Proceed through Manzini (where bought diesel R7.95 per litre), Siteki to Swazi border crossing at Mhlumeni.
Enter Mocambique at Goba - took about half an hour to cross border. Gavin who was travelling on an Australian passport was required to obtain a visa at the border. Officials very friendly and delighted with FIFA ballpoint pens.
Continue by-passing Maputo to Quisico via Mararcuene where we drew money at ATM and were now armed with a fistfull of Meticals (Conversion R1 = 5Mt). Were advised not to proceed to Quissico as extensive roadworks and detours north of Xai-Xai. Decided to call it a day at Parque de Campisuo Xai-Xai by which time it was already getting dark.
Town after town still bore the scars of war, buildings which must have once stood proud are now roofless shells devoid of windows and doors or anything else which is movable. Frequently a very impressive wall has been erected on the "plot" enclosing the derelict building and a shack has been erected within the walls. The reason for this is apparently that although the land is Government owned (99 year lease) the buildings are owned by the Portuguese who fled in the times of conflict. The Mocambiquans are reluctant to renovate the buildings for fear of the "owners" returning and claiming back the buildings.
Distance 415kms
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