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lady with red dress walking on beach

A Week Away

Travel

Every now and then we need time out, ‘me time’, self care time.  I couldnt think of a better place to escape to than the warm waters and remote beaches of Mozambique.  Get away from the kids, phones, emails, people, time to find yourself again.  We tend to pour ourselves out into our children, work, home, friendships and this busyness chases us away from who we really are.  We need time alone to gain perspective on our lives:  what should we be prioritising? what should we be spending our time and energy on?  What is our real purpose on this planet? Escape the loud and busy life and book yourself into a luxury house on the beach in Mozambique.  Book outside of the school holidays and get a special rate for a single person or a small group (perhaps you prefer to go away with a special friend or two?).  Speak to GoBundu and we will help you find the right spot at the right price. Laugh more, take yourself less seriously and lightly.  Here’s how you can do this in Mozambique at a GoBundu property: Read a book by the pool Spend a full day in nature:  swim in the sea, walk on the beach Stargaze while sipping yummy drinks Go skinny dipping Make the ultimate ice cream sundae Do some journaling Take everything with that you need for a full self care day - have an all-day at-home spa day for yourself! Go for a sunset walk Watch the sunrise with a plunger of coffee Find a new Netflix series to binge (this house has free wifi and Netflix) Build a sandcastle Tan/sunbathe around the pool - sunshine D does wonders! Have breakfast outside Have a bonfire at night Eat refreshing summer foods outside, like salad, fruit, smoothies Do a DIY project (like make friendship bracelets, knit, paint or draw a picture!) Plan your next trip (life is short) Lie on the beach and cloud-watch Learn to cook a new dish (grilled seafood, a fancy salad, kept friendly burgers etc!) Pick a bouquet of wildflowers Go snorkelling at low tide (this is the perfect house to walk to this snorkelling spot) Learn to speak Portuguese Spend time on YOU.  You will not regret this investment, it is money well spent! Contact Lize on +27282549193 and discuss your trip with her.  She has years of knowledge about Mozambique and will help you book that week away! WhatsApp:  +27 78 209 3330 Email:          lize@gobundu.com

rolled clothes

Space Saving. Does Rolling or Folding Clothes take up less Space?

