‘Don’t travel next to buses in Mozambique convoy’ drivers advised – Traveller24

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‘Don’t travel next to buses in Mozambique convoy’ drivers advised – Traveller24

5:55 CAT | 09 Jun 2016

Traeller24 (File photo)

Are you taking a round trip through Zimbabwe and Mozambique back to South Africa?

You’ll need to drive in a military-escorted convoy on a 100-kilometre stretch of Mozambique’s main north-south highway because of fears of attacks by RENAMO gunmen.

A lodge in Vilanculos resort has warned drivers who have to join the convoy between the town of Muxungwe in Sofala province and the Save River not to drive immediately in front of or behind buses.

That’s because buses are most likely to be targeted in any attack.

Other advice is for drivers to take cool drinks for the troops likely to be escorting the convoy but not to give any members of the military a lift.

South African drivers travelling directly to southern Mozambique from South Africa do not have to join a convoy because southern Mozambique is unaffected by the unrest.

Drivers are only affected if they are going south through Mozambique after crossing the Zimbabwe border. Those going north through Mozambique towards Zimbabwe or Malawi will also have to join the Save-Muxungwe convoy.

For those travelling south towards resorts like Inhassoro, Inhambane and Vilanculos, the convoy leaves twice daily. The first “run” is at or around 6 am and the second around midday.

Drivers are advised to reach Muxungwe well before these times. Cars are not allowed to travel unaccompanied along this road. For those driving in the opposite direction, the convoy leaves Save at around 9 am and 3 pm.

Travellers must allow for an hour and a half’s driving time in the convoy. The update is being circulated by the Bambazonke emailing list in Zimbabwe, which regularly forwards advice for those intending to travel between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Said the update from Archipelago Resort: “Take tins of cool drinks to give to the hardworking troops. Do not give any army personnel a lift in your car. Try to get towards the front of the convoy when approaching the Save Bridge.”

The convoys were used on the same stretch of road between 2013-14, and were reintroduced in February 2016, according to press reports. Another convoy is reported to be in place further north between Gorongosa and Caia, according to a travel update issued last month by the UK government.

In the latest signs of unrest, a coal train belonging to the Brazilian mining company Vale was fired upon in central Sofala province on Tuesday, it was reported.

Mozambique news agency AIM reported that two policemen were injured in Zambezia province when gunmen opened fire on a bus late last month.

Six tourist lodges have closed their doors in the Vilanculos area because tourists are reluctant to use the main north-south highway, AIM said.

Source: Traveller24