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Chrisj
amigo
11 Posts |
 Posted - 07/26/2010 : 04:40:55
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Hi Mike,
We have been told that its a great trip to head into Kruger and stay at Letaba Camp then head across the Giriyondo Border Post and then across to the coast. We were told that this was now accessible via 2WD (we have hired a lovely Kia Picanto :-)).
Is this correct and can you advise on transit times and recommendations for places to stay. We are currently in Margate, we are then heading to St Lucia for 3 nights and then heading up through Swazi next Sunday, we were going to stay in N Swazi so we can enter through Malanlane Gate and take a slow drive up to Letaba, stop there and head cross border first thing.
As always your input most welcome .........
Chris and Charly |
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mozman
Administrator
3356 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2010 : 05:04:46
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Hi Chris and Charly
Firstly, note that there is a BIG difference between a 2WD VW (Kombi / Bus) or a 2WD Bakkie (pick-up / Utility) and a 2WD sedan. The Giriyondo route is CERTAINLY NOT advisable in an ordinary sedan, more so as travellers will be loaded making your ground clearance rival that of a vacuum cleaner. The route is quite stoney / rocky in places and your vehicle will not clear these.
From St Lucia may I recommend the following route: Enter Swazi at the Lavumisa / Golela border (0700 - 2200) then go Big Bend - Siteka (look up www.mabuda.co.za) - visit Mlawula and Hlane game reserves - Mhlume - enter SA at Mananga / Border Gate (0800 - 1600) - then enter Kruger at the Crocodile Bridge Gate: www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_Park_Game_Viewing_Routes-travel/crocodile-bridge-gate.html" target="_blank">http://www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_Park_Game_Viewing_Routes-travel/crocodile-bridge-gate.html
Then go to Giriyondo just to ask the border officials whether your car is suitable for the trip through to Massingir (I think they will not even let you through with a high clearance or 4x4 vehicle anyway).
Then enter Moz at the Lebombo (Komatipoort) / Ressano Garcia border post.
Mike |
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Chrisj
amigo
11 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2010 : 05:36:43
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Thanks Mike,
Whats the best time to get to the Komatipoort border, I've been told it gets really busy.
Chris |
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Chrisj
amigo
11 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2010 : 05:39:37
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Also, what about the Naamacha border crossing out of Swazi, and then we can exit from Komatipoort and go via Kruger en route back to J'burg.
Chris and Charly
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mozman
Administrator
3356 Posts |
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Chrisj
amigo
11 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2010 : 05:36:22
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Hi Mike,
Thanks again for the advice, can I trouble you for some more.
As you know we have a poor little 2wD Kia and wanted to know your best recommendations for 3 weeks in Moz. Looking for beachlife, swimming snorkelling, some nightlife (but not too much), chalet style accom., self catering ok although we don't have any camping kit.
Would like to make it up to Tofo, but not sure about roads etc. Welcome your views...........
Chris and Charly |
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mozman
Administrator
3356 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2010 : 06:49:01
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Great nightlife in Maputo so perhaps 2 nights - stay at The Base or at Hotel Costa do Sol.
Oe head straight up to Tofo - from Maputo will take around 8 hours in your Kia. I can recommend Turtle Cove, Nordime's Lodge, or Mango Beach in Tofo.
Do you have the necessary documentation to be allowed to cross the border with the rental? Copy of vehicle registration papers and letter of authorization from rental co with your details (passport number etc) on it essential.
Dont be intimidated by Moz traffic Police - act very friendly but very bewildered. Stick to 10km below speed limits.
Mike |
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Chrisj
amigo
11 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2010 : 05:54:17
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Hi Mike,
Just a quick update to say we got to Tofo and are staying at Aquatic Ocean (which is right in the centre next to Tofo Scuba). For anyone traveling up we can recommend it, although you can pick up a bit of late night noise from Dino's if there is a party on. Easy option - join the party ! See Sharon who is very helpful. The rooms are big, bright and airy, directly on beach, they have fridge and are kitted out for self catering. Although, with the prices of food here we only really use it for breakfast and maybe lunch. Great recommendation for food is Tofo Tofo. Great local spot with excellent food and atmosphere and very well priced. Most expensive dish is 250 Mets (about 5 pounds or 60 rand). Great currys for 120-140 Mets.
Anyway the main point of me logging on was to tell you and everyone that the Goba border crossing was only $25. I didn't question it, but I think its because they are on an old system still. Anyway, bargain.