Travel

There are two ways you can go about packing your clothes for travel.   You can roll them or you can fold them.  The best way to pack depends on a number of factors including the material the clothing is made of, the type of clothing you wear, how much clothing you pack, and personal preference. This guide outlines the pros and cons of rolling vs folding clothes when packing. We’ll cover organisation, space savings, wrinkle minimisation, clothing materials, ease of packing, packing speed, and much more. Hopefully, this guide helps you pack a bit more efficiently on your next trip.  Space Savings: Does Rolling or Folding Clothes Take Up Less Space? In most cases, rolling your clothes saves space in your luggage. This allows you to pack more clothing. Alternatively, you could use a smaller piece of luggage. If you plan to travel with a carry on only, you’ll probably want to roll most of your clothes. Rolling clothes take up less space because rolled clothes are a bit more dense. When you roll tightly there is less air trapped between the fabric. Folded clothes are less densely packed. When you roll clothes, you’re also packing out toward the sides. You fill all of the empty space in your bag. This leaves a bit more room on top. While packing rolled clothes, it appears that you’re saving a lot of space. In reality, the difference is pretty minor. Rolling clothes is not always the most efficient way to pack. Some items of clothing take up less space when folded. This is the case with bulky clothing like sweatshirts and jackets. If an item of clothing is too bulky when rolled, try folding it. It may save some space. Roll my shirts and pants then stack your folded jackets on top.   Organization Rolling clothing allows you to see your clothes more easily. All of your clothes are rolled in neat little bundles next to one another. You can easily look through all your clothing without having to lift layers off or unpack. Visibility is great. This makes it faster and easier to find an item of clothing in your luggage. If you’re looking for your favourite red t-shirt, you can easily spot it and grab it. You don’t have to hunt around for it. This comes in handy if you’re staying somewhere where you don’t have space to unpack and spread out. When you fold your clothes, some of your clothes are hidden. You have to lift layers to find what you’re looking for. Clothes can unfold when you remove one item buried between layers. It takes more time to dig through the layers to get what you need. You may have to partially unpack to get one item of clothing. It’s a bit harder to stay organised when you fold your clothing. Packing and Unpacking Rolled Vs Folded Clothing Folding clothing is faster than rolling. After some practice, you can easily fold a shirt or pair of pants in one quick motion. You can simply stack your folded clothing and move the stack into your bag. Chances are, most of your clothes are already folded at home. In that case, you can stack the clothes you want to pack and transfer the stack straight from your dresser drawer into your suitcase. It’s faster and easier to pack when you fold your clothes. Unpacking folded clothing is quicker too. When your clothing is folded, you can remove the whole stack from your luggage and transfer it into a cupboard at your accommodation. This is nice if you’re staying in the same room for multiple days. You can move in and make yourself at home. If you’re the kind of person who likes to unpack, folding your clothes may be the better choice.  If you don’t unpack, it can take a be a bit more difficult to remove the item of clothing you need when your clothes are folded. You may have to dig through your bag or remove some items. Rolling clothes requires two steps. First, you have to fold the item of clothing. Then, you roll it up. You have to roll carefully to avoid creating wrinkles. You also need to roll tightly so your clothes don’t take up too much space. Rolling clothes properly is somewhat time-consuming. It’s slower than folding. When you roll your clothing, you must also place each item in your luggage one or two at a time. You can’t grab 8 rolled shirts all at once like you can with a stack of folded clothes. It takes more time to pack. Unpacking rolled clothing is also a bit more time-consuming because you have to remove each item one or two at a time.  If you don’t unpack and just live out of your suitcase or backpack, it can be quicker to get what you need when your clothing is rolled. You can see all of your clothes and easily remove one item without disturbing the rest of your clothes. This makes rolling the better choice for those who live out of their suitcase and never completely unpack.  If you find that your clothes are wrinkled when you unpack, try hanging them in the bathroom while you shower. The steam from the shower can help to loosen some of the wrinkles. Of course, if your accommodation comes with an iron, you can iron the wrinkles out. Which Types of Clothing Should be Packed Rolled Clothing made from synthetic materials such as polyester or Lycra Casual clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, skirts, jeans, and travel pants Delicate items including socks, underwear, and swimsuits Anything made from wrinkle-resistant fabric Long pants. Many travellers prefer folding pants but I prefer rolling  Items that you would hang up in your closet at home Which Types of Clothing Should be Packed Folded Clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or wool. Cotton and linen wrinkle easily when rolled. They wrinkle less when folded. Wool clothing tends to be bulky when rolled. It takes up less space when folded. Formal clothing such as button-up shirts, suits, dresses, and dress pants. These tend to wrinkle less when properly folded. Consider using a garment folder to reduce wrinkles and keep your dress clothes clean. Bulky items such as knit sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, and jeans are often best folded. These items are too bulky when rolled. Thin and lightweight clothing, such as those made from silk or rayon. Particularly thin clothing tends to take up less space when folded. Items that are usually folded on store shelves are best folded when packing When you fold clothing, consider where you make the fold. Ideally, try to fold your clothing along the seams. Try to make folds in places that aren’t too visible. In most cases, there will be a slight crease where the fold was. How to Roll Clothes for Travel Rolling your clothes is pretty straightforward. When rolling your clothes: Lay your clothes out flat on the bed or floor. Smooth out any wrinkles.  Try to fold your clothes only along the seams or in spots that won’t be too visible. This prevents hard creases in visible places. If you’re using packing cubes, try to fold your clothes so they’re the same width as your packing cubes.  Start rolling. Be sure to smooth out any creases or bunched-up spots as you go. This will help you keep your clothes wrinkle-free. If your clothes are wrinkled when you pack them, they’ll be wrinkled when you arrive at your destination. Try to roll your clothes fairly tightly. They’ll take up less space this way. Rolling tightly can slightly compress your clothing. You don’t want to roll too tight or the fabric can get stretched out. To roll a t-shirt, lay the shirt out flat, fold the sleeves in along with an inch or two of fabric on the sides. Next, roll from the bottom. Alternatively, you can fold your shirt like you normally would then simply roll it up. Another option is to fold the shirt in half vertically, fold the sleeves into the centre, then roll. To roll a pair of pants, fold them in half vertically at the waist then roll them up from top to bottom. Watch this video to see how to roll your clothes. How to Fold Clothes for Travel Packing dress clothing without creating wrinkles is a challenge. Chances are, your clothing will have some creases when you remove it from your luggage. There is no avoiding it. You can reduce wrinkling by properly folding and packing your clothes. To fold a dress shirt, button it up all the way and lay it face down on a flat surface such as a bed or table. Spread the sleeves out to the sides then fold them back toward the middle of the shirt. You want to fold the sleeves near the shoulders to avoid creating visible creases. Next, fold each side of the shirt in about 3 inches toward the middle. The sleeves should make a ‘V’ pattern. Finally, fold it in half from the bottom up. You can fold it twice if you need to save space. As you fold smooth out any wrinkles. To fold jeans or dress pants, lay them out flat and fold them in half at the waste. Next, fold them in half around the knee. Fold them in half again if necessary. As you fold, be sure to smooth out any wrinkles. Another Option is Stuffing Clothes Another packing technique you can use is stuffing. Simply stuff clothing into empty space without folding or rolling it. This is a great way to fill up any empty volume in your luggage. Some jackets, such as rain jackets and down puffy jackets are designed to be stuffed.  What’s the Best Way to Pack Clothes for Travel? The best way to pack your clothes is a mix of folding and rolling. Fold button-down shirts, dress clothes, formal clothes, bulky clothes such as sweaters and jeans, and clothes made from natural fibres such as linen and cotton. Roll everything else including t-shirts, shorts, dresses, activewear, skirts, socks, and underwear. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds. It’s also the most efficient. While packing, take time to roll or fold your clothes properly. As you roll or fold, flatten out any bunched-up spots so your clothes stay as wrinkle-free as possible. Fold or roll carefully so all of your clothing is uniform in shape and size. It’s easier to pack clothing when everything is folded or rolled into the same size. If you have sloppily folded clothes with different dimensions, they won’t stack neatly and they’ll take up more space than necessary. It’s also important to consider convenience while packing your clothing. Place items that you’ll need to access regularly near the top. Place items that you won’t need as often near the bottom. For example, you’ll want to pack your socks and underwear somewhere you can easily access them. You can pack your rain jacket and swimsuit near the bottom of your bag because you probably won’t need these every day.

Surf boards to hire

Surfing Mozambique

Travel

Mozambique is one of the most underrated and rewarding surfing destinations in the world.  Located just above South Africa, on the Indian Ocean side of the African continent, Mozambique has some incredible, uncrowded waves. Most decent surfing opportunities are located on the southern part of Mozambique with the two best surf spots being Tofinho and Ponta do Ouro, a world-class point break. Ponta do Ouro is located on the very southern tip of Mozambique and it is one of AFricas longest waves!  However, Ponta can be pretty fickle and needs proper swell and wind direction work properly.  When it does, South Africans rush up north to surf this amazing point. While some waves in Mozambique are starting to be known worldwide, this country still has many unexplored territories and the most adventurous surfers can definitely find waves that have barely been ridden before. Surfing lessons and hiring of surfboards is available in Ponta do Ouro on the main beach at the Beach Bar. You can ask anyone in Ponta do Ouro to point you towards the Beach Bar situated at the campsite and they will show you. WHEN TO SURF IN MOZAMBIQUE The best time to surf Mozambique is during the austral winter season which lasts from June to September.  That is when Mozambique receives the most consistent swells and favourable winds. WHERE TO STAY IN MOZAMBIQUE GoBundu has the perfect surfing pozi, a one-minute walk away from the main surfing spot.  Clean, private, and furnished with everything you need for a comfortable self-catering holiday stay.  Various restaurants are within walking distance of the house.  Click on this link to view and book your surfing holiday now.   GETTING THERE Ponta do Ouro is right next to the South African border and many South Africans drive all the way up there.  Many others fly up to Maputo and drive around.  Mozambique is a fairly long country, most of the good surf is in the southern region. Here is a useful link to check surf conditions in Ponta do Ouro. Contact GoBundu for accommodation: +27 78 209 3330 Lize@gobundu.com  

