Mozambique

[LarryMcG]

Hi All

Anybodly have any info about Flying coastwise to Moz, entering preferably via kosi Bay, to Inhaca, across the bay to North of Maputo and onwards?
What about flight plans?

LM

[John Young]

Don't

You may have a very long holiday and walk back.

Without a proper visa and passport entry authority stamp, you will be PNG. Even if you get all the paperwork in order, bribes and corruption will leave you poor and disillusioned or in jail.

Have had to suck the lemon twice - never thrice

That figure of eight on your dinner plate is not a new form of pasta – it is actually a pig’s snout

Regards
John ZU-CIB

[LarryMcG]

Hi John

I seem to remember an article a while ago, about trikes that landed at the Kosi border, cleared customs etc there, and then flew to Inhaca?

Is that not legal?

I also heard that we no longer need Visas for Moz?

LM

[John Young]

Is that not legal?

Depends entirely on how pissed the local official is. If you can smell booze on his breath from 5 paces, then be prepared for a US$500 bribe.

Had some nasty experiences there - never again

1st time I spent 3 weeks there as a "diplomatic hostage" - AK47 stuck up my ar#e every time I walked around to get food off the yacht etc.

2nd time, I was asked to pay US$500 at Maputo International Airport 'coz the guy said my passport stamp was wrong - despite it being identical to the 3 other passengers. I asked for a receipt - he tore a piece of paper off a clip board and started writing. I argued and he threatened jail. Eventually settled on UD$125 with no receipt.

Eish & tata ma chance

Regards
John ZU-CIB

[Thunderboy]

SO SAD

I have heard too many stories like this

Guys don't let this happen here, do not offer any bribes, REPORT we must NOT go the same way


Let us know what happens anyway Larry. good luck maybe you lucky

[kb]

OK, what I can say. At the Kosi Bay Border, there is a loooooooong tar road for the last few hundred metres to the border. Remember, it is illigal to land on a road unless in a emergency. There are SAPS at the border, and you don't want to get into shite for this.
Flying the coast from St. Lucia, northwards, is tricky. Reason is the following. You need to be 1500' above the highest point in a reserve, and the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands park, the highesty point is approx 2000', even though it is MILES inland. The authorities up there are getting pi$$ed off with guys flying up the coast at 500, or even 1000 feet. Ask me, I know, I have a friend who lives there. Also, landing on the beach up there is a no no, as it is also a reserve.

Larry, are you planning on flying all the way from G-Spot-Town, or trailoring up to KZN.

P.S. Send my regards to Ralf!

[LarryMcG]

Hi KB

Yes, flying all the way to Zanzibar, lots of planning ahead. Looking for Info!

Seing Ralph tonight, will say hi.

[Dreamer]

Sounds like an awesome trip, good luck Larry and keep us informed, love to hear how it goes.

[The Agent]

Me I do not even go there by road.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Check with Horace Block on AVCOM. He does a trip for the rag wings every year along with Mark Jackson. Mayb there is strength in numbers?

[ZULU1]

When I lived in Swaziland up until about 4 years ago I did the annual pilgramage to Inhambane/Maxixe and flew out of Barra Reef. I trailered in from the Swazi side. Avoids landing fees at FQMA. Declared the trike as its engine number using Swazi registration papers...Like a piece of newsprint at the border !! Neil de Lange posted me a very official piece of paper with a lot of stamps on it. This was shown to Inhambane authorities, for those that have traveled in Africa, the more stamps and papers means less hassles...

Must have done about 50-70hrs in Mozambique!

Sure I had Swazi plates. I have never, ever received any hassles whatsoever from any body, (cant say the same for Land Rovers). The authorities at Inhmbane even helped rig my plane. Inhambane is the most amazing art-deco airport I have ever been to. The fuel is terrible, but spoke to many officials with no problems at all.

I honestly speak as I find, we camped at the lodge and did the most awesome flying you could describe. The estuary is pure magic. Did a lot of fish spotting for the Ski boats. Looked for dead bodies for the locals and really didnt want to come home.

Maybe it has changed since. I cant answer that but now the visa requirements have fallen away many good friends from Swaziland go thru Lomahasha to Maputo for lunch.

I will endeavour to find out from my " connections " and post on the forum.
With regards flying up the coast from Sodwana-Kosi bay estuary and to Ponto, done it many times and landed back in SA. Magnificent part of the world.
I think that to fly from mBazwane to view the Lake Sibaya area up to Kosi has to got to be a must if you fly and dont wish to venture outside of the Borders. Jozini dam is not unlike the Lion king with many wild animals on its perimeter, good alternative.

Swaziland incidentally is very much Microlight friendly. I will dig out some pics and post in the best pics section..

But..times change and Africa is Africa..but I did it !!

eish ZULU1
(or should I say Bon Dias !!)

[TanyaK]

I am very sad to hear there as so many problems visiting Moz......

It is one of the destinations I cannot wait to visit via air, but now I am wondering......

Safe flying,
Tanya

[C205]

Tanya don't be put off. It has the most beautiful beaches. We took the skydiving club's plane there twice without any hassles. As long as your paperwork's in order (and you don't do any 'emergency' landings on roads and beaches), you should be OK.
I think I'd rather fly there than drive though. As soon as the local traffic officer sees an SA number plates the dollar signs light up in his eyes.
We flew down and used taxis to get around Maputo. That was an adventure in itself.
:D

[LarryMcG]

Thanks Zulu.

I know there are defintely some guys around who have landed at Kosi border etc, and flown in from there, but am wondering about then talking to Maputo control etc, if one routes from Inhaca acroos the bay North of Maputo. Wanted to know if anyone has done this, especially lately. Main reason for this is that we will be on a time constraint, and will try to reach Inhambane that day, and would be great if we can save the time. Not to worried about the rest of Moz, mostly depends on your attitude, and sometimes wallet.

Trip should be about 4200 km, one way. Possibly longest flight by a woman triker? Depending on time and weather, we might return via lake Malawi.

LM

[C205]

LM you must try and fit in Lake Malawi - its absolutely stunning. We found Maputo ATC's friendly and very accommodating even if they do speak with a heavy accent that's barely understandable.. (maybe we DIDN't understand them :D )
:D
Sounds like a fantastic trip. Hope it comes together! :D