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PinkNosedPenguin
uno
2 Posts |
 Posted - 01/11/2010 : 16:48:07
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We are a family of 4 (children aged 9 and 13) from the UK, thinking ahead about a second visit to South Africa, this time to Kruger. I am looking for something afterwards to provide a contrast from Kruger and surrounding areas of South Africa which is suitable for a family visit. If we had (say) a week to 10 days to head into Moz, could someone please answer these questions:
1) will it be beach weather in August in Inhambane and around? Good, easy snorkelling for the kids straight from the beach? Can you recommend accommodation options for families (e.g. Paindane)?
2) is it culturally and geographically VERY different from South Africa, offering us a great contrast?
3) your views on whether we should drive in rental car from South Africa up to Inhambane and back, or fly there instead? Is 2WD car ok for the trip?
4) is it safe? E.g. would a rental car left whilst having lunch somewhere have its wheels nicked? Could we be held up by 'bandits'? We were happy enough self-driving around South Africa, so interested if we're more likely to run into crime in Moz where, presumably, there isn't a local wealthy white population for whom it is normal to drive their own car and eat out in restaurants etc? i.e. are we, as tourists, more of a target in Moz than South Africa?
5) is the malaria risk higher than the lowvelt of South Africa in August? We will have tablets anyway for Kruger, but is the risk higher in Moz?
Our other option is Swaziland and KZN instead . . . |
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mozman
Administrator
3361 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2010 : 08:07:27
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Ola senora Pinguin!
A lovely set of questions. I have been travelling all over Moz with my two sons since they each turned 4 - they are now 12 and 8 - with less mishap than what happens at home (we live in Joburg).
1) will it be beach weather in August in Inhambane and around? Good, easy snorkelling for the kids straight from the beach?
MIKE: Yes August very pleasant, but the wind can blow, not gale force but enough to limit diving or ski-boating.
Can you recommend accommodation options for families (e.g. Paindane)?
MIKE: My boys and I rate www.casademar.co.za very highly. bUT YOU NEED A 4X4 WITH LOW-RANGE TO GET THERE (just the last 30km or so.)
2) is it culturally and geographically VERY different from South Africa, offering us a great contrast?
MIKE: Yes, could write a chapter on this, in fact I have.
3) your views on whether we should drive in rental car from South Africa up to Inhambane and back, or fly there instead? Is 2WD car ok for the trip?
MIKE: 2WD too limiting in Moz. So highly recommend a 4x4 (with low range) rental from Joburg - look up Europcar and Hertz. You could then do Kruger and take the Giriyondo route up to Inhambane and Casa de Mar. Do a search on this forum as there is piles of info on this route.
4) is it safe? E.g. would a rental car left whilst having lunch somewhere have its wheels nicked? Could we be held up by 'bandits'? We were happy enough self-driving around South Africa, so interested if we're more likely to run into crime in Moz where, presumably, there isn't a local wealthy white population for whom it is normal to drive their own car and eat out in restaurants etc? i.e. are we, as tourists, more of a target in Moz than South Africa?
MIKE; There are surprisingly few incidents involving tourists in Moz - actually less than a handful per year and then usually in and around Maputo. Plenty of locals with money all over Moz nowadays and tourists too.
5) is the malaria risk higher than the lowvelt of South Africa in August? We will have tablets anyway for Kruger, but is the risk higher in Moz?
MIKE: Yes but not if you take the recommended precautions - August a relatively lower risk month.
Our other option is Swaziland and KZN instead . . .
MIKE: That would be like travelling to Holland and visiting Belgium in search of cultural contrasts - you will be disappointed.
Anything else, ask away...
Mike |
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PinkNosedPenguin
uno
2 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2010 : 16:45:13
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Mike,
Many thanks for your replies.
Re your comments on 4x4, we would really rather manage in a normal car - 4x4 rental is exhorbitant (Europcar website just quoted me R75,000 for a double cab 4x4 for a month in August 2010!!!). Thats over £200 a day! Although presumably this is world cup prices gone mad? (I am looking for 2011!) Any recommendations to stay in the Inhambane/Tofo area reachable by 2wd saloon car with snorkelling straight from the beach please?
PnP |
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samuelwest
bambino
6 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2010 : 14:55:53
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Firstly Mike aka Mozman: thank you soooo much for being so generous with your great info on traveling in Moz.
I am also looking forward to your reply on if a 2WD is ok, since I too will not be able to afford a 4x4.
/samuel |
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mozman
Administrator
3361 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2010 : 05:36:43
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Samuel see my posting on other branch of this forum.
Mike |
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AndreM
uno
2 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2010 : 07:16:14
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My humble opinion:
1) Yes- beter than more south. The ocean current is southward from the tropics, thus warm enough to swim. Air temp 25 - 26C
2) Yes - much more "Africa" complete with potholes (altough SA is catching up these days), palm trees, white beaches, different language, etc etc
3)2wd from SA to Inhambane no problem, however from border post at Komatipoort South of Kruger, not from the one in Kruger. Normally the last few km (even meters)to the resort is the problem. Some resorts, like i.e. Barra Lodge is accessable by 2wd. Driving in Moz is slower. No dual lane Hiway and 100km/h max. Traffic police can be difficult, speed fines extreme. Roads to Inhambane are sometimes great sometimes potholed
4)The norm applies - don't flash cash etc. don't go where you don't feel safe etc.For a little money you can rent a car guard.My opinion - more risk in SA
5)Yes - Much more risk than in Lowveldt, altough August is end of winter with less mozzies. If on a short stay use Mefliam or something similar and plenty of insect repellant. Don't let that stop you going tough. |
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mozman
Administrator
3361 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2010 : 11:34:29
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Thanks Andre
sound advice.
Mike |
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Is Moz for us?
