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Vilanculos Route Information
Condition of En1
The En1 is in great condition with about 90kms of pot holed road just North of Xai Xai (most pot-holes are shallow but there are a few very deep pot holes - so take care)
and about 80kms of bumpy with the odd pot hole North of Massinga. The road can be travelled using a sedan car. 4x4 is not neccessary.
Komatieport/Ressano Garcia Route
This is the most commonly used route into Mozambique.
Once in Mozambique travel approximately 90kms on the EN4 to the EN1 North turnoff, in Maputo.
From the turn off onto the EN1 North in Maputo, the Vilanculos turn off to the right is approximately 690kms.
It is recommended that you plan to spend one night at one of the resorts/campsites along this route, as you
are looking at a traveling time of around 10 hours for this leg.
Swaziland Route
Not so popular but sometimes used when the Komatieport/Ressano Garcia border post is very busy. The border
post is next to the town of Namaacha and is a lot quieter than the Komatieport/Ressano Garcia border post.
It is approximately 110kms longer and normal border requirements are necessary when going into Swaziland
but it is a pleasant drive through the mountains and farm lands of Swaziland. Once in Mozambique you will
go through the Town of Namaacha. This town is unlike any other town in Mozambique and seems to be almost
untouched by the ravages of the civil war. Watch out for the old cathedral and hospital raised to the
ground by fire on the right hand side as you are driving through the town towards Maputo. There is also
an interesting disused mine a few kms outside of town. The road is good, quiet, tar road with the odd pothole.
Giriyonda Route
This is a new route recently opened after the establishment of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park; a joint
initiative between the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, which
promoted the dropping of border fencing to allow animals to move freely between the two parks.
Only passenger vehicles with good ground clearance can use this route. No goods vehicles/trucks or taxis/buses
can use this route. A 4x4 vehicle is suggested if high rainfall has been experienced in the region although not
a necessity. The route will take you through the Limpopo National Park, beware of the huge speed bumps, past
the impressive Dam wall of Massingir Dam and into Massingir town. From Massingir town the road conditions are
a little better with route being tarred. Beware of the one bridge that was washed away in the floods a few
years ago, it is well signposted and a suitable detour has been constructed. From Massingir town it is suggested
that you travel South east to Chokwe and then onto Macia where you will meet up with the EN1 approximately 60kms
before Xai Xai. Turn left onto the En1 and the Vilanculos turn off is approximately 540kms away.
Pafuri Route
This is the toughest route of them all and you must plan to bush camp for at least one night on the Mozambican
side. Before attempting this route, find out the level of the Limpopo, as you will have to cross the great river.
Contact the Pafuri Border post before departing to find out the level of the river and know that the level of the
river can change overnight depending on the amount of rain that has been received in the catchment areas which
extend far into Botswana. I would suggest only attempting this route if there is more than one 4x4 vehicle traveling
with you and all vehicles must have sufficient recovery equipment. Several 4x4’s from South Africa, have already been
destroyed by the Limpopo river. Walk all rivers before attempting to cross them.
Once you have completed all the usual border formalities at Pafuri, there are two main crossings on the Limpopo.
The first being about 1km down the road from Pafuri border post and then heading North east towards the town of
Chiqualaquala. The river can only be crossed here if the river is very low (like in the middle of winter) and the
second being the more popular, Mapai crossing which is approximately 90kms South East of Pafuri. Plan for, at least
3 to 4 hours drive from Pafuri to Mapai.
There is no fuel or water along this route so you will have to be totally self-sufficient. Bush camping is illegal
in Mozambique so rather plan to camp near a village. Ask the local village chief for permission, before just setting
up camp. You may like to make a small donation also, and remember you are dealing with “royalty”, so be respectful
to the chief and you will be welcomed and looked after with open arms.
Although this route is the shortest from Gauteng, it will take you the longest, but it could also be the most
rewarding. I would only recommend doing this if you are an experienced Overlander or are traveling with experienced
Overlanders. I would also suggest in investing in a GPS and using the Tracks For Africa mapping software. Although
there are a lot of home made signs pointing you towards Vilanculos, it does help to have the reassurance of the GPS
showing you that you are traveling on the correct route.
It is a good idea to confirm the level of the Limpopo, with the Pafuri Border Police at
+27 13 7355777 before you start your trip. Ask them specifically whether any people had came through the Limpopo
at Mapai and what vehicles they were driving. The water level depends on the rainfall in the Limpopo catchment areas and
can change - even in winter.
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