Hello Katja,

I know the area very well, so here's my input...

Between SA and Maputo there are two border options. The most usual is
Ressano Garcia, near Komatipoort. The border crossing is usually quite
quick, except when busses are going through.

There is camping available outside Maputo (58km north, at Casa Lisa).
I'm not sure about camping inside Maputo.

The most used route between Maputo and Beira is the coastal road via
Xai-Xai, Inhambane, Vilankoulo, Inhassorro. Its is a reasonable road,
with plenty of camping areas at fairly regular intervals, although
there is not very much between Inhassoro and Beira where the road goes
far inland to avoid the flood plain of the River Save.

There is a campsite called Biques in Beira.

From Beira you would probably go via Chimoio to Tete, and then cross
the border into Malawi at Zobue. Again, this road is mostly reasonable
but less travelled than the coastal road. Once in Malawi, head
straight for the lake.

I take it from your name that you are a woman, and I hope you are not
planning to travel alone. It would be difficult enough for a man to do
the trip alone, but a lone woman would, in my opinion, be foolhardy to
try. Also, hitch-hiking might pose some difficulties. I know that many
people have done it, and I'm usually happy to give rides to
travellers, but it can be very dangerous.

Cheap transport is available. Safe transport is also available.
Finding transport that is both safe and cheap is not regularly
available :- 0

My suggestion is to be very carefull when selecting your mode of
travel. I have seen far too many accidents in Mozambique, and the
majority are single-vehicle accidents due to speeding, unroadworthy
vehicles, animals, and damaged bridges. etc.

Camping is possible (and quite pleasant) in most places in Mozambique,
particularly on the coast, but small hotels or pensao's are also
available at reasonable prices. The food in Mozambique is usually
fantastic, and can be very cheap if you go to the right places.

Be aware of Malaria, and have a wonderful time. Mozambique is one of
the most amazing countries to visit.

Regards,

Marc - Johannesburg




On 10 Jun 2004 15:35:36 -0700, (crazykatja) wrote:

Hi all,

I am going to travel in August and September around Southern Africa,
starting in Joburg I head to Mozambique, Maputo, on 1 August. Then I
will travel from Maputo to Beira and later up to Malawi.

Does anybody of you has information where is best to cross the border?

Do you know about hitch-hiking in Mozambique?

Which roads have steady traffic? Are there any other cheap transport
opportunities?

What about staying in tent?

Does anybody know if there are opportunities to stay for free?

Any information are very much appreciated!

Katja
http://AFRICA.kligys.com
www.cc-k.com