Travelling in Mozambique – a Different Perspective
Travelling in Mozambique —a Different Perspective: This is Africa, and all kinds of things happen here, including informal, illegal roadblocks. In Mozambique, they’re a way for the locals to protest against the government. In other countries, they could be a real hazard.
But here, a local businessman, totally assimilated into living and working in Africa, saw things differently as he negotiated his way through a few of these challenging roadblocks, on a drive from Barra to Ressano Garcia recently.
A Different Perspective on My Trip
I left Barra, Inhambane at 11H00 on Thursday 20 February and arrived at the Ressano Garcia border at 07H00 on 21 February.
I want to share my experience from the right perspective. Yes, my trip was difficult, but also not that bad. I was driving my small Mahindra without 4×4, meaning that what was possible for others wasn’t always an option for me. It was mainly at night and in the rain, so I couldn’t take chances on small bypass roads that could have damaged my car.
That’s the reality of life now; you can never predict what will happen or when. Sometimes, you pass through just before a road is blocked; other times, you arrive just after and have to wait for hours.
I was never threatened, and there was no need to be afraid. At times, the situation felt intimidating, but stepping out of the car and becoming part of the hundreds of people around me made it easier. Even those running with sticks were just people like us – especially like the ones we work with daily. At one point, they wanted everyone to join the crowd at a roadblock. I firmly refused but with respect for their cause and they accepted with a smile. Bystanders were friendly, ensuring everyone was okay. That in itself was a great experience! I met people I wouldn’t have otherwise, and by the next barricade, we already felt familiar.
It helped that I am a smoker and shared my cigarettes. When sharing you may receive oranges and coconuts or whatever resources they have available in return.
Some personal recommendations from my journey for travelling in Mozambique (ignore what doesn’t resonate with you):
- Be smart, not reckless. Don’t try to be a hero, but also don’t show fear. Speak your mind respectfully and avoid politics and personal attacks. You can describe a situation as ugly or say that its beauty is overshadowed by the challenges it brings. You decide which one is the better way to frame it.
- Travel with flexibility, not a fixed schedule. In life and here in Mozambique it is best to plan your own emotions and to plan the reactions you will have in different situations that you might encounter on your trip. If you prepare well, you might even be disappointed if you don’t encounter a single barricade!
- Rely on God’s protection. I hit a pothole full of water, unaware of the tree trunk ahead, but God kept my car from hitting it. Many bus passengers share this belief. I wouldn’t step into an elevator, even if God held my hand, yet I met a mother with two children traveling with nothing but her trust in Him.
- Engage with people. Don’t just sit in your car playing games on your phone, rather get out and build cultural bridges. Talk to children, offer water, help an elderly lady find a safe place, share a beer or cooldrink, share your thoughts while accommodating theirs. Be happy! God doesn’t allow challenges just for us to complain; what we do in those moments matters. Life isn’t just about us. You see millions of people think, dream, believe, and act differently, and our response to those differences is key.
- Avoid driving at night if possible. It’s easier to navigate and connect with people during the day and decide and plan upfront what you would do if your trip goes into the night. How will you handle mosquitos and do you have enough food and water. I refused to take a small bypass road at night, despite being tempted. A petrol attendant warned me that some people dig ditches, forcing cars to stop so they can snatch a few items while you’re not looking. If you must take an alternate route, ensure your vehicle is strong and your belongings secure. But staying with the crowd remains the safest choice.
- Make peace with delays. Instead of rushing from A to B, be open to detours as sometimes, they bring the best encounters. Be prepared to help someone in need, even if it is just to put your hand on their shoulder. I once helped someone with a flat tire. Two months later, he saw me in a queue and shared how kind white people are. I could say the same about others as blacks and Indians have helped me more often than whites. I had to lend my spare wheel to three unknown Mozambican people who had two flat tyres after hitting a pothole. I just had to trust them and in the end it was a really good experience.
- Teach your children resilience. They may need it even more in the future. You can either shield them from all risk, or you can prepare them for the adventures—and challenges—that life will bring.
- Reframe tourism challenges as part of the adventure. Our livelihoods depend on tourists returning. Instead of focusing on inconveniences, we must present Mozambique as an adventure trip with holiday benefits. It’s safe, exciting, and enriching. It may not always be convenient, but it will change you for the better.
Final thoughts:
After some rest and reflection, I can say—I’m truly grateful this journey was part of my life.
As they say in the classics – this is Africa.
Sardines and Sighting Maps
We have started the 2025 Sardine Run Map! Download our app to your phone or device, accept notifications, and you will never miss a single sardine.
2024 was a thrilling year for sardines. All the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. The 2024 map has been viewed 200 000 times and just keeps going.
Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. Last year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! This year we have had two sailboat incidents already. PLUS, we have already logged some sardines!
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps…
2024 Sardine Map
2023 Sardine Map
2021 Sardine Map
Channels
Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining surf reporting
Master Watermen – news from way down deep
The Sardine News – neva miss a single sardine
FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus
MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical sport fishing
Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely
Water Woes – complain about your municipality
