Ponta Mamoli FAQ, Mozambique

No, however there is a fuel station in Ponta do Ouro, although it's best to fill up your tank in Manguzi (town en-route and just before the Mozambique / Kosi Bay Border) because there has been cases in Ponta do Ouro where the fuel has been contaminated.

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!

Yes, although you can drive up to the Mozambican Border in a regular 2WD without the need of high ground clearance where there is secure overnight parking areas on both the South African and Mozambican side of the border during your stay in Ponta Mamoli at approximately R50 - R60 per night (price is subject to change).

Skelm's Parking (South African side): +27 82 624 6518
Part-it Ponta (Mozambican side): +258 84 580 8525

Transfers services from the Mozambican Border to Ponta Mamoli via 4x4 are offered at a fee (approximately R200 per person return) but please get in touch with the following contacts below for clarification. Check with the lodge that you are staying at, if they provide a transfer service from the Border to Ponta Mamoli!

Alfonso: +258 84 769 9708 or
Sandra: +258 84 731 9049 or
Izak: +258 84 200 3717

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 Mamoli 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.

Opening times are from 08:00 - 17:00 / 7 days a week. Be at the border early because during the holiday period, there can be a large queue of cars waiting to get through the border. Take this into account when timing your travel to Ponta Mamoli. Note: DO NOT BE LATE! Plan your trip wisely so that you do not get to the border too late as the border closes 5pm sharp!

Distance from Johannesburg to Mozambique border at Ponta do Ouro / Kosi Bay is approx. 630km (5-6 hour journey - all depending on weather, road constructions and conditions etc.)

Distance from Durban to Mozambique border at Ponta do Ouro / Kosi Bay is approx. 460km (4-5 hour journey - all depending on weather, road constructions and conditions etc.)

Ponta Mamoli from Johannesburg:
The best route is to go along the N17 to Bethal and Ermelo > onto the N2 past Piet Retief > past Pongola > Turn left just after the Pongolapoort / Jozini Dam off the N2 highway > Drive though the mountain pass and over the Jozini Dam wall > Follow signs to 'Kosi Bay' and 'Border Post'. Stop over at Manguzi, where you can fill up with petrol and get basic supplies.

Ponta Mamoli from Durban:
There are 2 routes you can take to go to Ponta Mamoli.

1) From Durban, head North along the N2 > past richards bay and take a right on the R22 just past Hluhluwe. > Drive along the R22 until you reach a t-junction > where you will turn right towards Manguzi (last stopover town where you can fill up with petrol and get basic supplies) and the Mozambique Border Post.

2) This is the scenic route which takes you further North on the N2 and over the Jozini Dam wall. > From Durban, head North along the N2, past richards bay, past Hluhluwe and just after Mkuze and Just before the Pongolapoort / Jozini Dam > take a right towards Jozini Dam Wall. > Drive though the mountain pass and over the Jozini Dam wall > Follow signs to 'Kosi Bay' and 'Border Post'. > Stop over at Manguzi, where you can fill up with petrol and get basic supplies.

Ponta Mamoli is approximately 17km North of Ponta do Ouro. You will need a 4x4 to get between each town.

No, there is no car rental services in Ponta Mamoli - only in main towns and cities in Mozambique.

No, but there is a bank with ATMs in Ponta do Ouro (17km South) that only accept Visa Credit Cards.

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, however - Ponta Malongane & Ponta do Ouro (villages are 7km / 17km south repsectively) have shops where one can purchase sim cards + data.

No, but there is a shopping centre 17km South in Ponta do Ouro, which has all the basics.

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).