Gorongosa Wild Camp

Driving From South Africa / Maputo There are four border crossings between South Africa and Mozambique. The main border crossing is the Lebombo border (known as Ressano Garcia on the Mozambique side), on the N4 (SA) / EN4 (Mozambique) that links Johannesburg and Maputo. See more border information below. Lebombo Border to Maputo: From the main border crossing of Lebombo, drive 80 km on the EN4 – a high-quality tar road – to Maputo. You will cross two toll plazas between the border and Maputo. In Maputo, take the EN2 toward the EN1. There are plenty of gas stations and restaurants in Maputo if you need to refuel. Maputo to XaiXai: In Maputo, take the EN1 north and drive 220 km to XaiXai. In the town of XaiXai, you’ll find several gas stations, restaurants, banks and a central market. If you’re looking to stop over for a night, the lovely XaiXai beach is only 12 km from town. XaiXai to Maxixe: Continue on EN1 north anddrive 255km to Maxixe. Maxixe is a bustling town with plenty of small shops, restaurants, and outdoor markets. You can also find banks and gas stations here. If you’re looking to stop at the popular beach destination of Praia do Tofo, you will need to turn off the EN1 approximately 25 kilometres before Maxixe onto EN101 (Av. de Maguiguana) and continue 50 km toward Inhambane. In Inhambane, follow signs for Tofo Beach and the road will turn from tar to dirt/sand as you approach Tofo. Here you can enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving with whale sharks and other tropical marine life. Maxixe to Vilanculos: Continue on EN1 north and drive 244km to Vilanculos. If you would like to check out one of the most popular beach resorts in Mozambique, just turn off the EN1 when you see a prominent sign for Vilanculos. The beach is only 18km off the highway. Here you can stay in a variety of accommodations – from high-end beachfront resorts to rustic backpacker hostels. You can do beach activities on the mainland or do day and overnight trips to the Bazaruto Archipelago. This is a good place to stock up on fuel and other amenities as there may not be any reliable gas stations between here and Inchope. If you will be self-catering, this is the best place to do major grocery shopping, as there are only local markets near Gorongosa. Vilanculos to Inchope: Drive back to the EN1 and head north for 403km toward Inchope. The first major landmark you will cross is a large bridge over the Save River. The tar road to Inchope is not well maintained in some areas and you have to be very careful to drive slowly and avoid potholes. You will pass through the small town of Muxungue where vendors sell the fruit and vegetables that are in season. You will arrive at the town of Inchope where Mozambique’s major highways, the EN1 and the EN6, intersect. There are many fuel stations throughout central Mozambique, except for the road from Vilankulos to Inchope. The distance is approximately 400km with limited fuel stations. Inchope to Gorongosa National Park: Go straight through the intersection, continuing on the EN1 for 42km. About a kilometre down the road on the left side, there is a BP gas station where you can refuel. Be sure to fill your tank as there is no fuel for sale inside Gorongosa National Park. As you continue on the EN1, you will cross a bridge over the Pungue River – the views are fantastic! Continue on until you see a large sign for Gorongosa National Park – turn right onto the dirt road. Continue on the graded dirt road for 11 km until you reach the park entrance gate. Now your safari begins! Continue on the road inside the park for 18km and watch for sable antelope, bushbuck, and baboons as you make your way to the reception desk at Girassol Gorongosa Lodge and Safari where you will pay your park entrance fees and get information on the park.