Tips for a safe and stress-free visit to Mozambique

"All of our visitors leave having had the most wonderful experience at our resort, and we need to make sure that driving to and from the resort doesn't negatively affect that experience," explained John Beekman, CEO of The Beekman Group, developer of the San Martinho Beach Club.

Beekman said: "Mozambique is a wonderful destination and extremely popular for South Africans, but many people are left wondering how safe it is to holiday there? San Martinho Beach Club reiterates that it is extremely safe; however, like when visiting any foreign country visitors need to be mindful of laws, rules, how to deal with authorities and what actions are deemed safe.

Green Line concept

"Mozambican authorities take the safety of their tourists very seriously and have launched the Green Line concept. Should any visitor feel that he has been taken advantage of by a government employee, such as the police or customs officials, he can contact the newly established Green Help Line to lodge a complaint about the incident (the official's name and badge number need to be recorded, which officials are legally obliged to give to you) whilst in Mozambique."

Beekman continued: "It is essential to make sure you familiarise yourself with Mozambique's road-use regulations and traffic fine structure and ensure that your vehicle is compliant with South African and Mozambican legal requirements. Should you be instructed to pull over by a Mozambican police officer, make sure the right steps are followed to ensure that there are no altercations and, finally, familiarise yourself with the officials and which different officials wear which colours."

Visitors and tourists are encouraged by San Martinho Beach Club to make sure that all laws and rules are read up on and complied with to allow for the safest and best holiday. "It is also very important to comply with the vehicle rules, such as all persons in the vehicle need to have a safe and secure safety belt, all alcohol must be closed and in the boot of the vehicle, and, finally, all items being taking into Mozambique are declared," said Beekman.

No visa requirements for SA

A very popular tourist destination, Mozambique is not only beautiful, but also offers a fantastic year-round climate, it is in close proximity to South Africa and therefore accessible via road, and there is no visa requirements for South African passport holders. It really is an ideal holiday destination that offers the same standard of luxury resort facilities as other island destinations.

"We wish to assist you as much as possible to ensure a safe and stress- free journey by sharing Mozambique's travel regulations. The resort offers an escape into an invigorating atmosphere of vegetated sand dunes, pristine white sandy beaches and the signature natural lagoon. You can also immerse yourself in local activities, such as snorkelling and early-morning fishing with the locals," ended Beekman.

For more travel guidelines, go to www.smbc.co.za/drivers.html