Barra FAQ, Mozambique

Not quite at the beach itself but 7.5km south of Barra along the N242 (en-route to Tofo Beach) near the "Babalaza Centro". Otherwise there are fuel stations close by in Inhambane, which is about about 23km from Barra.

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 Barra, though some of the resorts and lodges in Barra are on sand dunes and you may get stuck driving a normal car. Its best to check with the resort / lodge that you are staying at, and enquire if their lodge requires a 4x4 or not.

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 between 1 ➜ 1.4 bar.

Most of the beaches in Mozambique and Barra 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.

It is perfectly fine if road conditions are good and you're familiar with the area and directions to your destination. However if the roads are sandy, muddy and challenging to drive with poor lighting, then we advise you not to drive at night.

Some lodges and resorts in Barra hire out 4x4 vehicles but it is important that you make sure you contact the lodge you are staying at if they or any other lodge have 4x4s 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.

No, only Major towns in Mozambique have Banks and ATMS. The closest town en-route to Barra to draw money (local currency) is in Inhambane. Inhambane does have a bank.

Be prepared and withdraw a sufficient amount of money either in the country you are travelling from and / or in large cities and towns in Mozambique to avoid inconveniences. Please remember to always keep your money in a safe and discreet place

We kindly advise you ask and confirm with the venue you're staying at or visiting if they offer credit card facilities prior to taking on their services. Otherwise cash is ONLY accepted in small shops and markets, so it's important to have cash on-hand.

Yes, "Mr Fresh Supermercado" (Babalaza Centro) is located 7km south and en-route to Barra selling most basic supplies and needs including alcohol. There are also markets selling fresh produce, meat and fish in Inhambane. Pau (Portuguese rolls) and other bread is sold at the local bakery in Inhambane.

We also advise that you buy and take your own vacuum packed meat (if feasible) for the first night or 2 (if you are going to be self catering) in a cooler box with ice. Please see our Duty Free & Customs page for more information. Check with the lodge if they sell ice or if they have a freezer to store your meat during your stay.

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).