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At Ventos do Mar Lodge, your safety and peace of mind are as important to us as your comfort.
Mozambique is a peaceful, welcoming country – but like anywhere in the world, a little preparation and awareness goes a long way.
We’ve put these notes together from our own experience and from what other travellers have learned. Please read them carefully:
they will help you have a safe, relaxed journey to us.
Before you travel, double-check that you have all your documents up to date and ready:
Valid passports
Unabridged birth certificates (UBCs) with copies (less than 3 months old) if travelling with children
Vehicle and trailer registration papers
Valid vehicle and trailer licences
3rd Party Insurance (compulsory for Mozambique) – buy this online in advance to avoid stress at the border: https://bit.ly/Moz-3rdParty-Insurance
Spare keys
Reflective jackets
Warning triangles
Check your spare tyre, and don’t forget the lock key for it
Keep a roll of toilet paper in the car – it can be very handy on the road!
Please do not drive at night.
This is one of the most important travel tips we can give you.
Night driving can be dangerous due to:
Pedestrians (sometimes under the influence)
Vehicles without lights or reflectors
Limited access to help if you break down
If something happens after dark, you may be left vulnerable and alone – and at that time, finding safe accommodation is very difficult.
Plan to reach your destination while there is still plenty of daylight.
Bad things can happen at night – avoid the risk.
You only need to pay MT750 for the TIP (Temporary Import Permit) – nothing else.
Do everything yourself. Do not use a “runner” (helper). All the information you need is provided – and if you use a runner, there’s a good chance you’ll regret it on your way home.
Make sure your passport is stamped with the correct date.
Keep all your documents in a closed folder.
Ignore anyone pretending to be an official – these scammers are being removed, but stay firm and polite.
Never show your money in public. Only customs officials in blue uniform can check it.
After leaving the Lebombo border:
Do not stop within 5 km of the border.
This area has a higher crime risk – keep moving until you are clear.
Lock your doors and keep your windows up.
Always lock your car, even if someone claims your partner wants change or help.
Hide valuables.
If you are travelling as a couple or group, let one person handle the paperwork while another waits safely at the vehicle.
Jamming devices have been used before – make sure your car is locked by physically checking.
This insurance is compulsory and different from South African 3rd Party cover.
It works like South Africa’s Road Accident Fund – it protects you on Mozambique’s roads.
Buy your 3rd Party Insurance online before you leave to save time, avoid scams and ensure you are covered. The approved providers we recommend also support charity projects in Mozambique.
Mozambique rewards patience.
Speeding will only save you 30–40 minutes – and it increases your risk of accidents, fines, or hitting a pedestrian.
Relax, slow down and enjoy the views.
If travelling in a group/convoy, leave 200 metres or more between vehicles (about 3–5 seconds). This allows other vehicles to pass safely and gives you time to stop if something unexpected happens.
When leaving a town:
If there’s no clear “end of speed zone” sign, look for the oncoming traffic’s speed sign.
Go about 100 metres past that sign before accelerating.
Top speed is normally 100 km/h. Even if the sign shows 120 km/h, towing vehicles must not exceed 100 km/h.
We share this guidance because we truly care about your safety.
Follow these steps and your journey to Ventos do Mar Lodge will be as smooth and enjoyable as your stay with us.
At Ventos do Mar Lodge, your holiday starts the moment you leave home – and we want that journey to be safe, smooth and enjoyable.
Mozambique is a beautiful country with its own rules and ways of doing things.
Here’s what we ask all our guests to remember, so you can focus on making memories and not mistakes.
Accidents do happen. If you make a mistake, stay calm, be respectful, and deal with it honestly.
Print out the documents, maps and legal guidelines available in our Files Vault and keep them in a travel folder – they can be very useful on the road.
We highly recommend loading two free apps before you leave home:
Zello – a walkie-talkie style app that works on data
Telegram – similar to WhatsApp
Learn how to use them before your trip. They are an excellent way to get advice if you are lost, need help, or want updates on weather, road conditions, fishing and more.