We are planning on heading up to Vilanculos for a few days, any recommendations on acomodation there, and my usual question is will the car be ok. :-)
Cheers
Chris and Charly
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Tony Weaver
amigo
25 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2010 : 09:17:43
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Hi Chris,
The road to Vilankulo from Tofo is fine, some potholes but nothing serious. Accommodation options depend on what you're after, but Zombie Cucumber and Palmeiras both have reasonable rates and good rooms. As you drive into town, ignore the main tar road that heads north, and head straight down until you hit the beach front, and turn left (north) to both establishments. There's some thick sand, but you should be fine.
A great restaurant on the beach is Samara (check out their room rates as well, we didn't ask, but it looked like a great spot). They are just past Casa Rex, which is a very highly rated spot by those who've stayed/eaten there, but a bit beyond our budget.
For a real treat, hook up with Dave Kimber of Sailaway Dhow Safaris for a three day, two night island safari, sleeping at their tented camp at Chigamane. They are on the same road as Zombie and Palmeiras, just keep heading north. |
Edited by - Tony Weaver on 08/08/2010 09:20:35 |
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mozman
Administrator
3356 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2010 : 12:47:54
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Hi Chris
thanks for the update - great that visa at Goba is still at the old price - makes me wonder how many other border posts have not implemented the $85 charge and also for how long some will keep the old price.
What was the road north of Xai-Xai like? Always interesting to know how far the rebuild is progressing.
Note also (Tony...) that when you get to Vilankulos you turn right (south) at the entrance praca (circle) and then after one block take first left all the way down to the beach where a left will get you to Josef e Tine, Zombie's. Ordinary cars have no problems. I see that Smugglers www.smugglers.co.za also now offer 'backpackers' accommodation. Just checked - it's called Palmeiras (of course - thanks Tony).
(Managed by Smugglers Vilanculos)
Palmeiras Lodge is situated in the village of Vilanculos, no more than 20 metres from the beach. The Lodge offers two types of accommodation. B&B chalets or a Back-Packer Dormitories. The accommodation is set in exotic tropical gardens with a large swimming pool and is within walking distance to numerous local restaurants and bars. Activities such as diving, fishing, dhow trips and island hopping can be arranged through the Lodge.
Chalets (Bed and Breakfast) : 5 chalets with en-suite bathrooms with showers, 3 are free-standing and one family style (2 bedroom, both en-suite with inter-leading doors). All chalets have fans and mosquito nets.
Self-catering Back-packers : Large two bedroom (both en-suite) bungalow. Sleeps 10 people in total. Linen and bath towels provided. Includes a spacious boma area with indoor barbecue, kitchenette (equipped with basic utensils), lock-up storeroom, fridge and freezer.
Lodge details:
Jo: (+258) 82 7538980
Ian: (+258) 84 8292126
Email: smugglers@teledata.mz
Agree with Tony regarding doing the overnight island trip with Sailaway.
Mike
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wanetaba
amigo
32 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2010 : 02:42:48
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Hi Mike,
you need picture from EN1? ;-)
Look here: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/39029293
The road is verry bad, the working is slow and
the Sand is verry muddy by the rain...
(update from 26.07.2010) |
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mozman
Administrator
3356 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2010 : 05:49:55
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Thanks
great fun in a 4x4 - tricky when wet for a car. Still better than the potholes that used to lie in wait to swallow you up.
Mike |
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Chrisj
amigo
11 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2010 : 05:42:06
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Hi Mike et al,
The road was interesting to say the least, but our Kia Picanto struggled through. The worst of it is the sections that they have just prep'd for tarmac so only one side of the road is open, and both directions tend to use one track. This is ok, until you are faced by one (of the many) articulated trucks bearing down on you. Its a case of chicken with thick sand in places to move off into. It got a bit scary at times, but I'm here writing this at least........
Actually we both said that the section after with the potholes was much worse. We captured some photos of the experience on our blog if you want to check them out - www.blogabond.com/chrischarly.
We've decided to stay in Tofo now until Sunday when we are going to head back to Swazi (liked it at Mabudas) and then up into Kruger. Do you have any other recommendations in Swazi that we could check out similar to Mabuda, or even Kruger (I know this is not a Swazi/SA guide.com but your knowledge is very helpful).
One last thing, if anyone is heading into Tofo, check out Chilis deli at the garage on the way in. Run by two lovely ladies, Gill and Jenny, who offer some lovely food and advice.
Cheers
Chris and Charly |
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mozman
Administrator
3356 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2010 : 07:37:45
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Thanks Chris and Charly
on way back enter Swaziland at Namaacha / Lomahasha (24hrs) at spend a couple of nights at Hlane Royal National Park.
Mike |
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Chrisj
amigo
11 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2010 : 09:54:11
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Hi Mike,
We need to go back to Mabuda first, so will use Goba, I believe this is 24 hr too ?
Chris |
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Topic |
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Giriyondo Border Post
