We have crossed the Limpopo at Mapai by means of the barge on 29/6/10.It was worth the effort although very risky. We were two vehicles (Hilux & swb. Pajero) , trailor and 8 people.We had to unpack everything and the goods and people were shipped across the river separately. It took about 1.5 hrs.and costed us R1450.00. The River was definitely to deep to cross by means of driving throug.
Latest info from the Pafuri border police is that the district tractor has been towing vehicles through at the Pafuri Limpopo crossing. Note that quite a few Zimbabwe cross-border traders use this route to avoid the chaos and corruption at Beit Bridge. So there may just be a queue for the services of the tractor - also note that if the tractor breaks down or has a puncture it can take months before repairs are done.
Limpopo is dropping quite fast now - farmers are irrigating their winter crops. Mike
Sorry, im back today and i have now a internet-connection... Short update from 19.july2010: The river its to high (ca. 1 - 1,50m) for a crossing, the barrage is still working for 500 Rand. The locals beginns to build with the dam. The track to Masingir-Damm is lonley and sometimes rough. More information later or per E-Mail. Grettings.
so the tractor tow at Pafuri and the barge at Mapai still the way to cross the Limpopo - I would go for the tractor at Pafuri but make sure all air inlets well blocked if no snorkel.
Fri 13 Aug at 11:00 local time: just off the phone to Pafuri where a person called Nersengani (policeman I think) informed me that vehicles have been driving through the Limpopo at Mapai since last week. He did say that some got stuck and there were locals helping where needed.
He also said that Zimbabwe cross-border traders in 2WD bakkies (pick-ups) with trailers were going through the border and usually they cross at Pafuri and enter Zim at Chicualacuala (Sanga).
Barge crossing of Limpopo: Pafuri - Vilankulos
Posted - 07/12/2010 : 17:22:51