On Zello, the DriveMozChat channel is a friendly place to reach out if you need support.
Always wear a shirt while driving and no alcohol (open or closed) in the vehicle cabin.
Avoid slip-ons or flip-flops when driving.
No part of your body should be outside the vehicle.
All passengers must wear seatbelts and stay within the official seating capacity (as per your licence disk).
Children under 12 must be strapped into a car seat.
Switch off your radio and remove sunglasses.
Stay polite and respectful.
Verify what the issue is and check whether it applies to your vehicle.
Refer to the printed law document (from our Files) to confirm the fine amount.
If you are in the wrong, pay the fine and insist on an official receipt.
Do not bribe under any circumstances. Bribes fuel corruption, and the Mozambican government actively monitors this.
Do not roam – data roaming is extremely expensive (R50–R100/MB).
Instead, buy a Moz SIM card before you travel from DriveMoz. We will FICA it and pre-load airtime that you can convert to data. Mozambican data is very affordable, so this is by far the best option. Leave a small amount of airtime for local calls.
Diesel in Mozambique is now standard 50PPM.
Always stand next to your car while it’s being filled.
Check that the pump meter starts at ZERO.
Ensure fuel goes directly into your tank (not into a nearby can or another vehicle).
When paying with a card, double-check the amount, shield your PIN, and never let your card out of your sight.
Note: Exchange rates at fuel stations are not favourable.
All border procedures are explained step-by-step in the Members Area on our website.
Remember:
The only fee you pay is for your TIP (Temporary Import Permit).
How to complete the TIP is detailed in our Files.
Do not pay for any extra services – there is no need.
Do not exchange money within border areas.
Use the ATM on the Mozambican side instead. Exchanging in the border zone is risky and can attract police attention.
The Ring Road is a newly built shortcut that bypasses the traffic congestion of Maputo and Matola.
Use it to head north – the on-ramp is just after the Matola River and is clearly signposted towards Xai-Xai.
Don’t confuse this road with Moamba North or South – these are gravel roads. They are fine for high-clearance vehicles, but towing is not recommended.
This road saves a lot of time: 17 minutes to EN1 compared to 2 hours through Maputo.
There is a well-known speed trap at Chizavane where many drivers think they are out of the 60 km/h zone but aren’t.
Save these GPS coordinates in your navigation:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18-oUYWXYzOrsDHPI-rWU1rJcDQm6KYP3&usp=sharing
Stay alert and you’ll avoid unnecessary fines.
Mozambique is a place of beauty and warm-hearted people.
Respect the country, its laws, fellow travellers and holidaymakers. If you see someone in need, lend a hand.
This journey is as much a part of your holiday as the destination – take it slow and enjoy every moment.
Travelling on the roads in Mozambique can be a very pleasant experience and like anywhere else in the world there are things that you must be aware off. The N4 continues from South Africa to Maputo and it is managed by the company Trans African Concessions (TRAC). In Mozambique there are two toll Plazas, namely the Moamba Toll Plaza and the Maputo Toll Plaza. Both accept only cash Metical, Rand or US Dollar and change will be paid in the local currency.
With this in mind, we wish to assist you in a safe and stress free journey by sharing Mozambique’s travel regulations with you. There are different officials on the road performing specific functions in controlling various elements. When stopping for an official, please indicate, stop and turn on your hazard lights. Kindly turn down the music and remove your sunglasses. The officer will appreciate this as a small token of respect.
1. Officers in White Shirts and Blue Trousers – *Traffic Police* – shall carry identification, with their names and number visible on their uniform – are permitted to fine you for any traffic violations listed in this table. Please insist on a written fine and do not initiate a bribe.
