Useful Info Page - Sunset Lodge - Inhambane, Mozambique

Things you should know before heading out

Child travelling requirements

There are regulations aimed at improving the safety of children travelling in and out of South Africa. Children under the age of 18 will require an unabridged birth certificate together with a valid passport when travelling abroad. These can be obtained from your local Department of Home Affairs. Allow up to 8 weeks for processing.

Child travelling with both parents

Parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate and a valid passport for the child.

Child travelling with one parent

Parent must produce an unabridged birth certificate and a valid passport, and a court order/death certificate/affidavit confirming the absent parent has given permission for the child to travel.

Child travelling with guardian

Guardian must produce an unabridged birth certificate and a valid passport, and a court order/death

certificate/affidavit confirming the parents have given permission for the child to travel.

Child unaccompanied

Child must produce an unabridged birth certificate and a valid passport, and a court order/death certificate/affidavit confirming permission to travel from both parents or a legal guardian. A letter from the person who will receive the child in South Africa including their full contact details and a certified copy of their ID/Passport must be produced.

Border Post Hours

Komatipoort Ressano Garcia

Opens : 06h00 and Closes : 22h00

Open 24 hours over peak seasons

Giryando

Opens : 08h00 and Closes : 17h00

Kosi Bay/Ponta d’Ouro

Opens : 08h00 and Closes : 17h00

Namaacha (Swaziland)

Opens : 07h00 and Closes : 18h00

These times may vary during high seasons

Important Documents

Vehicle Import Papers

You will need to complete a TIP (Temporary Import Permit (DA341) for your vehicle, only available at the border). Also declare items such as generators, fridge/freezers & camping/fishing equipment. The original vehicle registration documents will be required. If the vehicle is financed, you will need a certified copy of the registration papers from the bank as well as a letter from the bank granting permission to take the vehicle across the border.

Certificate of Registration for vehicles & trailers

You will need certified copies of these documents.

Valid Driver’s Licence

South African and all international licences are accepted. Keep your licence & vehicle papers on you at all times.

Passports

Passports that will not expire within 6 months of visit are required for adults & children. Visas are not required by SA passport holders for tourism purposes for a stay of up to 30 days. Travellers entering from Swaziland will have to complete all necessary Swaziland documentation. Visa’s are required for certain countries and it is best to confirm with your booking agent if a Visa will be required.

Medical Aid

Check that your medical Aid provides medical insurance in Mozambique. If necessary buy a temporary policy through a reliable travel agent in South Africa. Emergency road or air evacuation can be very costly.

Vehicle stickers and accessories

A black & white ZA sticker on the back of the vehicle & all trailers.

If towing a trailer display a yellow triangle on square blue background on both the front of the vehicle and the rear of the vehicle. Trailers must display a full chevron or reflectors on the rear.

Two red warning triangles for use in case of breakdowns must be kept in the vehicle along with a fluorescent vest. This must be worn at night when outside of the vehicle during a breakdown. A traffic officer may issue a fine if these requirements are not met.

Traffic fines

Fines may be issued for the following offences:

Driver of vehicle talking on a mobile phone and not making use of a hands-free kit during travelling

Drinking & driving

Opened bottles of liquor in vehicle

Not obeying speed limits:

Car with no trailer : Max speed within towns – 60km/hr, Max speed outside of towns – 120km/hr

Car with trailer : Max speed within towns – 60km/hr, Max speed outside of towns – 100km/hr

Useful Tips

Fuel is easily available in Mozambique. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, but not by garage card.
Ensure that all your vehicle and trailer indicators and lights are working.
Make allowances for road condition. Main roads are mostly tarred, but the quality varies.
Avoid travelling at night if possible as there are vehicles without lights or reflectors and many pedestrians and cyclists on/beside the road.
Broken down vehicles are left in the road, sometimes indicated by tree branches. If you have to drive after dark then drive slowly.
It is advisable to carry spare fan belts and spare trailer wheel bearings as spare parts are difficult to come by.
Take a decent tow rope.
Ensure that all front and rear passengers wear seatbelts at all times.
It is illegal to drive on the beach unless you are launching a boat. Offenders could have their vehicles impounded. A Mozambican boat launching permit is obtainable from the Maritime office in any major town along the coast or from resorts. Launch fees vary depending on the boat and are valid for 30 days. Spear fishing & deep sea fishing licences also last for 30 days. Should you buy fish to take home it is also advisable to purchase a fishing permit.
Cell phone coverage: Have roaming enabled or buy a local sim card and buy pre-paid airtime.
Internet coverage: 4G networks are available. You can buy a local sim card with data in town. There is free wi-fi available at the bar/restaurant.
Currency: Local currency is the metical (plural: meticais). Currency can be exchanged at any bank in Mozambique.
Malaria. Mozambique is a high risk malaria area. Please consult your family practitioner with regards to effective treatments against Malaria. Please remember to take sufficient amounts of mosquito repellent.
Water. The water at the lodge is supplied by our own borehole and is safe for drinking. Bottled water is available at the bar and in town.

What To Bring

Please bring along the following Items:

Sunblock
Sunhat
Towels – bath & swimming
First Aid Kit
Toilet Paper
Dish Washing Liquid
Washing Powder
Black Refuse Bags
Mosquito repellent
Matches/lighter