Travel Info for Ponta Malongane and Ponta Mamoli, Mozambique.
If you’re planning a trip to Ponta Malongane, it’s essential to have some information about the best way to reach the destination and the border crossing you should use.

To travel to Ponta Malongane, the most common border crossing used is
Kosi Bay – Farazela Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique.
This border post is situated approximately 10 kilometers north of Ponta Malongane and is the nearest entry point for most visitors.
Kosi Bay – Farazela Border Post is approximately 630 km from Johannesburg and 460 km from Durban.
Kosi Bay Border times – Open 7 days a week (08h00 to 17h00).
If you are late, they won’t keep the border open for you, so best you plan
to arrive before 4:00 pm.
During Peak Seasons, Easter, and from around Mid December – open and closing times may be extended, Please check with us.

Please allow ample traveling time to get to the Kosi Bay border before it closes as road conditions aren’t always good and can slow journey time down considerably. There are often potholes, lots of trucks, and also cattle on the road. Recommended travel time from Johannesburg to the Border is 7 – 8 hours HOWEVER… with the occasional road works the journey can easily take longer.

Komartipoort Border – Ressano Garci to Ponta Malongane.
There is a  tarred road running down from Maputo to the Kosi Bay border and linking with Ponta do Ouro.
The Maputo-Catembe suspension bridge makes the drive down from Maputo much quicker than before (approx. 2 hours).
If you are entering at Komartipoort Border – Ressano Garcia border post you can also travel to Ponta do Ouro on tar via Boane and Bela Vista.
Once you reach the beginning of Ponta do Ouro town where the informal market and Fernando’s are on your left, the new tar road ends.
From that point on the roads are still mainly as they were – potholes and thick sand, for which a 4×4 would be required.
A 2×4 SUV with good ground clearance can also access quite a large area of town.
Should you not have a suitable car, border transfers can be arranged at an extra cost.
Your vehicle can be left at one of the secure border parking lots at a charge.
Around R50.00 per day. (subject to change)
The parking lots are privately run and secure.

These are the Tolls (Maputo to Ponta Do Ouro) and the current cost (2023) You can pay in Rands and you will get your change in Meticals.
Bella Vista- 100MZN
Katembe – 125MZN
Matola – 40MZN
Moamba – 210MZN

PLEASE NOTE that using the Komatripoort border, there can be challenges with
delays due to the trucks, number of people, etc using this border.
It is best to check on the DriveMoz Facebook page for updates and join their Zello Channel.

From Ponta do Ouro to the Ponta Malongane area, a 4×4 will be needed.
2x4s with a diff lock should be fine, but you might get stuck and need to be towed out by a 4×4.

Border Crossing Requirements: When crossing the Border, ensure that you have the following documents:

1. Valid passport: Passports must be valid for 60 Days after the return date for South African passport holders and 6 months after the return date for international passport holders. Passports MUST have 2 or more blank pages available for stamps.
2. Take Note that South African passports for Adults are valid for 10 years and for Children it is valid for 5 years.
   A regular tourist passport contains 32 pages.
   Passports cannot be renewed. Once the validity period of a passport expires you will have to submit a new application for a passport.
   Passports must be valid for 30 days after the intended date of departure.
   Ensure that your passport has two blank-facing pages – one for the visa and one for an entry stamp.
   Passports should also have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. The blank pages cannot include the “endorsement” page at the back of the book.
3. Visa: Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Mozambique. Check with your home country’s Mozambican embassy or consulate for visa requirements. Some nationalities are eligible for visa-on-arrival at the border, while others may need to obtain a visa in advance.
   If you need a visa, you must ensure that your passport has two blank-facing pages – one for the visa and one for an entry stamp. Please read more info on Passports and Travel docs on the DHA website.
   No refunds or postponements will be permitted if you or any member of your booking group does not have a valid passport.
   Visa required for Non-SA Passport Holders. We will need to do an invitation letter to apply for the visa, please let us know before you travel.
4. Passport holders from countries that DO NOT require visas include Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Swaziland, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Lesotho & Namibia.
5. Children under the age of 18 years – Parents traveling internationally with children would now be requested to provide an unabridged birth certificate
   (including the details of the child’s father as well as the mother) of all traveling children. This applies even when both parents are traveling with their children and it also applies to foreigners and South Africans alike.
   When children are traveling with guardians, these adults are required to produce affidavits from both parents providing permission for the children to travel.
   Parents need to note that unabridged birth certificate applications can take anything from six to eight weeks to complete and sometimes longer.
   If applied for UBC/Birth Certificate and not issued, then an Annexure A Letter MUST be issued on application.
6. NB: Please make sure that your passport has been stamped on BOTH sides of the border (SA & Mozambique).
7. Vehicle documentation: Copies of Vehicle registration documents to be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths/police.
8. Where the vehicle is owned by the driver, the driver must present an original and certified copy of the vehicle registration document at border posts.
9. Where the vehicle is not owned by the driver and is still being financed by the bank, the driver will require an authorization letter from the financial institution/bank authorizing the driver to take the vehicle out of the country, this letter must indicate the country and dates of travel. A certified copy of the vehicle registration document must also be produced.
   A good tip is to take the NATIS document that the Bank emails to you to your Bank Branch and have them certify it.
10. Where the vehicle is not owned by the driver but by a company or another person, the driver will require an affidavit from SAPS giving authorization from the financial institution/owner to take the vehicle across the border posts. Attach a certified copy of the registered owner’s identity document and the vehicle registration document.
11. Where the vehicle is not owned by the driver but by a vehicle rental company, the driver must obtain a border letter from the vehicle rental company authorizing the driver to take the vehicle out of the country. This letter should indicate the country and dates of travel. An original or certified copy of the vehicle registration document and a certified copy of the registered owner’s identity document should also be attached.
12. Letter of Authorisation from SA vehicle Insurance authorizing the driver to take the vehicle out of the country, this letter must indicate the country and dates of travel. Note that your SA insurance does not replace the requirement for you to also obtain Mozambican 3rd Party Insurance.
13. Compulsory 30 days 3rd Party Insurance for Mozambique can be purchased at most border posts but is advisable to obtain online prior to departure – Online Via Drivemoz website, Link.
14. Check that your vehicle license, trailer license, and driver’s licenses have not expired (or will not expire while you are on holiday in Moz)
15. ZA stickers – It is compulsory for any South African vehicle, caravan or trailer to have a ZA sign displayed when it crosses any of the borders.
    The ZA sign must be placed on the rear of each vehicle, caravan, and trailer in a visible position and may not be within 150mm of the rear number plate.
    Yellow Safety Triangles When traveling in Mozambique with a vehicle in tow, you must display a set of blue & yellow warning triangles.
    One triangle must be placed on the front right bumper of the vehicle and the other on the rear of the vehicle towed.
    Red Safety Triangles When traveling with any South African registered vehicle in Mozambique you will need to have a set of red warning triangles in your possession.
    Regulations are as follows:
    Each side of your triangle must be 500mm long and 50mm wide, with a thickness of roughly 5mm.
    The triangle must be uniformly-covered in red reflective material.
    The back of the triangle must either be uniformly white or have a 5mm-wide white border.
    The edge of the triangle must be yellow.
    The reflective surfaces must be well-maintained.
    The triangle must be visible from at least 100m in the presence of light.
    Safety Vest Yellow – It is now compulsory for motorists to carry reflective jackets when traveling to Mozambique. Your reflective vest must be made from polyester and it must be closable at the front and adjustable on all sides. The vest must be equipped with polyvinyl reflective strips, no less than 40mm wide, in yellow or green on the front, to the sides, and on the back of the vest. The vest must be worn when at the scene of a car accident when repairing your vehicle on the side of the road, and when reloading cargo that has fallen from your vehicle onto the road.
16. Fire Extinguisher (although not compulsory) is always good to have.
    Duty-Free Import Allowances: Each traveler over 18 years old crossing into Mozambique is allowed to import the following for personal consumption
    only:
    • Groceries up to the value of US$200.00 (Keep receipts)
    • Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars
    • Alcohol: 1-liter spirits or 2,5litre wines (3 standard bottles)
    • Perfume: 50ml perfume or 250ml Eau de Toilette
    • Pharmaceuticals: A ‘reasonable amount’ for personal use
    No beer is allowed to be imported into Mozambique. The local beer is excellent and the famous 2M (Dois M), Laurentina and Manhica brands are readily available. It may be confiscated if found.
    Please be aware that border officials may insist on the presentation of purchase receipts on goods being transported across the border.