2.1 Officers in Light Blue Shirt and Dark Grey Trousers – *Protection Police* – are NOT permitted to fine you for any violations. They are allowed to take you to the police station for arrest only if you are found carrying stolen goods or illegal substance or contraband, or for theft or assault. They normally work together with the Traffic Police.
2.2 Officers in Olive Green uniforms with thin broken brown lines – *Protection Police*
3. Officers in Light Green or White Shirt and Green Trousers with red Armband – *Municipal Police* – are only permitted to check taxis.
4. Officers in Blue Shirt and Blue Trousers – *Alfândega (Customs)* – permitted to search vehicles for undeclared items.
5. *Military* – allowed to search vehicle at roadblocks or border posts.
6. Officers in LIGHT Green – *Rapid Intervention Police* – similar duties to Protection Police.
7. Officer in Light or Dark Blue Shirt & Blue Trousers – *Maritime Police* – manage the beach and water crafts/vehicles/boats. They are permitted to fine you.
**Useful contact numbers in Mozambique:
**Anti-corruption/help : +258 82 396 9890
ER24 Maputo : +258 84 124 3724
TRAC EN4 Route – Emergencies: +258 82 303 4303
South African High Commission in Maputo: +258 82 303 4303
After hours: +258 84 304 4600
*CONVERSION OF A SOUTH AFRICAN DRIVERS LICENSE
**It is possible to convert a South African Drivers License to a foreign driving license in the country where he / she currently resides. To start the procedure the applicant must approach the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) in South Africa. It will be in a position to issue a confirmation letter should such an applicant have a valid drivers license – as confirmed by the eNATIS system in South Africa. This letter will serve as proof that the applicant does indeed hold a valid license and it will enable the person to convert the license to a foreign driving license in the country where he / she currently resides.
Process to follow: Request the RTMC in writing for a printout and confirmation letter of your drivers license.
Request must include: Your contact details – including a fax number; Copy of your bar coded ID document; Copy if your drivers license.
RTMC in South Africa is Boardwalk Office Park – Phase 5, Boardwalk Boulevard, Faerie Glen, 0043
**Mozambican Traffic Violations & Fines (Road Decree 1/2011)
**1. None compliance to permanent and temporary traffic road signs (Art 14) = 1000MTN
2. Drivers shall not drive with any part of their body outside the vehicle (Art 16) = 1000MTN
3. Not reducing speed at: hills; bends; intersections; circles; bridges; tunnels; villages; buildings; schools; people; animals; places of reduced visibility; and places signposted as danger (perigo) (Art 32) = 1000MTN
4. Speed limits (Art 33):
The only road in Mozambique which allows a speed of 120 km/h is the main road from Resano Garcia border to Matola.
• Small passenger vehicle w/o trailer in towns 60km, out of towns 100kmph
• Small passenger vehicle with trailer in towns 60km, out of towns 100kmph
• Goods vehicle in towns 60kmph, out of towns 100kmph
Exceeding max limit up to 20km/h (within towns) & 30km/h (0utside of towns) = 1000MTN
Exceeding max limit up to 40km/h = 2000MTN
Exceeding max limit up to 60km/h = 4000MTN
Exceeding max limit more than 60km/h = 8000MTN
Exceeding max limit more than double = Prison sentence of between 3 days and 3 months, plus fine = 8000MTN
Speed cameras must show speed travelled & date of the offense.
5. Exceeding seated passenger limit (Art 55) = 500MTN
6. Cargo reducing driver visibility (e.g. canoes must face up or protruding the length or width of the vehicle (Art 56) = 1000MTN
7. Not having correct or working illumination, light signalling devices, reflectors, lights, blue & white towing sticker (Art 59, 60) = 1000MTN – 2000MTN
8. Failure to use emergency lights with vehicle breakdown or tow (Art 63) = 750MTN
9. Ignoring traffic signals (Art 69) = 1000MTN
10. Throwing objects from vehicles = 500MTN
Having alcohol inside the vehicle and not in the trunk/boot (Art 81) = 500MTN
1. Driving under the influence of alcohol, when tested by breathalyser (Art 81):
Between 0.0mg/l – 0.3mg/l 1,500
Between 0,3mg/l to 0,4mg/1 = 2500MTN
Between 0,41mg/l to 0,7mg/l = 3500MTN
More than 0,7mg/l = 5000MTN
More than 1,2mg/l = 5000MTN
A public transport or dangerous cargo driver – if over 0,0mg/l = Prison sentence up to one month plus fine prison sentence of up to 6 months plus fine (Art 81)
Apart from the fine you get your driver’s license confiscated, and depending on the reading it will determine the period that it will remain confiscated.
