Welcome to the second stop on our Southern African adventure: Mozambique. While this border crossing wasn’t initially on our itinerary, sometimes, serendipity leads to perfect moments. Our Mozambican stay blessed us with stunning weather, offering sunshine and hot days for 95% of our visit, punctuated by occasional refreshing thunderstorms. It was a delightful change of pace, providing us with a much-needed respite from the relentless sun.
Border Crossing in Mozambique
Embarking on our journey, we faced uncertainty about the South Africa-Mozambique border crossing. We had encountered numerous online anecdotes about the dos and don’ts of this border crossing. Questions swirled in our minds about what items were permissible, what were not, and the limits on certain things we could bring. With no plans to return home anytime soon, there was no room for forgotten items. With no plans to return to our hometown anytime soon, retrieving forgotten items was not an option. However, to our pleasant surprise, our border crossing experience was a dream come true. In just 27 minutes, we seamlessly transitioned from the South African side to the Mozambican side, efficiently handling the declaration of our possessions, passport stamping, and obtaining a temporary import permit for our vehicle and caravan. With that, we were off on our Southern African adventure in Mozambique.
Arrival and Campsite
Our journey led us through the bustling Ponta do Ouro until we reached our campsite, which would be our home for the next 29 days – Actupo. This beautiful yet refreshingly minimalist park filled us with excitement. Most stands were tucked away amidst trees, and you’d hardly spot any fences or structures within the park. The bathrooms embraced a rustic, outdoor aesthetic that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. We aimed for what we considered the prime spot in the camp, possibly intended for tents, though the loose beach sand posed a challenge, a stark reminder of our proximity to the beach. After an hour of effort, we successfully moved our caravan to our second-favorite spot on a grassy patch, and our joy was palpable. With direct access to the beach, we couldn’t have been happier.
Activities and Adventures in Mozambique
Our days in Mozambique were brimming with daily beach walks, snorkeling in the bay, trips to the local market, and the joy of savoring fresh seafood almost every day. It felt like we were truly living the island life, and our tans deepened rapidly.
One day, we embarked on an adventurous drive to Malongane, where we couldn’t resist the opportunity to take some swings in the hopes of earning a spot on a plaque at Jack’s Barefoot Bar. Warrick playfully blamed the wind, and I graciously refrained from showcasing my athletic skills, leading to our plaque-less adventure. Nevertheless, we consoled ourselves with two delectable RnR cocktails. Our next stop was Ninhos, where I had been promised the finest grilled peri-peri chicken, and I can wholeheartedly confirm that I was not disappointed. I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone in the area.
Cost of Living
While our love for Mozambique knows no bounds, there were two drawbacks to our personal experience: the cost. It’s no secret that things here can be pricey, from food to everyday items. A basic pizza starts at a base price of R150. Fish and chips, on average, cost R150, while a simple toasted chicken and mayo sandwich starts at around R100. Data costs are also on the high side, which may not be ideal for digital nomads. While we understand the need for livelihoods, it’s important to be mindful of the expenses.
In sum, Mozambique has been an exceptional chapter in our travel journey. Our next destination? Swaziland, followed by our return to what feels most like home to us. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures!
Click here for an awesome 360 view of Mozambique – you can thank us later 😉