    BORDER PROCEDURES for TOURISTS (READ EVERYTHING)

    Remember you can buy your compulsory 3rd Party insurance for Moz on DriveMoz.co.za online, before the time of travel -www.DriveMoz.iSureAfrica.com (Same price as anywhere else)

    SA SIDE: 
    1. Get a Gate Pass as you enter the gate. It will state the Registration No. of the vehicle and the number of passengers.
    2. Drive past the Police Checkpoint. They may stop you and check vehicle papers and other items. 
    3. Park near border offices and proceed to the customs counter.
    4. Get your Gate Pass stamped. Should you need to declare items of value then ask for Customs Temporary import form, complete it, and get it stamped.
    5. Proceed to Emigration Desk and get your Passport and Gate Pass stamped. 
    7. Do your last Cell-calls on the SA network, and change your Message on your phone if you want to, hereafter you will be Roaming… and it is Freaking (R50 to R100 per MB) expensive, especially data (switch data off)
    8. Return to the vehicle, and drive towards the Mozambique side. SA side will collect your Gate Pass.

    MOZAMBIQUE SIDE-NO MONEY NEEDS TO BE PAID to NO ONE for NOTHING except 3rd party if not obtained yet.

    6. Make sure all passports are stamped and with the correct date.
    1. Collect your gate pass as you enter.
    2. Sometimes you have to complete it yourself with the registration number and number of passengers.
    3. State on the Gate pass if you have anything to declare.
    4. Stop near the building.
    NOW CONCENTRATE (Mostly applies when crossing at Komartipoort Border)
    5. DO NOT HAND ANY PAPER TO ANYONE. Guys look like officials with name tags, they are FALSE. KEEP ALL PAPERS WELL PROTECTED.
    Ignore them. No one may check your money, except customs searching vehicle. 
    6. DO Not USE RUNNERS (guys who want to “help” you) – IT WILL COST YOU DEARLY. Their ways are illegal. (mostly at the Komartipoort border)
    7. Do not exchange money at Border-you will be cheated. Exchange at BP or Sasol before the border (Komartipoort border) or in Ponta do Ouro there is a bank.
    8. Proceed to the Immigration counter inside the building, on the LEFT side-one person can meanwhile collect the Temporary Import Permit (TIP) form from Customs Counter on the Left Side of Immigration. 
    9. At Immigration – get all passports stamped and make sure of the stamp and date. 
    10. At Customs, hand Gate Pass and ask for Temporary Import Permit (TIP) form (Normally Duplicate).
    11. Complete the TIP, the “How To” example is under Files of DriveMoz.
    12. Return the duplicate to Customs, they will stamp one and keep one. They will stamp the gate pass too.
    13. Proceed outside, and ask a Customs official in a dark blue uniform (Maybe with a dark blue beret) to sign the gate pass. He may elect to search your vehicle. 
    14. If you have not bought compulsory 3rd party Insurance online you can buy from the kiosks.
    15. Proceed to exit with your vehicle; they will collect your Gate Pass.
    16. Drive into Mozambique. Do NOT stop/wait near the border (Komartipoort border), if you have to wait for someone, go approximately 5km away from the border where there is NO local activity. FM Towers is a good spot.
    18. ENJOY MOZ, DRIVE CAREFULLY, OBEY SPEED LIMITS, USE ZELLO & TELEGRAM
    19. Do not drive at NIGHT – you may have x-ray eyes and good lights – if something happens, you are alone, assistance basically unavailable, people sleep, people party. Really not worth it.

    Cellular phones and wifi data – obtain a Moz sim card in Ponta Malongane.
    You can buy data and set up a wifi hot spot from your phone.
    Switch off your SA data before entering Mozambique!

    Do not bring your dogs on holiday. Although it is relatively easy to bring a dog into Mozambique, it is not easy to bring them back to SA as they will need to be in quarantine for a few weeks.

Weather: Ponta Malongane is warm all year round with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. The rain mostly occurs from November – April and typically during this time it can be very hot and humid.

