Ponta Chemucane FAQ, Mozambique

No, but there is a Puma fuel station just outside the village of Bela Vista on the N200 (Boane Road) if you are travelling North from the Komatipoort / Namaacha border posts where fuel, freshly baked bread and basic supplies can be purchased as well as restrooms. If you are coming from the Southern Kosi Bay / Ponta do Ouro border post, then you can fill up either in Ponta do Ouro or in Manguzi, KZN just before the border (recommended)

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!

The drive from Johannesburg to Ponta Chemucane is approximately 664kms travelling through the Komatipoort Border Post and through the Maputo special Reserve's Futi Entrance 24kms South of Bela Vista

The drive from Durban to Ponta Chemucane is approximately 518km going through the Kosi Bay / Ponta do Ouro Border Post and through the Maputo special Reserve's Futi Entrance 24kms South of Bela Vista.

When travelling and calculating time, please consider the border opening times, ques and the time it takes at the border, speed limits, poor road conditions, weather etc.

The drive from Maputo to Ponta Chemucane is approximately 120km when travelling through the Maputo special Reserve's Futi Entrance 24kms South of Bela Vista.

Yes, to reach Ponta Chemucane, you'll have to travel throught the Maputo Special Reserve which strictly requires a 4x4 to navigate the loose sandy tracks.

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 Ponta Chemucane 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.

No, but 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. Maputo been the largest city in Mozambique has all the banks and ATM's you need. Draw money before you head off to Ponta Chemucane.

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.

No, there are small shops in Bela Vista 24km from the Maputo Special Reserve Futi Entrance where one can buy very basic supplies including the Puma Fuel Station. Otherwise there are numerous large shopping centres in Maputo approximately 120km of Ponta Chemucane heading North along the N200. Do all the necessary shopping in Maputo before heading off to Ponta Chemucane. If you're crossing the Kosi Bay Border Post, then do your required shopping needs either before the border in Manguzi or in Ponta do Ouro

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).