Visit Mozambique where Vasco Da Gama landed in 1468 on his way to India... Maputo is truly a wonderful city and you will enjoy the trip tremendously. The city tour takes about three hours, lunch at around one o’clock. Tour ends back in Malalane at about five or six depending on how busy the border is. There is water on the vehicle. Take some small notes with you don’t take just hundreds or two hundreds.
Twenties, fifties and tens is fine because whatever you buy you’ll get change in the local currency. South African coins are not accepted. You can buy fresh prawns at the fish market but you have to bring your own cool box and preferably a soft one as a hard one will take up more space. If you want to buy anything in Maputo ask your guide to help you barter, the vendors will see you as a tourist and try and get the most out of you.
Tour departs from Malalane town at 06h30 and travels to the Lebombo border post which is approximately 30 minutes away. At the border it’s time to go through the process of getting passports stamped. International guests require a Visa and can get this at the border for $85 US or €61. The current cost in meticais for a Mozambique Visa equates to approximately USD85 or EURO60, subject to change without notice.
The officials seldom have change so we recommend you have change, but please note foreign currency coins are not accepted. Currency must have no markings on the notes and only USD notes printed in 2006 or later are accepted. The first stop will be Tricamo Village (or similar) for morning coffee (own account), which is approximately 45 minutes drive from the border.
This lovely coffee shop has the best coffee. The coffee beans come all the way from Portugal and there is a large variety of delicious pastries that will let your mouth water. The Madeira cakes, chocolate croissants and Portuguese tarts are to die for. You can also taste fresh Pão, this is Mozambique’s traditional bread - fresh and hot from the oven.
After this comfort stop we head for the city. You’ll be amazed at the development going on in Mozambique. It’s truly something to see. First stop in Maputo is at the Train Station which is a beautiful old building and a must see attraction. Paul Kruger, the founder of the famous Kruger Park and President of the Transvaal Republics attended the opening here in 1896.
Visit the Central City Market where you can buy freshly roasted cashew nuts and almost anything else imaginable! Drive past the City hall, Lady of Fatima Cathedral - the biggest Roman Catholic Church in the city, the famous Polana hotel and Polana church. You will also see the Botanical Gardens, and the House of Steel designed and built by Mr. Eiffel himself. Your guide will drive along the famous “Avenida de Marginal” the palm lined avenue along the beachfront with spectacular sea views.
By then every ones appetite is worked up and a stop will be made for lunch (for own account - not included in tour price) at a local Restaurant where seafood is on the menu, and you can indulge in one of the local beers or freshly squeezed pineapple juice. After lunch we barter with the vendors for crafts and start heading back to South Africa.
PASSPORTS ESSENTIAL! International visitors need a VISA to enter Mozambique which at the current rate of USD 85pp (own expense) is obtainable from the border and is payable in either USD or ZAR (South African Rand). South Africans don't need a VISA, however there is a fee (border tax of +/- R17pp) payable in cash at the border (own expense).
Families travelling with children under the age of 8 years old will need to book a private vehicle and guide for the day, please contact us for rates and availability. No children under the age of 8 allowed on Shared Tours.