Olive Ridley Turtle

Snorkelling with an Olive Ridley Turtle

Travel

Three days into 2023 and once more I’ve realised the richness I achieve comes from nature, the source of my inspiration. I'm currently in Mozambique, staying in accommodation that lends itself to being (in my personal opinion) home to one of the best nearshore snorkelling spots in Southern Mozambique, Frederico’s Bay in Ponta Mamoli.  I woke up early this morning and went snorkelling with a friend in front of the house around 7:30 am.  The array of colourful fish amongst all the coral and rocks is so soothing to the soul as the eye captures the sea creatures all around you. Out of nowhere, an Olive Ridley turtle came swimming past us, it's as if it was gracefully flying through the water.  We decided to follow the turtle and landed going down a rabbit hole.  What a wonderfully, surreal experience!  The turtle taught us how to move with the rhythm of the ocean, to not fight it but just go with it.  Amazingly peaceful. My friend saw a rainbow reflect off the turtle's shell and it was as if God was saying ‘This year will be filled with Hope’. When visiting this area of Mozambique be sure to bring a snorkelling mask, snorkel and flippers along - there’s a whole new world waiting to be explored under the waves of the ocean. To book accommodation that is within walking distance from Frederico's Snorkelling spot contact GoBundu.com on: Book and Pay Online:      https://tinyurl.com/GoBundu-Ponta-Mamoli Email:                               lize@gobundu.com Phone:                             +27282549193 Whatsapp:                       +27782093330

The Cattle Egret

Travel

GoBundu issues a weekly Wednesday Birding Blog Post.  Each post will feature a bird that has been sighted by GoBundu on their travels around Southern Mozambique over the last 16 years, together with a link that takes you to the exact google earth location that the specific bird was sighted.  If you are a keen birder keep an eye on GoBundu Facebook page and Blog every Wednesday for specific locations on where you can spot various birdlife. Cattle Egret Click here to view the precise sighting location that GoBundu saw a Cattle Egret:  Gobundu spotted a Cattle Egret at a watery/marshy area between Ponta Mamoli and The Elephant Reserve, on the outskirts of Lake Piti in Southern Mozambique.  This location is around a 20-30 minute drive north of Ponta Mamoli (click on the above google earth link to view the exact sighting spot).  Other birds that where spotted in this area are: African Jacana Lesser Jacana Woolley-Necked Stork Little Egret White-Breasted Cormorant Dabchick Cattle Egret Breeding bird has a red bill, and buff plumes on the head, breast and mantle, but is never as dark as Squacco Heron.  The bill is shorter and more robust than in other white herons, and there is a noticeable shaggy bib and throat that give this species a distinct jowl.  The legs are never black, but vary from dark brown to yellowish green, and are red at the start of the breeding season. Habitat:  Essentially non-aquatic, most often in association with cattle or game.  Highly gregarious. Status:  Common resident. Call:  Typical, heron-like ‘aaaark’ or ‘pok-pok’ If you would like to book accommodation in this area and try to spot the Cattle Egret - perhaps even riding on an elephant! check out this link https://www.gobundu.com/ponta-mamoli-accommodation

Black Crake

Travel

GoBundu issues a weekly Wednesday Birding Blog Post.  Each post will feature a bird that has been sighted by GoBundu on their travels around Southern Mozambique over the last 16 years, together with a link that takes you to the exact google earth location that the specific bird was sighted.  If you are a keen birder keep an eye on GoBundu Facebook page and Blog every Wednesday for specific locations on where you can spot various birdlife. Black Crake Click here to view the precise sighting location where GoBundu saw a Black Crake:   Gobundu spotted a Black Crake at a watery/marshy area between the Kosi Bay/Farazela border post and Ponta Malongane in Southern Mozambique.  This location is around a 15 minute from the Kosi Bay border (click on the above google earth link to view the exact sighting spot).  Other birds that where spotted in this area are: African Jacana Lesser Jacana Woolley-Necked Stork Little Egret White-Breasted Cormorant Dabchick Black CrakeHas jet-black coloration, a bright yellow bill, and red eyes and legs.  Sexes are alike but male is slightly larger.  Juvenile is a grey version of adult and has a black bill, pale throat and dull red to black legs. Habitat:  Marshes with a thick cover of reeds and other aquatic vegetation. Status:  Common resident. Call:  A throaty ‘chrrooo’ and a rippling trill, ‘weet-eet-eet-eet’, uttered in duet. If you would like to book accommodation in this area and try to spot the Black Crake check out this link

How to Balance Bleisure

Travel

How to Balance Bleisure In the era of remote working and hybrid meetings you can turn your next trip into a memorable vacation while doing business with a bit of strategic planning and a few simple adjustments to your schedule.  Mozambique has the perfect hideaway Bleisure Travel homes. Pick Accommodation with a Vacation Vibe Look for accommodation that offers a popular attraction such as a beach, snorkelling spot, fun activities for the whole family and restaurants within a short driving distance.  Book with your credit card so you can accrue more points to use toward your next trip. Ensure you have Good Wifi Connection GoBundu has a few houses that offer free, uncapped wifi.  Ensure you book one of these to sail through those online meetings and emails.  Aloha 18 is only one of many vacation homes that GoBundu recommends for Bleisure Travel, speak to your GoBundu agent for more options that suite your needs and budget. Full disclosure When you’re combining business and leisure travel, it’s best to be open about your plans with your coworkers and bosses. Don’t let them find out about it from social media first! Full transparency is always the way to go. Use Travel Apps for Insider Tips People love it when foreigners take the time to learn a few key phrases in their language.  If you're traveling abroad, check out apps like Duolingo or TripLingo to get a crash course in a foreign language. Ask for recommendations Do your homework beforehand and ask your GoBundu agent for some recommendations on restaurants and activities. You’ll get a local’s perspective, and you may get lucky and discover some hidden gems outside the regular tourist traps! Work first, play later Remember that first and foremost, you are there to work. Bleisure travel is fun, but it’s all about balance and knowing how to manage your time. Be present no matter what it is you’re doing—if you’re in a meeting, be fully absorbed in your work; if you’re off the clock, enjoy every minute of your leisure time. Figure out Transportation Ponta Mamoli and Ponta Malongane in Mozambique need a 4x4 vehicle to travel around.  If you are coming from South Africa and crossing through the Kosi Bay border then park your car on the SA side of the border in the safe parking area, cost is R50 per car per day.  Ask you GoBundu agent to put you in contact with one of our reliable transport/transfer guys.  They will not only get you safely to your vacation home but can also be on your beck and call should you want to explore Ponta do Ouro, surrounding beaches or the Elephant Reserve.  Speak to your GoBundu agent to find out the detail! Contact GoBundu for your next remote Bleisure Travel stay! Office:  (+27) 028 254 9193 Mobile/WhatsApp:  (+27) 079 506 7902 Email:  lize@gobundu.com

