Mocimboa da Praia FAQ, Mozambique

Yes, there is a Petromoc fuel station (diesel only). We suggest you fill up with fuel in Pemba

Click here to see our Pictorial Mozambique Map which indicates where you can find fuel stations. The "F" icon indicates a fuel station.

Fuel is cheaper in their local currency (meticais) compared to rands (or dollars). We suggest you fill up before entering Mozambique's borders and fuel is more expensive the further north you travel!

No, You can drive a regular 2WD vehicle without the need of high ground clearance to Mocimboa da Praia. Road improvements went underway at the end of 2010, so there will be much less potholes than normal.

We always recommend you enter Mozambique in a 4x4 because you won't be limited to where you can travel as well as the possibility of getting stuck. Note: Some borders require a 4x4 to cross. Read more about the border you are travelling through here: Mozambique Borders & Times.

For soft / loose sand driving, we recommend you deflate your tire pressures to about 1.4 bar.

Mocimboa da Praia is one of the most Northern towns in Mozambique, close to Tanzania border. The Ruvuma River act as the Border to Tanzania where there is a ferry that takes your vehicle across the border. Be aware though the official at the border could charge a lot, like 300USD (a thumb suck amount depending what car you have). There are also make-shift "ferry's" (3 dhows tied together with wooden ramps) that the locals have created to transport vehicles across the border - A potentially dicey operation!!

A new bridge has been built (2010) in Negomane Border. Go from Mocimboa da Praia to Mueda (100km), turn right at Mueda which will eventually lead you to Negomane border (approx. 175km from Mueda)!

Most of the beaches in Mozambique and Mocimboa da Praia are strictly forbidden to drive on and you can receive a hefty fine if caught doing so. You are only allowed to drive on beaches within designated areas to launch your boat or sea vessel. Depending on where you're travelling to, please ask authorities, the manager of the lodge or a knowledgeable local resident of the area before attempting to drive on any beach.

Only conservancy officials are given more freedom to drive on the beaches to perform routine checkups on the coast's fauna and flora. This doesn't mean you can drive where they can.

We also strongly advise when travelling along Mozambique's roads that you keep on the beaten track and not venture off-road.

We advise you not to drive at night.

Some lodges and resorts in Mocimboa da Praia hire out 4x4's vehicles but it is important that you make sure you contact the lodge you are staying at if they or any other lodge have 4x4's available to hire out, prior to leaving for your holiday.

You can Hire a 4x4 in Maputo. Contact Euro Rent / Imperial or Expresso Rent a Car for more information.

We advise you confirm prior with the lodge you're staying at if they offer credit card facilities. Otherwise cash is only accepted in small shops and markets.

Yes, Mozambique as a whole is a malaria risk area / country. We recommend you take precautions and visit your nearest doctor (you need a prescription for anti-malaria medication) to prescribe you with what's recommended before you leave for Mozambique.

It is strongly advised that you take other prophylactics like insect repellent sprays, mosquito coils, light long sleeve tops and bottoms to further prevent bites (especially during late afternoons, evenings and mornings).