2. Driving under the influence of narcotics or psychotropic (Art 81) 2000MTN
Failure to fasten seat belt while driving, front and back (Art 87) 500MTN
1. Children under the age of 12 not transported on the back seat and secured with a system for their height and weight (fine for each child) (Art 87) – Children under the age of 3 can travel in the front seat if using a back facing retention system (Art 87). 300MTN
2. Drivers and passengers of motorcycles not wearing helmets (Art 87) 300MTN
3. Driver using any audio headphone or radio/telephonic (cell phones) device without headset with microphone/loudspeaker (Art 89) 2000MTN
4. Prohibited to use equipment/devices to detect instruments for recording offenses (radar detectors) – devices can be confiscated (Art 89) 2750MTN
5. Failure to have 2 safety triangles and 1 reflective jacket (Art 91) 1000MTN
6. Driving an unregistered vehicle (Art 120) 5000MTN
7. Driving an unregistered trailer (Art 120) 2500MTN
8. SADC drivers licenses are valid (Art 129):
Driving with an invalid drivers license = 1000MTN
Having a drivers license but not carrying it with you (Art 127) = 200MTN
Not being qualified to drive (never taken test and received license) = Prison sentence of between 3 days and 6 months, plus fine (Art 127)
Driving with an expired license (more than 30 days) (Art 127)
Not complying with medical restrictions of drivers license (Art 127)
9. Failure to stop after causing an accident or abandoning injured/deceased persons = Prison time between one and eight years (Art 152).
10. Failure to have 3rd party insurance (Art 157) In the event of an accident vehicle will be seized (Art 162). *Remember 3rd Party insurance is compulsory* (Must be Moz registered Company).
11. Seizure of driver’s license (Art 160):
When license has expired;
When license has been suspended;
When driver under the influence;
Suspected it is falsified.
12. Seizure of vehicle documents (Art 161):
When the vehicle is seized;
When the papers are illegible;
When the vehicle is unsafe;
Number plates do not comply with regulatory conditions;
When characteristics of the vehicle (including tyre measurements) do not match those on the papers (CHECK weight, colour or any info of the car matches the paperwork); = Suspected they are falsified.
13. Regarding the above, the official will use a note as a substitute for a time and restrictions set thereon, e.g. for the vehicle to be taken for repairs and must be returned repaired within a maximum of 8 days (Art 161) 1500MTN
14. Seizure of a vehicle (Art 162):
Vehicle not conforming to registration specifications;
No number plates;
An accident has been caused without 3rd party insurance;
15. Voluntary compliance/payment of fines must be exercised within 15 days at any Provincial Traffic Department of Police (Art 172).
16. Driving on the beach without a permit = 22 000MTN
**NOT IN THE ROAD DECREE – NO FINE
**Light vehicles not having a fire extinguisher.
Objects on the back seat of the vehicle.
Driver not wearing a shirt or shoes.
Wearing sunglasses while driving.
Mozambique Articles = “Boletim da República – Publicacäo Oficial da República de Mocambique
https://www.fe.gov.mz/images/documentos/Decreto_Lei_n_01_2011_Aprova_o_Codigo_da_Estrada.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3KYO3giIeSJl6hI72anlklb1y-yE7bI4gAJAUQb34bq8yIbEL6VDiYXzA
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