Trumpeter Hornbill

Trumpeter Hornbill

Conservation

GoBundu will be issuing a weekly Birding Blog Post.  Each post will feature a bird that has been sighted by GoBundu on their travels around Southern Mozambique over the last 16 years, together with a link that takes you to the exact google earth location where the specific bird was sighted.  If you are a keen birder keep an eye on the GoBundu Facebook page and Blog every Wednesday for specific locations where you can spot various birdlife. Trumpeter Hornbill Click Here to view the precise sighting location where Gobundu saw a Trumpeter Hornbill This is one of my all-time favorite birds to see when I'm in Mozambique.  I always say it sounds like a baby crying.  It is a real tropical-looking bird and beautiful to see. Similar to Silvery-cheeked Hornbill but smaller, and with a reduced, dark casque on top of the dark bill, a black throat and upper breast and a white lower breast, and a white lower breast and belly.  At close range, it can be seen that the bare skin around the eye is pinkish-red.  In flight, it shows white tips to the secondaries, white underwing coverts, and a white rump.  The back is black. Female has a smaller bill than male and much-reduced casque.  Juvenile has almost no casque. Habitat:  Lowland, coastal, and riverine evergreen forests. Status:  Uncommon, localized resident, nomadic within its range. Call:  A deep wail, harsh 'quark-quark', and nasal calls.

Leatherback Hatchling

Light Pollution Harms Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Conservation

Having previously lived in Ponta Malongane, Southern Mozambique, for six years, I grew an affection for the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles that come and nest on the beaches in the area every season.  I became close friends with Pierre and Yvonne Lombaard (the couple that spends every turtle breeding season in Ponta Malongane doing research on the turtles) and learned a great deal about these magnificent creatures.  Loggerhead and Leatherback numbers are declining worldwide, the largest turtles in the world, are critically endangered, mostly due to humans.  The bright lights from beachside developments disorientate and confuse the turtles as well as the hatchlings.  If a female turtle is trying to come up out of the water to nest and sees lights she is either going to go the wrong way or she will wander around all over the beach and get lost and exhausted.  Other times they come out and see the light and go right back into the water.  If a nesting female is disturbed while searching for a nesting site she is only able to hold her eggs back for 48-72 hours.  If she is not able to nest she will drop her eggs into the ocean and the hatchlings won't have a chance at survival. Turtles use the reflection of the moon on the sea as their orientation/compass marker.  Lights from beachside developments give the turtles a false conception of which direction they need to go to head to the sea.  Sea turtles like a nice dark beach whether hatching or nesting.  So when they come up and encounter all of this light they just have no idea what to do. Breeding season is from late October until March.  The females lay their eggs from October to January and the hatchlings come out in February and March.  With December and early January being the busiest time in Ponta Malongane and Ponta Mamoli it is imperative that we try to make as many people as possible aware of what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to the turtles. HOW CAN YOU HELP? We have to ensure minimal disturbances on the beach – no people, no vehicles, no lights, and no dogs.  Keep the use of torchlight to a minimum so as not to scare the turtles back into the water. It’s important for escorted groups to be able to touch, feel and photograph an egg-laying turtle as long as they stay behind her. By the time she has started laying her eggs, she’s in a trance and is oblivious to anything except bright white light. That experience will help people respect them and remember why it’s so important to protect them. If you own a home, or you are going on holiday, in this area, keep the use of light/s to a minimum and switch all lights off when you go to bed at night.

Marico Sunbird

Travel

GoBundu will be issuing a weekly Birding Blog Post.  Each post will feature a bird that has been sighted by GoBundu on their travels around Southern Mozambique over the last 16 years, together with a link that takes you to the exact google earth location that the specific bird was sighted.  If you are a keen birder keep an eye on GoBundu Facebook page and Blog every Wednesday for specific locations on where you can spot various birdlife. Marico Sunbird Click here to view the precise sighting location where GoBundu saw a Marico Sunbird.   Gobundu spotted a Marico Sunbird on Baleia Azul Estate in Ponta Mamoli.  This location is around a 30 minute from the Kosi Bay border (click on the above google earth link to view the exact sighting spot).  There was a bird party in the tree that the Marico Sunbird was spotted and various other birds where seen, such as: Yellow-Rumped Tinker Barbet Sombre Bulbul Spectacled Weaver Marico Sunbird May be distinguished from the very similar Purple-banded Sunbird by its larger size, longer, thicker bill, and broader purple breast band.  It differs from the double-collared sunbirds by its black (not grey) belly from Shelleys and Neergaards Sunbirds by its purple (not red) breast band. Habitat:  Thornveld and dry, broad-leaved woodland Status:  Common resident. Call:  A long series of closely spaced ‘trip’s’ a fast, warbling song. If you would like to book accommodation in this area and try to spot the Marico Sunbird click here

