Mutare, Zimbabwe - Vilankulos, Mozambique

Departure 2014-Apr-04 - 12.00     Arrival 2014-Apr-05 - 18.00

Yet again, leaving Zimbabwe and entering Mozambique is easier than expected, still a little trickier then in the other countries. It is obvious that both, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are struggling and people try to make an extra dollar where ever possible. They can try - but they ain't getting anything from me!

Chimoio is the first town after the boarder where I stop for a night and take care of the necessities, like groceries, sim card and so on, before heading east and for the coast. This will be another few-hundreds km drive, including 120km of military convoy and I am not too sure what to expect... As always, taking it easy is the best way to go and I have a good rest before I leave early the next morning.

Mozambique's government 'protects' people driving from north to south of the country on the N3 in an area where they had quarrels with rebells a few times. They are going a few times daily between Muxungue and Rio Save, guarding the convoy with heavy trucks and armed soldiers.

Once I get to Muxungue I have to wait another three hours until they go, still I don't get board. There is around 100 vehicles waiting for the convoy (approximately 3-4 with foreigners) and kids, vendors, spectators who observe the whole thing. I feel rather safe, especially as there were no incidents in the past 2 months anyhow. Actually, the only thing that worries me is the amount of military around.

I make my way safe to Vilankulos - even though the potholes on the N3 are big enough to take a proper bath in them.

Vilankulos is a rather touristy place but isn't busy at all - the weather has been bad the last weeks. Great .... their typhoon season is longer then usually and it is too windy to go diving at the Bazaruto Archipelago. Thus I just hang out, enjoy the ocean and the chilled vibe in this town. Baobab Backpackers is a good place to do so...

continue with ... TOFO