towns with markets, very basic shops, restaurants, bars, petrol stations, banks and a post office in Xai-Xai.
- When driving always keep your safety belt on.
- When driving always keep to the speed limit.
- Use existing paths and roads when accessing the beaches.
- Vehicles are not permitted in areas where there are no roads, due to the possibility of landmines.
- Driving on the beaches in general is not permitted, however a license may be obtained from the Maritime official.
- Driving on or in local plantations in not permitted
- Please assist in keeping Mozambique free of litter.
- The use of fireworks is not permitted.
- Fires are only permitted in designated areas.
- Camping on the beaches is not permitted.
- Keep in mind that fishing is the local fishermen’s livelihood. Do not interfere disrespectfully with their activities.
When recruiting local people, agree on the rates for the service beforehand, so as to minimize exploitation. Last, but not least, children often stay away from school to earn an extra income, please assist in reducing the level of illiteracy by not having the school-age children working for you.
Congratulations on choosing Mozambique as your holiday destination. Mozambique has to be considered one of the world’s best tropical holiday destinations, with miles of unspoiled coastline and untouched natural areas. You will be pleasantly surprised at how friendly and open the people are – they have truly put the war behind them.
However, Mozambique is a third world African country and time is generally on a different wavelength to what most westerners are accustomed. If you approach the country for what it is, you will love the land of smiles!
The capital city is Maputo (formerly Lourenco Marques).
Mozambique has many beautiful, pristine beaches along its 2.700Km coastline.
Top Cities in Mozambique are
– Maputo
– Beira
– Quelimane
– Inhambane / Maxixe
– Xai Xai
– Lumbo
– Inhaminga
– Nangade
– Naçala
– Tete
– Pemba
About Maputo (formerly known as Lourenco Marques)
In Maputo you are never far from the coast. Visitors to the city can enjoy the many restaurants serving locally caught seafood, or visit the fish market, along the marginal, where you will find fresh fish for the barbecue without all the effort of catching it.
Only a day trip away in the beaches of Macaneta and Island of Inhaca, popular spots for diving and snorkeling. Hop-on-hop-off City Tours are available to explore the architecture, history, culture and cuisine. (Railway station, Steel House, Natural History Museum, Municipal Building, Natural History, Wooden Arts, Central Market, Seafood – www.mozambiquecitytours.com.)
- There is no need for an off road vehicle (4 x 4)
- Any meat brought across the border should be vacuumed packed.
- Sunscreen
- Beach towels
- Beach umbrella
- Insect repellants
- Camera, camcorder, binoculars and batteries.
- Small medical kit – Hydrogen peroxide is very effective for insect bites and scratches.
- Pen to complete border crossing papers
Safety – beach
All swimmers and beachgoers are for your own safety.
No lifeguards are available on the beach.
Clothing
Due to the climate and culture the dress code are very relaxed, with sarongs, shorts and T-shirts being quite acceptable at most places.
Tropical lightweights such as light cotton tops and pants, with warmer clothing for evenings are also suitable. Rainwear is advisable all year round.
Hat and sunglasses. Lots of sunscreen is the most important to remember.
Time zone of Mozambique
Mozambique is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight Saving Time is not applied.
Cellphone
With international roaming activated your cellphone will be functional.
Mozambique has Mcel, Vodacom Mozambique and Movitel as cellphone operators.
Bilene regulations to assist tourist
- 4 Wheelers are prohibited on roads from 20:00 to 08:00 the following day
- Persons under the age of 16 years are prohibited from riding motorbikes on public roads
- Do not litter
- Do not destroy or damage our natural environment in any way.
Climate: sub-tropical with warm temperatures, humidity and sunshine throughout the year. Summer: September to March/April
Winters: mild, May to August.Rains:January and March, but the temperatures remain high, reaching up to 40ºC. Many of the roads may become impassable and flooding is common in the south and centre
Average daily summer temperatures: 20ºC – 35ºC.
The best time to visit Mozambique: May to November, when rainfall and temperatures are at its lowest. It is also good to travel during the early part of the warm, rainy season from November to January, but be prepared for sweltering temperatures, especially during January.
During the holiday season, i.e. Easter, Christmas, New Years and in August, Mozambique’s southern coastal resorts become overrun with visitors and travelers, so book in advance.