Yellow Billed Hornbill

Travel

GoBundu will be issuing a weekly Birding Blog Post.  Each post will feature a bird that has been sighted by GoBundu on their travels around Southern Mozambique over the last 16 years, together with a link that takes you to the exact google earth location where the specific bird was sighted.  If you are a keen birder keep an eye on GoBundu Facebook page and Blog every Wednesday for specific locations on where you can spot various birdlife. Yellow Billed Hornbill Click here to view the precise sighting location where GoBundu saw a Yellow Billed Hornbill:   Gobundu spotted a Yellow Billed Hornbill between Ponta Malongane and Ponta Mamoli in Southern Mozambique.  This location is around 30 minutes from the Kosi Bay border (click on the above google earth link to view the exact sighting spot).  Other birds that were spotted in this area are: Trumpeter Hornbill Crowned Hornbill Stonechat Black-Collard Barbet Carmine Bee-Eater Little Bee-Eater Burchells Coucal Black-Crowned Tchagra Yellow Billed Hornbill The large yellow bill is diagnostic.  This hornbill is very similar to the Red Billed Hornbill in plumage coloration but has smaller white primary sports, visible only in flights.  Female has a shorter, predominantly dark bill and a dark head and throat. Habitat:  Thornveld and dry, broad-leaved woodland Status:  Common resident. Call:  A rapid, hollow-sounding ‘tok tok tok tok tok tokatokatoka’; in calling display the head is lowered and the wings are fanned. If you would like to book accommodation in this area and try to spot the Yellow Billed Hornbill check out this link https://www.gobundu.com/ponta-mamoli-accommodation Happy Birding!

The Temminck’s Courser

Travel

GoBundu will be issuing a weekly Birding Blog Post.  Each post will feature a bird that has been sighted by GoBundu on their travels around Southern Mozambique over the last 16 years, together with a link that takes you to the exact google earth location that the specific bird was sighted.  If you are a keen birder keep an eye on GoBundu Facebook page and Blog every Wednesday for specific locations on where you can spot various birdlife. Temminck’s Courser Click here to view the precise sighting location that GoBundu saw a Temminck’s Courser:  Gobundu spotted Temminck’s Courser in an open grass area just off the tar road leading from the Kosi Bay border post to Maputo (click on the above google earth link to view the exact sighting spot).  This specific spot was teaming with various different kinds of Lapwings and ground running birds - very good birding spot.  Other birds seen in this same spot where: Temmincks courser Dikkop Blacksmith Lapwing Senegal Lapwing (Black-Winged Lapwing) Confusion is likely only with Burchell’s Courser, from which it differs in being more grey-brown above, and having a rufous (not grey) hind crown and a black patch (not bar) on the belly.  In flight the outer tail and trailing edge of the secondaries are white, remainder of the underwing is black. Habitat:  Dry, sparsely grassed and recently burned areas. Status:  Locally common resident and nomad Call:  A grating ‘keerkeer’ Happy Birding!

The Crowned Lapwing

Travel

GoBundu will be issuing a weekly Birding Blog Post.  Each post will feature a bird that has been sighted by GoBundu on their travels around Southern Mozambique over the last 16 years, together with a link that takes you to the exact google earth location where the specific bird was sighted.  If you are a keen birder keep an eye on GoBundu Facebook page and Blog every Wednesday for specific locations where you can spot various birdlife. Crowned Lapwing Click here to view the precise sighting location that GoBundu saw a Crowned Lapwing:   Gobundu spotted a pair of Crowned Lapwings in an open grass area just off the tar road leading from the Kosi Bay border post to Maputo (click on the above google earth link to view the exact sighting spot).  This specific spot was teaming with various different kinds of Lapwings and ground running birds - very good birding spot.  Other birds seen in this same spot where: Temmincks courser Dikkop Blacksmith Lapwing Senegal Lapwing (Black-Winged Lapwing) Crowned Plover A large, unmistakable plover, with its black cap surrounded by a white ‘halo’.  The legs and basal part of the bill are red.  The sandy brown breast is separated from the white belly by a black band. Habitat:  Short grassland (either grazed or burnt), also on gold courses, play8ing fields and fallow land.  Aggregates in small flocks especially when breeding.  Regularly associated with Black-Winged Lapwings. Status:  Common resident. Call:  A noisy species, uttering a loud, grating ‘kreep’ day and night. Check in next Wednesday to see the Featured Bird of the week! Happy Birding!

The Yellow Billed duck

Travel

GoBundu will be issuing a weekly Birding Blog Post.  Each post will feature a bird that has been sighted by GoBundu on their travels around Southern Mozambique over the last 16 years, together with a link that takes you to the exact google earth location that the specific bird was sighted.  If you are a keen birder keep an eye on GoBundu Facebook page and Blog every Wednesday for specific locations on where you can spot various birdlife. Yellow-Billed Duck Click here to view the precise sighting location that GoBundu saw a Yellow-Billed Duck:  This vlei area is situated off the beaten track, between the tar road to Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane.  Click on the above link to google earth to see exactly how to reach this vlei.  Other birds that were sighted at this exact location were: African Jacana Lesser Jacana Woolley-Necked Stork Little Egret White-Breasted Cormorant Dabchick The Yellow-Billed Ducks rich yellow bill with a black saddle on the upper mandible is distinctive.  From a distance the plumage appears dark, but less so than that of the African Black Duck.  In flight, it shows a blue-green speculum narrowly edged with white.  The juveniles are duller than the adults. Habitat:  virtually any area of open fresh water, as well as estuaries, often in flocks Status:  Common resident Call:  Male gives a rasping hiss; female quacks Check in next Wednesday to see the Featured Bird of the Week! Happy Birding!