Shopping: Although it is possible to buy basic groceries in Ponta Malongane and Ponta do Ouro it is advisable to bring the bulk of your supplies from home.
There are bottle stores that sell alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks.
Luka’s Butchery sells a large variety of meat, spices, marinades, salad dressings, and sauces. They can also do spit braai functions as well as provide ready-made salads.
Moz Meat – supply quality meats at fair prices to satisfy all your needs.
Check out the range of offers and shop at their ONLINE store: www.mozmeat.com
Contact Andre at Moz Meat at +258 84 782 5422

Other items in stock: sweets, chocolates, cheese, milk, cream, ice cream, eggs, coffee, sugar, juices, basic camping equipment, mosquito repellants, bait, and lures.
There are 2 other butcher shops in the area and a Market in Ponta Malongane.

The local market sells basic fruit, vegetables, dry groceries, peri-peri sauce, wood, charcoal, and bread.

There is a curio market that sells lovely handmade products.
Please be aware that the SA government prohibits wooden items to be transported across the border and so goods are often confiscated at the border post.
Other items that may be confiscated at the border when returning to SA are Fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish.

Electricity: Due to occasional electricity problems in the area, it is a good idea to pack torches, gas lamps, gas burners, etc to sustain you during downtimes. Power outages and dips are especially common in peak season when demand is high.

Water: The water in Ponta Malongane is not fit for drinking and can at times have a brownish colour and rusty smell. This water is fine for showering etc but bottled water should be used for drinking.

Money: South African Rands, Mozambican Meticais, and US Dollars are accepted in town. Credit cards are widely accepted however there are often problems with Mastercards. VISA cards are preferred.
There is a bank in Ponta do Ouro town square with an ATM.

Malaria: Ponta Malongane and Ponta Mamoli is officially listed as being a malaria area although cases are rare, especially with the sea breeze.
Obtain a medical opinion from your doctor on what precautions you should take. Even if you are taking malarial prophylaxis you should also take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes (Antimozzie spray/cream, coils, etc.)

4×4 Off-Road Driving Tips:
Here is some general advice for off-road driving on sandy beach roads in the Ponta Area.
The tricks are:- 
1) Reduce your tyre pressures to between 1.1 and 1.4 bar.
2) Select the low ratio setting if you have the choice and add diff lock on very sandy difficult looking sections
3) Anticipate the right gear to be in for each section BEFORE you tackle them
4) Now for the most important one – keep up your MOMENTUM on sandy patches, especially on uphill gradients – try to maintain a minimum speed of 15kph
5) Never stop on an uphill gradient if you can help it.
6) If you’re getting nowhere fast and you feel your wheels are just digging in deeper, stop as soon as you can (before your vehicle bottoms), select diff lock if you have it and haven’t done so already, reverse a meter or so and then try going forward again. You may need to do this a few times to get going again.
7) Where there are parallel roads, the general rule is to take the road most well-traveled. In the rain, stick to the higher ground wherever possible.
By the way, driving on damp sandy roads is so much easier than dry ones – much better traction.
8) Carry a tow rope and spade just in case – people are always available and very willing to help if you do get stuck, so no need to worry that you will be left stranded.
It’s an exciting challenge – Enjoy!

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA:

Diving (which, of course, is what Ponta Malongane is known for).
4X4 Scenic Route – go for a drive through the dense pristine dune forest, enjoying the bird life, on soft sand tracks – don’t underestimate the challenges that this route offers you.
A walk along the beach might bring you face to face with a turtle laying her eggs (from October – December).
Dolphin or Whale Shark search – once found you will be able to swim with these magnificent creatures.
Maputo Elephant Reserve is some 50km north of Ponta Do Ouro – the Elephants are very shy. There are also Duiker and other small antelope.
Deep sea fishing – Use your own boat or make use of a fishing charter.
Get your license from the maritime office in town.

Enjoy a tasty meal at one of Ponta Malongane’s many restaurants or watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. Please remember that most restaurants do accept credit cards (unless they are offline) but it is still recommended that you take a sufficient amount of cash along. There is a bank in Ponta do Ouro (BCI Fomento).
Rands and Meticais are accepted at all establishments in the area.
Come and enjoy our beaches, where you can have “fun in the sun” in uncrowded,
unspoiled surroundings… all year round!

Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest travel advisories, follow local laws and regulations, and take necessary safety precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Ponta Malongane, Mozambique.