Payment
Mozambique’s local currency is the Metical (MT or MZN) ; however the US Dollar and the Rand (ZAR) are widely accepted.
Banks and Foreign Exchange Bureau will exchange any recognized currency.
Most city banks have ATM machines from which local currency may be withdrawn 24/7.
Services
International car hire companies are represented in Maputo and Beira, including Avis (www.avis.co.za) and Europcar (www.Europcar.com).
Maputo 167 km
Macia 32 km
Xai Xai 50 km
Chokwe 90 km
Chidenguele 110 km
Matola 115 km
Terms and conditions
Travel on the N2 past Richardsbay, Empangeni, Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe , Mkuze and Pongola Game Reserve entrance on right. Turn right at Golela/Swaziland sign (this is before Pongola town) to travel +/- 10 km to the border. As you cross the Golela/Lavumisa border you will reach a very large traffic circle, keep straight. You will pass USA Distillers on your left and Shell and Sugar Mill on your right. +/- 60km from border, turn right toward Siteki (MR16 Siteki/Maputo) (this is after the Big Bend road to the left). +/- 30 km turn right at the T-junction towards Siteki. +/- 10 km in Siteki town turn left to Goba border post. +/- 30 km further on you will reach Goba border post (Mhlumeni border – Mozambique). From Goba follow road to Maputo for +/- 45 km.
Turn right at T-junction, towards Maputo for another +/-30km.
Pass through tollgate (only Mts change). After 3kms you will see a sign to Xai-Xai (EN 1), just before you cross over a large bridge.Turn left (take Xai-Xai off ramp). (Turning right will take you to Maputo.)
Follow directions to Xai-Xai for 165 km to a town called Macia. You will be going through a lot of robots, traffic circles and small towns. On route to Bilene you will go through the following towns: Maluana, Manhica , Palmeira, 3 de fevereiro , Magul, Traffic control center, Macia.
+/- 165 from Maputo at Macia (BP fuel station on left) and Shoprite supermarket on the right turn right off the main road to Bilene There is a sign “Praia do Bilene”.
Travel+/- 33 km to Bilene, you will see a river on the left and reach a traffic circle.
Leave the traffic circle (3:00 position) so the Hotel (yellow building) is on your left hand side.
Follow road for 2km to the T junction and turn right.
After 500m the tar ends and becomes a pavement and you will see the Villa Espanhola signage .
After 500m take the 1st road left. Follow the road, it will turn to the right.
Villa Espanhola’s gate will be on your left hand side.
Take N4 (Witbank highway – very good condition) from Johannesburg to Nelspruit.
Continue on the N4 to Komatipoort, the last town on the South-African side.
+/- 50 km from Komatipoort you will go through the last SA tollgate.
Just past Komatipoort is the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border Post.
Once you are on the Mozambique side, follow the EN4 for another 100 km to the capital city of Maputo, you will see a sign to Xai-Xai (EN 1), just before you cross over a large bridge.Turn left (take Xai-Xai off ramp). Follow directions to Xai-Xai for 165 km to a town called Macia. On route to Bilene you will go through the following towns:Maluana, Manhica, Palmeira, 3 de Fevereiro, Magul, Traffic control center, Macia.+/- 165 from Maputo at Macia (BP fuel station on left) and Shoprite supermarket on the right, turn right off the main road to Bilene. There is a sign “Praia do Bilene”. Travel+/- 33 km to Bilene and you will reach a traffic circle.
Leave the traffic circle (3:00 position) so the Hotel (yellow building) is on your left hand side.
Follow road for 2km to the T junction and turn right. After 500m the tar ends and becomes a pavement and you will see the Villa Espanhola signage. After 500m take the 1st road left. Follow the road, it will turn to the right. Villa Espanhola’s gate will be on your left hand side.
Johannesburg to Bilene: 7 hours
Jhb – 4 hr – Komati border – 1 hr – Maputo – 2 hr – Bilene
Durban to Bilene: 9 hours
Durban – 4 hr – Golela border (Swaziland)- 2hr – Goba border (Mozambique) – 1hr – Maputo – 2 hr – Bilene
Please follow the GPS coordinates below:
Lodge GPS coordinates: S25’ 17.436, E 033’ 14.305’
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