Green Coucal

The Green Coucal

Travel

This blog post is for those bird nerds – me being one of them! If any of you are keen birders, you will know that if you see a Green Coucal it is most probably a lifer and the chances of you seeing one again in your lifetime are very slim.  A lifer in birding terms is a bird that a person has successfully sighted and identified for the first time in their life.  My Green Coucal lifer experience had a humorous twist to it and inspired me to write this post. On one of my most recent trips to Southern Mozambique, a friend and I decided to spend our Saturday birding.  We decided to go off-the-beaten-track, north of Ponta Mamoli, towards the Maputo Elephant Reserve. We reached an area where we could no longer drive any further due to the thick coastal forest.  We parked the vehicle and proceeded with our birding journey on foot along an unfrequented path.  Our walk led us to the edge of Lake Piti.  Lake Piti is a large inland lake that lies parallel to the ocean.  Our attention was shifted towards a Bird Party.  Bird parties are the ideal find for avid birders as they provide concentrated viewing of varied species.  With only 1 pair of binoculars, I instinctively hogged them, leaving my friend binocularless.  What an amazing find!  The bird party consisted of: Forest Weaver Wattle-Eyed Flycatcher Natal Robin Green Coucal No sooner had I seen the Green Coucal when I felt my friend nudge me on the shoulder and point up to another bird – I took my focus off the Green Coucal and refocused my binoculars on the newly found bird only to discover it was a squirrel!  After much disappointment, I refocused the binocs to Green Coucal to realize it was no longer there!!  What is the moral of this story?  If you are a serious birder ensure that you always have your own set of binoculars on you and check that all parties partaking in the birding are wearing their spectacles! Below is a birding list of Southern Mozambique that I have gathered over the last 16 years – I might have left a few birds out, but this is most of them: African Green Pigeon African Jacana African Pied Wagtail Black Coucal Black Cuckooshrike Black-Collared Barbet Black-Crowned Tchagra Blacksmith Lapwing Bluegrey Flycatcher Bronze Mannikin Brown-Hooded Kingfisher Buff-Spotted Flufftail Burchells Coucal Bushveld Pipit Collared Sunbird Common Waxbill Common Whimbrel Crowned Hornbill Crowned Lapwing Diderick Cuckoo Emerald-Spotted Wood-Dove Fan-Tailed Widowbird Fish Eagle Forest Weaver Gorgeous Bush-Shrike Great White Egret Green Coucal Grey Go-Away Bird Jamesons Firefinch Lesser Jacana Little Bee-Eater Little Egret Little Grebe Natal Francolin Palm-Nut Vulture Paradise Flycatcher Pied Kingfisher Purple Crested Turaco Red-Capped Robin-Chat Senegal Lapwing Sombre Bulbul Southern Black Flycatcher Southern Boubou Southern Carmine Bee-Eater Speckled Mousebird Spectacled Weaver Spotted Flycatcher Squacco Heron Stone Chat Tambourine Dove Temmincks Courser Thick-Billed Weaver Trumpeter Hornbill Wattle-Eyed Flycatcher White Bellied Sunbird White Breasted Cormorant White-Fronted Plover White-Throated Robin-Chat Woodlands Kingfisher Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird Yellow-Throated Longclaw I yet have to spot the Green Twinspot and the Pink-Throated Twinspot! Southern Mozambique is truly a Twitchers paradise.  The variation in biomes is what attracts so many various bird species.  You will find coastal forest, open grasslands, bushveld savanna, and then also all the coastal seabirds.  I would personally suggest you find accommodation in Ponta Mamoli area as this is very central to the Elephant Reserve as well as all the other various biomes, and tick off a comprehensive list of birds.  For accommodation in Ponta Mamoli contact GoBundu, we have 56 houses on the beach that you can choose from - make it a Beach and Birding Holiday!  Alternatively, you can check availability and book your accommodation online:  www.gobundu.com Happy Birding!

File photo:  Dominique Gonçalves during an elephant collaring operation at Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. [Credit: Gorongosa National Park]

Gorongosa´s Elephant Ecology Program Manager selected for the inaugural $100,000 grant for WILD Innovators.

Travel

Dominique Goncalves said: "I am enthused to work alongside the WILD ELEMENTS Foundation, an organization working to uplift and support local, women-led conservation work, indigenous communities, and people of color on the frontlines of conservation. I am extremely honoured to be part of the inaugural class of grantees, a group of inspirational women." Dominique Gonçalves will serve as a “WILD Innovator“ and will use a two-year, $100,000 grant from the WILD ELEMENTS Foundation to continue her elephant ecology studies, develop human / wildlife co-existence strategies, and inspire young women to explore careers in science and education. The project also involves partnering with a “WILD Advocate” (artist and influencer) to increase global awareness of the environmental challenges facing our world today. File photo:  Dominique Gonçalves during an elephant collaring operation at Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. [Credit: Gorongosa National Park] The grant will be used to study elephant ecology and strategies to build coexistence between humans and wildlife throughout the greater Gorongosa Region. Dominique is passionate about inspiring the next generation of women conservationists and works closely with Gorongosa’s “Girls’ Clubs” and local schools to inspire young girls to explore careers in science and conservation. About WILD Elements Foundation The WILD ELEMENTS Foundation, a conscious catalyst for change, accelerates efforts to restore our global ecosystem. The Foundation is fueled by the Power of Three—a symbiotic union between Animalkind, Humankind, and Plantkind , because one can’t thrive without the other. By diversifying funding and leveraging creative storytelling, the Foundation makes every grant exponentially more impactful–advancing and scaling environmental change. For more information on the WILD ELEMENTS Foundation, including planned charitable activities, visit foundation.wildelements.com, and visit WILD ELEMENTS on social media @wildelements. About the Gorongosa Project Gorongosa National Park (GNP) in Mozambique is perhaps Africa’s greatest wildlife restoration story. In 2008, a 20-year Public-Private Partnership was established for the joint management of GNP between the Government of Mozambique and the Carr Foundation (Gorongosa Restoration Project), a US nonprofit organization. In 2018, the Government of Mozambique signed an extension of the joint management agreement for another 25 years. By adopting a 21st Century conservation model of balancing the needs of wildlife and people, Gorongosa is protecting and saving this beautiful wilderness, returning it to its rightful place as one of Africa’s greatest national parks. GNP has been described as one of the most diverse parks on Earth, covering a vast expanse of 400,000 hectares. In recent years, the Gorongosa Project, with the support of Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), has ensured the protection of a recovering population of lions in this system, successfully reduced key threats, and has been recognized as one of National Geographic’s “Last Wild Places” and by TIME Magazine as one of the “World’s Greatest Places – 2019”.  

