So we went to MOZ, for some sand and DOIS (M)!

[Ratel]

Here is my report of our trip this past weekend to Mozambique, more specifically Bilene. I am sure Adventurer, Corkscrew and Rieks will post their pics in due course.

For me and Supergirl this would be our first long distance camping, and to Mozambique, trip ;D As the long weekend drew closer the excitement was getting bigger and bigger!

Amazing how much paperwork one needs to cross the border?!? :-\

Corkscrew joined us from Centurion and the plan was to meet Adventurer, Peaches and Cherry in Belfast. As luck would have it we met at the Ultracity between Witbank and Middelburg.

From there we hauled ass to Komatipoort where we overnighted at the "Komati River Chalets". Very comfortable and recommended. We got there just as it was getting dark.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Only 3 Photo's - WTF  -whre's the rest - c'mon








still waiting...








Slightly bored...






Still waiting. :happy1: :happy1: :happy1:

 

[Grootseun]

:iamwithstupid:

 

[Ratel]

Friday morning early saw us getting ready to tackle the last leg into Mozambique towards Bilene. We decided to take the dirt road towards Bilene, that saves about 60-70 kms as compared to going tar via Maputo.

Turned out to be a relatively easy road with just enough man size potholes, wash aways, deepish sand, animals, people etc to keep you from falling asleep ;D

Now if it had rained this would take it to level 5 in no time flat

 

[Ratel]

After a little tar we finally made it to Bilene where we had some lunch before we were to take the last 7 Km to Laguna Camp - our camping spot for the weekend.

"What's the last 7 kms like" we asked the booking agent. "Not to worry, I ride it in my Corsa Lite" Yeah right - that's the one with 4 wheel drive, dif lock and raised suspension >

Turned out to be quite the sandmonster - especially for heavily laden DS bikes...

 

[letsgofishing]

Looks great so far.... more please!

 

[Ratel]

It took us a while but we finally got to the camp and promptly set up camp. Dinner was superb, and not too expensive ;D

 

[Ratel]

The rest of the weekend was spent lazing around and doing as little as possible.

In that kind of heat you must make sure not to dehydrate - we made doubly sure ;D ;D

 

[Ratel]

Next day we decided to get some nice pictures on the beach:

Finished off the day with dinner at Palmeiras, next door (7 kms). Fortunately the owner lent us his Landcruiser

 

[Ratel]

Rieks ,who also joined us, had some friends there with another Landcruiser and we jumped at the opportunity to explore around the lake and go to the sea.

There are some massive sand dunes on the way there. One guy tried four times to get back up - you should have seen the relief on his face!!!

 

[Ratel]

Monday Morning arrived all too soon

Packed up and started the long road home. We left Bilene at about 07:00 and got home at 21:15.

We did not go via Komatipoort but rather through Swaziland as it was probably going to be a nightmare at the Komati border post. All the other border posts were a breeze, walk in , walk out

Total kilometers for the trip was 1550 of which 795 was the last day.

Thanks to everyone that made it a memorable experience - we will be back  :thumbsup: :toothy9: :thumbsup:

 

[PARAMED]

Awesome..... Well done to all of you...

That sand looks tough!!

Moz really still is a great destination to us South of the border types...

Thanks Ratel and crew,some great Pics! 8) 8)

Cheers Bryan

 

[Grootseun]

Nice report...looks awesome...

thanx for sharing

 

[MrBig]

Looks fantastic!
Can't wait for a stint that way.

 

[pierredb]

Looks really lekker!! ;D .......even the sand! >

 

[Colyn]

Great ... thank you for sharing.

 

[Plothond]

Lekker one Ratel

You got more guts than I care to have - DAT DAMN SAND  ;D

Nice Report, Nice pics, Just NICE 

I see SG's bike is on the road again, and she looks as if she had a good time - Well done to you both

 

[Red]

Wow.  Look like some intense sand aerobics. 

Thanks for sharing.  It look like you had a big jol.

 

[Adventurer]

Great report Ratel. Hats off to you, Supergirl, Rieks and Corkscrew. It was great to ride with you guys and share the wonderful experience that is Africa.

This was also Cherryâ??s first cross-border ride, and the novelty of having her passport stamped 6 times was wonderful to watch, she is very proud of her stamped passport and the fact that she visited 2 countries that border our own, she took great pleasure in learning a bit of Portuguese, camping with her parents, falling off in the sand with her dad, helping him pick it up again, and traveling 750 km back home in 14 hours.
She has always heard about our cross-border experiences after we return, I was concerned that the relative hardships we endure during the trips would put her off, not so, she is already looking forward to the next one.
Peaches en route to Komatipoort.

Corkscrew

Ratel, on the lonesome Katoomâ?¦

Supergirl, the only one to not fall off the entire trip.

Sorry guys, that thing is not airworthyâ?¦..

Obligitory Coke Stop.

They grow plastic bags in Mozambiqueâ?¦

They even have watchdogs in Bileneâ?¦..

Corkscrew takes a tumble..

Me next!

WHOOHAA!!! Weâ??re here!

Opposing brands join forces.

The daily poseâ?¦Ratel and Supergirl.

The KTM got tired.

Say no moreâ?¦

Lorenzoâ??s Spaza Shop, South Africans Welcome.

This sign speaks for itâ??s self.

African sunrise.

Front of Laguna Lodge.

Rise and shine, Rieks.

4X4 trip to the beach.

Check the reflective bling.

Last pic with my camera, in true WD style, first the pic then the help, thereafter my camera ate dust, completely jammed!

Swaziland.

We say our goodbyes here, Rieks and company had lunch at friends in Swaziland.

Back in SA!

A very big â??Thank Youâ?? to all that went on this trip, I cannot remember Zeldaâ??s whole familyâ??s names, Rieks, please fill in the blanks.
Also a big â??Thanksâ?? to Louis, owner of Laguna Lodge, and to Mac, for taking all our heavy luggage back to town. It was truly a lekker weekend, it was great to do another trip outside South Africa again, Mozambique, although in bad need of a coat of paint, has very friendly people, lovely beaches and very lekker seafood. A country well worth visiting.

 

[Ratel]

Some nice pics there Adventurer!! Especially the "sunrise" one.

When are we going again ;D