Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2½ hours between the border and Cuamba). On the Malawi side, minibuses go from the
border to Liwonde. Another option: the weekly Malawi train between the border and Li-
wonde (currently Thursday morning from Liwonde to Nayuchi on the border, and from
Nayuchi back to Liwonde that same afternoon). There is basic accommodation at Entre
Lagos if you get stuck.
Via Mandimba
: Malawian transport goes frequently to Mangochi, where you can get
minibuses to Namwera, and onto the border at Chiponde. Once in Mozambique (moto-
taxis bridge the approximately 1.5km of no man's land for Mtc50, and then vehicles take
you to Mandimba town), several vehicles daily go from Mandimba to both Cuamba (three
hours) and Lichinga.
To/From Lilongwe
The
Dedza
border is linked with the N103 to/from Tete by a scenic tarmac road. From
Tete, there's at least one
chapa
daily to Vila Ulongwé and on to Dedza. Otherwise, go in
stages from Tete via Moatize and the junction about 15km southwest of Zóbuè. Once
across, it's easy to find transport for the final 85km to Lilongwe.
SOUTH AFRICA
Border Crossings
Giriyondo
(8am-4pm October-March, to 3pm April-September) 75km west of
Massingir town, 95km from Kruger's Phalaborwa Gate
Kosi Bay-Ponta d'Ouro
(8am-4pm) 11km south of Ponta d'Ouro
Lebombo-Ressano Garcia
(6am-10pm) Northwest of Maputo; very busy
Pafuri
(6am-5.30pm) 11km east of Pafuri Camp in Kruger National Park
To/From Nelspruit & Johannesburg
Large 'luxury' buses do the route daily (US$40 to US$50 one way, nine to 10 hours). All
lines also service Pretoria. It's best to organise your Mozambique visa in advance, al-
though most of the companies will take you without a visa. The risk: if lines at the border
are long, the bus may not wait, in which case you'll need to take a
chapa
the remaining
85km to Maputo.