2 people diving with a turtle

What to do while in Mozambique

Travel

This month we will feature diving and swimming with wild dolphins. If you have diving on your bucket list and would like to take the plunge into the magnificence of the underwater world why not consider diving in Ponta Malongane, Mozambique. Southern Mozambique boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse coral reefs in Southern Africa. The best time to go to Mozambique for diving is during the winter months between May and September this is because there is less wind, fewer storms and the current is not as strong. This all increases visibility. Whales are generally seen off the coast from June to October.  Everyone loves dolphins. They're finned, they're fun, and they're particularly friendly to humans. Sure, you know dolphins are enchanting, but these sea creatures are a whole lot more than meets the bottlenose. From listening with their mouths to remembering names for decades, the ancient Greeks called dolphins "sacred fish".  Imagine swimming side by side with these calm and friendly creatures! Southern Mozambique is a premier destination for life-enhancing encounters with Dolphins. When you submerge underwater you enter a truly serene world. Mozambique's crystal clear ocean depths provide the perfect environment for humans and Dolphins to socially engage. Dolphins are curious and playful - their exquisite movements and amusing behavior are a joy to behold. Swimmers often feel contentment on a deep level after an encounter. Dolphin encounters have become the ultimate dream for many because of their healing and playful nature. Make sure to book your Dolphin Swim with an experienced, capable operator. Gobundu works with a reliable tour operator. All dolphin interactions should be respectful and conscious of the dolphins' terms and natures' conditions. These are but a few of the activities you can explore while in beautiful Mozambique.  If you're looking for someone to assist you with planning for your Mozambican holiday, contact GoBundu's destination specialist lize@gobundu.com or phone GoBundu on +27 28 254 9193.

Happy Yellow Sunflowers

Tools to keep you Happy through 2021

Travel

You know that feeling of real happiness?  When you experience a sudden very high spirit, that feeling of lightness, you are feeling great elation. Elation is more than mere happiness — it is extreme, exhilarating joy.  My neighbor brought me freshly picked sunflowers from her garden yesterday, when I saw the sunflowers I experienced this feeling of elation and decided to ask my husband, who is an artist, to paint me these sunflowers.  I want to surround myself with items that make me feel real happiness.  We can create our happiness, and I think 2021 is the year where a lot of us need to 'create our own happiness'.  So I've given this some thought and found the below 'Tools' to keep me happy through 2021', I hope they can do the same for you: SUNSHINE:  Exposure to the sun is thought to increase the brain's release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting your mood and helping you feel calm and focused.  NATURE:  Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, but it also contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.  Take the dogs for a walk, sit under a tree and feel the light breeze on your skin BE GRATEFUL:  Gratitude is a way for you to appreciate what you have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make you happier, or thinking you can't feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Being grateful helps you refocus on what you have instead of what you lack.  Write a list of everything that you can be grateful for and then write down a list of all the 'bad things' and I promise your grateful list will be longer than your 'bad things' list. SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY:  The older I get the more I care less what other people think of me.  I have come to realize that life is too short to spend it with people that you don't enjoy being with.  Social distancing has given us the perfect excuse to spend time with only those people that matter.  It's a proven fact that spending time with people you enjoy being around boosts your mental health.  It notably reduces anxiety or depression and increases feelings of well-being, safety, and happiness.  Talking via a video call works just as well! LAUGH MORE:  Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.  We all have a friend that when we spend time together we talk nonsense and can laugh with. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS:  Relationships are connected to some of our strongest emotions. When they are positive we feel happiness, contentment, and calm. Compliments make us feel good - both giving and receiving them.  Compliments help us communicate the appreciation we feel toward one another.  And that makes us feel good.  Make it a 2021 goal to praise every person in your family once every day, and try to get your children and spouse to do the same.  If you arent married then try this with a friend.  Learn to listen.  When someone listens to you well, it makes you feel accepted, understood, important, valued, and validated. It gives you a voice to help you find yourself again. It reminds you that you are not invisible or alone. Although we hear with our ears, many of us don't necessarily listen to what is being said.  With these 2 tools alone you can improve the relationships you have with family and friends.  HOLIDAY TWICE A YEAR:  Studies show a boost in a person's happiness 8 weeks before a planned holiday, the anticipation of positive events elevates your dopamine levels.  There is also an increase in happiness for 2 - 8 weeks after your return from a holiday, this is due to reduced stress levels.  Ideally, you should take at least two longer trips per year, in addition to a few other smaller trips.  Holidays are a very effective way to stay healthy, live happier, and longer. FILL YOUR HOME WITH HAPPY:  Filling your home with items that make you smile and give you a feeling of 'exhilarating joy'.  Fresh flowers, a beautiful painting, sometimes it's the small things that make us smile. I hope that in 2021 you can find the 'yellow sunflowers' in your life. 

car crossing Lebombo border

Latest border protocol when travelling to Mozambique from South Africa

Travel

Heres latest border protocol when traveling to Mozambique from South Africa GoBundu has been holding back on sending all our followers an update on the current border procedure due to the volatile changes that keep on taking place.  We are very happy to have an answer in black and white from the South African government regarding the current crossing of borders between South Africa and Mozambique. On 16 September 2020, the President of South Africa announced that South Africa is moving to level 1 as part of the continuous effort to contain the spread of Covid 19.  As of 1 October 2020 the Lebombo border post (known to some as the Komatipoort border post) is the only border, currently, open between South Africa and Mozambique, all other borders between South Africa and Mozambique remain closed for now.  The Lebombo border post requires a negative PCR covid19 test, not older than 72 hours from your date of your departure. This test can also be used on the Mozambique side of the border.  The negative covid19 test must be produced to the Port Health Official on arrival and shall be valid for a period of 14 days from the date that the result was issued by the laboratory.  The day that you have the test done is counted as day number 1. You can have a covid19 test done at the border at a cost of R600 HOWEVER you will wait 24-36 hours for the result. All travelers including those in possession of a negative covid19 test must be subjected to mandatory primary screening at the port which will include completion of the travel health questionnaire and submitting it to the Port Health officials on arrival or prior to departure, temperature screening, and visual observation by Port health.   Children 5 years and below Children who are 5 years old and below shall be excluded from the test requirement and will not be required to produce a negative covid19 test on arrival into the country.  However, they will still be required to comply with other screening requirements including completion of traveler health questionnaire on arrival and departure.   Travelers arriving without a negative Covid19 test result All travelers who are not in possession of a valid negative covid19 test result will be subjected to mandatory quarantine at a state identified facility at their own cost.  Travelers without a valid covid19 test result as mentioned above, on arrival, complete and sign a written declaration committing to adhere to quarantine requirements.  Travelers will be liable for all costs related to quarantine and transportation.  A list of approved quarantine facilities closest to each port of entry has been identified and shall be utilized for this purpose.  Where necessary, Port Health will issue travelers with the details of the nearest facility, whereby travelers will be required to make booking arrangements and produce proof of payment for their stay at the facility for not less than 5 days prior to entering the country. Should you have any further questions you can contact Beverly at Port Health on +27762742214.

