Tofo - Massingir - From sea to Limpopo

Yes, We were up early again. Last time to witness this beautiful sunrise...

 Back on the road, toward South Africa this time. Not via Maputo, but into the wilderness of Gaza Province. But first I had to overcome some other obstacles.

 Not this one, we did not need it. This is firewood stacked alongside the road, trees are probably going to be as scarce as in Malawi if they go on like this...

Not this one either, this is old Portuguese architectonial thought on progression. Now part of the heritage of the country, a somewhat neglected heritage.

Mozambican Marketing in action. We should try this at home!

My real obstacle was behind this bus. It was a traffic cop. He took all my money. And why? I drove into a village and reduced speed. When I saw the sign that marked the end of the village I picked up speed again. Just as I hit one hundred I was waved to the side by this very unfogiving officer. He explained I had to pay 4000 Mtn (100 EUR) on the spot. I did not have more than 2500, so het took that after a while of hasseling about going to the bank and retaining my drivers license. As it turns out, yu have to wait until the sign says you can go faster again, which was after a school in this case. Funny thing is though that these signs are missing in half the cases. 

But hey, that's progression, and a radar gun (worth about 250 EUR is a good investment. I dodged a few other speed traps and then we were near XaiXai again. KFC is in town! 

Luckily there are alternatives that give a bit more charm to the place

And some restoration project possibilities left.

 Interesting places along the coast, apart from Xai-Xai? I think Chidinguele could be a touristic hotspot, and Zanzala looks nice too.

But we went inland at this point. Toward the unknown, in the direction of Giriyondo, where you can cross into the Kruger.

Before Chokue (Chokwe) this sight. Apparently these are flood plains, so permanent structures are not worth erecting. Instead these tent-like structures were standing alongside little agricultural plots. Are they to be abandoned altogether when the rain comes in january? 

Further up the river it seems more organised, canals, dams and this wonderful contraption. It's a footbridge, too.

The countryside became more and more deserted, goats and a railroad crossing being the only distractions from miles and miles of bush. A good road by the way, far better than expected, all the way up to Massingir

And onto the Massingir Dam. Five kilometres of nice road, where you can not stop.

But we had to, because our number plate fell off at one of the many bumps.

And then, at the other side of the dam, or destination, Limpopo Game Park!

Unfortunately, we could not stay at Albufeira Campsite, we had been rebooked in Agua Pesqueira, a campsite some 30 kms into the park.

Which meant some driving on sandy dirt roads. Not so bad, actually, far better than the rocky stretches in other parts of the park.

The view was worth it!

First time we hade to use the emergency food I had bought when leaving South Africa. Meatballs and lentils it was, spiced up with garlic salt and peri-peri sauce. It did the trick, the kids loved it!