Travelling in Mozambique
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.
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):
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.
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