Well, we did.
And, it was surprisingly exciting.
Basically, there is one road in Mozambique, the EN1, that goes from the capital Maputo in the South all the way to the North. The road is probably 3000 kilometers long and pretty much the only tarred road in the entire country. We took it for about 500 kilometers. It was in surprisingly great condition and had a police post every 25 kilometers to check for speeders.
We spent the first couple of nights at Bamboozi Lodge, which we can only recommend to our worst enemies.
According to CIA world factbook, the GDP per person in Mozambique is about US$1000 per year. So, you would think that a US$80 per night hotel is quite nice, right? Well, at Bamboozi you get a straw hut, prison beds with mouse droppings, mosquito nets with giant holes, occasional electricity and running water, and a toilet with no seat where the shit hits the fan when you flush ... literally. Not fabulous!
After three nights sleeping fully clothed because of the mosquito net holes, we moved to Casa do Mar, which is run by a lovely South African couple and provides EVERYTHING, yes EEEEEEVERYTHING (I am quasi-quoting Dr. Andy Colombiano from the bar at the Tofo market) you could want on a beach vacation for only US$8 more per night ... including breakfast. Fabulous!
View from hotel room.
Martin and Gregor at "breakfast included".
There is not much going on in Tofo, so we spent the days playing games on the beach with local junior "brrrracelet" makers wagering pens for bracelets and letting them win on occasion.
A fabulous place, if you can take the 30 hours it basically takes to get there.
Other observations:
- A lot of foreign aid in Africa must go to toll collect stations and radar speed traps
- If needed, you can always get free condoms at border posts in South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique - for real
- Do not change money at the border, you might be had ... even if you come prepared
- Do not buy third world service at first world prices
No comments:
Post a Comment