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Kingsley Holgate isn't just a seasoned explorer, but an off-roading guru and that's why he is a Land Rover ambassador.
The man is like the oracle and just has a wealth of knowledge from his decades of exploring the continent and beyond.
From the best routes to take, learning some basic foreign languages, and extra travel documents you might need, Holgate shares some basic tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday for those hitting the long road this holiday.
READ: Quick Guide to Mozambique - Visa-free travel for South Africans
For the many South African holiday seekers preparing for road trips to Mozambique for the holidays, seasoned explorer and Land Rover ambassador Kingsley Holgate has some basic tips to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.
The most travelled man in Africa, together with son and Expedition Team Leader Ross Holgate, have border-hopped into Mozambique with their Land Rovers more than 50 times over three decades, and while many South African sun-seekers are well-versed in negotiating these borders, Kingsley has some valuable knowledge to offer his friends in adventure.
We’ve experienced the Zen of travel for more than 30 years. There’s no reason why crossing African borders needs to be a stressful experience. In fact, safe passage can be easier accomplished if approached with a relaxed attitude.
1. Chill out
Many travellers reach a level of anxiety ahead of a border crossing and wrongly begin preparing for a confrontation. Instead, prepare to make friends. A positive approach can go a long way toward a pleasant relationship with border officials.
Image: Motorpress
Be cordial. A friendly smile, peaceful hand on a shoulder or sociable pat on the back can mean the difference between proceeding to your destination quickly or being stuck in a lengthy standoff. This advice will ring true for any border in Africa.
2. The long road may be the most enjoyable
The Kosi Bay and Komatiport (Lebombo) posts might be the most common and direct routes for South African travellers, but be prepared to wait in queues up to kilometres long, especially in the holiday season. Why spend hours parked and waiting when you could spend far more enjoyable time on the road?
Image: Motorpress
The Giriyondo gate in the Kruger National Park is bound to be a quieter crossing into Mozambique and offers another element to the journey with animal sightings in one of the greatest reserves on Earth.
My personal favourite route for getting to Mozambique is through Swaziland. It’s only around R50 to enter the Kingdom of Eswatini, and fuel is also cheaper there. The more stamps in your passport the better, so earn a few more by crossing through the Goba or Namaacha posts.
3. Keep comms open
By law officials in Mozambique are required to speak basic English, but negotiations can be eased with some reciprocal language learnings. Get familiar with some friendly greetings in Portuguese.
Image: Motorpress
Good morning (bom dia), good afternoon (boa tarde) and good evening (boa noite) could be just the icebreakers needed to solve tricky situations. Even just a friendly hello (hola) or how are you (como esta?) could come in handy.
Keep lines of communication open with friends and family at home as well. Make sure someone is aware of your rough travel timetable and expected whereabouts on certain days.
4. Paperwork, paperwork
There’s no need for me to express the obvious importance of passports, ID documents and driving licences, but there’s other paperwork to consider when driving into foreign countries from South Africa.
If the vehicle you’re travelling in belongs to someone outside of your party you’ll need a letter of permission from the owner to take it across the border.
Image: Motorpress
The same is true if the vehicle is financed from a bank. Obtain a letter from the financial institution giving permission to take it into Mozambique. Make copies of all these documents, including the aforementioned obvious ones, and keep them safe.
Pay special attention at passport control to make sure your books are actually stamped before proceeding. Incorrect entry stamps or lack thereof could mean hassles when leaving the country.
5. Be prepared
While payload space is often occupied by loads of holiday gear, it’s advisable to keep some room for necessary tools, spares and a first aid kit.
Make sure your spare wheel is properly inflated and jack is in place and functional. If your vehicle makes use of locking wheel nuts, double-check that the key socket is safely stored in case you need to change a wheel.
Image: Motorpress
A medical kit can be useful to treat minor injuries, but it can also help save a life in worst-case scenarios so make sure yours is packed and full of necessary items.
Mozambique is also a high-risk malaria area, so take precautions to prevent infection. If you or anyone in your group begin feeling symptoms such as headaches, chills, nausea or fever, don’t hesitate to get treatment. This could save yours or someone else’s life.
