Safety Tips in Mozambique

1 more image

Many areas in the country still have active landmines. The country is dangerous. The police are corrupt, the government corrupt and you can't take chances that they have accurately signposted minefields. They probably haven't. On some motorways they only have road signs on one side because they ran out of money.

If you decide to drive (like I did) don't go for a natural break in the bushes. I saw quite a few villagers missing limbs on my journeys.

Make sure you have all neccesary documents...(make sure you have your driving license, vehicle registration, temporary import papers and traffic triangles, and that you are wearing your seatbelt), and whatever else needed at the time.

If you travel by car, keep cash with you - US$, ZAR of local currency. You will be stopped and something will be wrong with your vehicle!!! Does not matter how new it is or how well prepared you come!! Offer a bribe of about $5 and will will be left alone, do not try to be smart, say you are sorry and it will not happen again - pay your bribe and go!! Unfortunately the salaries of traffic officials are very low - if anything. One of those things - budget it as part of travel expences...

All the towns along the roads have a 80km speed limit as you approach and a 60km limit about 100 meters further. Slow down if you cannot see if the criminal police gangs are there. Even if you are not speeding (I was not) you may still get a ticket. Carry an International Driving Permit or get an official copy of your Driving Licence. It is cheaper than the fine. Hand it over and tell them you need a bank to get the money. They will tell you to go to the Police Station to pay and you get your documents back. Do not do it. It is just another opportunity to pay "Administration Fees". They look like Police, but they are criminals. Keep calm and polite.

North of Inhambane is lots of potholes, they were going to build a new road, if someone knows till where new raod has been made I will be happy if they let me know, old road has terribly bad potholes..plan to drive 40-50km per hour

When leaving restaurants on a few occasions we had children begging grabbing our (doggy bag) from us, some places when you eat they sit and wait for you to leave.I do realise they are hungry and poor but its disturbing so plan to give your ( doggy bag ) to first one you see or hide it if you dont want to give it, on occasion change from local market was taken by force out of my hand... so maybe 2 ppl should go to buy things at a time

Unlike it's neighbor South Africa, Mozambique is far less developed, though it is developing a lot lately. Be wary of locals unaccustomed to foreigners, they are not always very friendly, sometimes suspicious. Oh and mosquietoes can be pretty crazy there too, bring spray, mosquito net if the place your staying doesn't provide them, and malaria pills. good times :)

As in any struggling country, there is poverty. In Mozambique, poverty doesn't really explain it. We didn't ever have a problem, but I heard many stories while I was there. We traveled with a 2 year old, so we didn't go out at night. Take the usual precautions and be prepared for some heartbreaking sights.