Access

How to Get There

The park can be accessed by the routes indicated on the map and approximate distances and travelling times are detailed in the below table.

Note: Suggested average speeds for travel within National Parks is 40km / hour and for travel in Mozambique is 80 km / hour

The main access road between Giriyondo and Massingir, including access to Campismo Albufeira is accessible by sedan however the park recommends use of a 4x4 or high ground clearance vehicles. All other park roads are only accessible by 4x4 or high ground clearance vehicle. The Road network in the Centre of the Park which requires river crossings may be affected following heavy rainfalls.

The speed limit is 40km/h.

The communities living in the park as well as their cattle and goats commute along certain sections of the road. Drivers are to please ensure that speed limits are obeyed and that you drive cautiously, especially through the community villages

Entrance Gates

The Parque Nacional do Limpopo can be accessed from three entrances:

Giriyondo Border Gate.

This is a formal border gate situated between the Kruger National Park and Parque Nacional do Limpopo, northeast of Letaba in the KNP. Valid passports and car papers are required. Visas can be purchased at this gate. This border gate is a tourist border gate and is not open for commercial traffic. If you are towing a boat or trailer, registration papers are also required for these.

Giriyondo Gate Times:

From 1 April to 30 September: Opens 08h00; closes 15h00
From 1 October to 31 March: Opens 08h00; closes 16h00

Pafuri Border Gate:

This is a formal border gate situated in the north of the Kruger National Park. Valid passports and car papers are required. Visas can be purchased on the Mozambican side of the border gate. However, a foreigner in Mozambique who needs a visa to enter South Africa will not be able to purchase such visa at Pafuri Border Gate and will have to return to Maputo where he can apply for a visa to enter South Africa.

Pafuri Gate Times:

Opens 08h00 and closes 16h00 throughout the year.

From Pafuri Border Gate it is possible to cross the Limpopo River en route to Banhine National Park, Vilanculos, etc, during the dry season only.

Massingir

Massingir gate is located within Mozambique in the south of the park.

Massingir Gate Times:
Throughout the year: 06h00 – 18h00

Note: Transit visitors entering the Park at Massingir within 1¾ hours of Giriyondo Border Gate closing time must reserve camping or chalet accommodation at either Albufeira or at Aguia Pesqueira as there are no camping facilities at Giriyondo.

Border crossing

South African and Mozambican citizens do not need visas when visiting either country. All other passport holders require visas unless stipulated to the contrary in your country. Visa for all Nationalities entering into Mozambique can be obtained at Giriyondo Border post, the Mozambican Embassy or Consulate in your country. It is however recommended that visas are obtained from the embassy or consulate prior to your travels.

Car papers indicating the registration number, engine number and chassis number are required. Should the vehicle not be registered in your name, a letter from the owner is required giving you permission to take the vehicle across the border. If you are still paying off the vehicle, a letter is required from both your insurance company as well as the financial institution allowing you to take the vehicle across the border.

Rental vehicles can cross the border; however, the necessary documents must be on hand. It is noted that not many rental companies allow one to rent a vehicle in South Africa for travel in Mozambique and permission must be obtained from the rental company before arriving at the border gate.

A South African driver’s license is valid in all the SADC states. Mozambican driver’s licenses are also valid in South Africa. Other passport holders do require an international driver’s license.

Border Fees

Border fees can be paid in either South African Rands or Mozambican Meticais. These fees are currently R26.50 pp (R10 est) per vehicle however these may be subject to escalation.

Third Party Insurance

Third party insurance for vehicles is not obtainable at the border gates, but can either be purchased at the PNL’s reception at Massingir gate or beforehand.

Tourists’ Allowances

• Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of smoking tobacco *
• Alcoholic drinks: 1 litre of spirits AND 2.25 litres of wine *
• Perfumes: 50 ml perfumes OR 250 ml of toilet water
• Pharmaceutical Products: Quantity considered reasonable for consumption
• Other foods: Up to a value of US$50 (or equivalent)
• Import Duties: Import duties of around 40% may be applied against any item that is being imported or deemed not reasonably required for the journey. Tourists are recommended to ensure that any holiday equipment (e.g. tents, cameras) are not presented in a “new” condition by removing price tags, packaging etc.

* These allowances do not apply to persons under the age of 18 years

Prohibited or restricted items: includes narcotic drugs, firearms, weapons, pornographic material, counterfeit goods, plant material and meat and meat products

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