humpback whale

Whale watching season in Mozambique is in full swing!

Travel

Mozambique is a whale watching destination second to none ? from Ponto do Ouro in the south, up past Maputo to Inhambane and then on to Pemba in the north, travellers have the opportunity to witness these majectic marine giants as they make their annual trip to the warmth of the Indian Ocean to mate and have their calves between June and October. This migration from the icy waters of the Antarctic to the warmer environmental conditions of the Indian Ocean ensures the safety of the calves - not only from Orcas (their natural predators) - but it also increases the calves' chances of survival. A visit to Moz means that you'll have the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with both Southern Right whales and Humpback whales as they swim past the East African coastline on their annual migration, as well as being spoilt to world-class holiday accommodation in luxury island villas and beautiful beach lodges. Our aim at GoBundu is to help you find incredible accommodation options at pocket-friendly prices so that you can enjoy all that Mozambique has to offer - including incredible whale watching opportunities. Although we're still unsure of when travel will be permitted once again, now is the perfect opportunity for Mozambicans to enjoy social-distancing in a beautiful, remote holiday villa on the beach. And for all our South African and international guests, now is the perfect time to start saving and planning for your next trip. Get in touch with our destination specialist, Lize, to chat through our current specials - lize@gobundu.com.  

dhow boat on calm sea with a palm tree hanging over the beach

Useful Mozambican terms and phrases you have to know!

It is a good idea to get accustomed with common words and phrases, as well as the local culture and customs before travelling to any destination. We've rounded up some key insights into Mozambican culture, along with a few useful terms and phrases that you can use on your next trip to Moz. Keep in mind that the official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, although English is also widely spoken. The majority of bantu languages, such as chopi and tonga, are spoken as well. Here are a few key customs to keep in mind when visiting Mozambique: Handshaking is the common form of greetings between males. It is rude to visit someone and not stay for a tea and a snack. It is impolite to refuse food if offered. It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings and to drive on the beach. Here are some common Portuguese words and phrases that you may want to remember: Hello – Hola Goodbye – Até logo Good morning – Bom dia Good afternoon – Boa tarde Good evening – Boa noite I am from … – Eu sou de … Thank you – Obrigado Excuse me – Faz favour Friend – Amigo How are you? – Como esta? I am fine – Muito bem obrigado What’s your name? – Como te chamas? I’m English (male) – Sou Inglês I’m English (female) – Sou Inglesa How much does it cost? – Quanto custa? I don’t know – Não sei Milk – leite Bread – pao Beer – cerveja Wine – vinho Where – Onde When – Quando Toilets – casa da banho I am lost – Eu estou perdido If you're looking for someone to assist you with planning for your Mozambican holiday, contact GoBundu's destination specialist on lize@gobundu.com or phone GoBundu on +27 28 254 9193, or visit our website here. For more information on what to pack for your trip, click here.

flipp flops on the beach

3 Things you need to know about travel during level 3

As of today, South Africa has officially reach level 3 statuts of lockdown, which came with the announcement that business travellers can once again take to the skies. Although business travel is permitted during level 3 of lockdown, there's no doubt that the travel experience will be very different during the next few months and it's expected that travel rules and regulations will change constantly as risk levels are continuously re-assessed. If you're considering travelling for work purposes, it's advised that you meet with a professional travel consultant to advise you on airline regulations and any documentation that's required, as well as the safety guidelines put in place by hotels and other accommodation establishments. Here's what you can expect and how you can prepare for any upcoming business travels: International travel is still off the cards As South Africa?s borders remain closed, international passenger flights are still off the cards for now. Only local business travel can resume.  All work and no play Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula has clearly outlined that travel for recreational, leisure, or tourism purposes is not allowed for now. Air travel will be for business travel only. Limited flights will be available The Ministry has revealed that Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International, and OR Tambo International Airport will open for domestic flights from Monday, June 1. Lanseria International Airport will open as soon as the availability of Port Health Officers has been confirmed. What can be expected from accommodation establishments during level 3? Hotels and accommodation establishments will be open for business travellers only. The establishment will therefore likely ask travellers to confirm that they are travelling for business purposes before accepting any bookings. Hotels and guesthouses will have stringent health measures in place.

2 children from ponta malongane hanging over fence

Help feed a family of 4 for as little R120 with the Feed Malongane Initiative

If you've ever visited Malongane, you've fallen in love. You've fallen in love with the beautiful beaches, the turquoise ocean, the peace and tranquility - but most of all, you've fallen in love with the people. The beautiful local community who treat every single visitor like a long-lost brother or sister. On 27 March 2020, the Mozambican border closed. In the blink of an eye, the people of Malongane - who rely heavily on tourism to make a livelihood - lost their income. Overnight, the vibrant Malongane we've all come to love turned into a ghost town. The only ones left are the same friendly locals we've come to love - but now with empty tummies and living in fear. They don't expect it, but they need your help right now. Just R120 will feed a Malongane family of 4 for a week. Please consider donating as much - or as little - as you possibly can to this very worthy cause. Every little bit helps - whether it's R20 or R200, it will all go towards feeding a family in Malongane. Your contribution will be so much more than food - it will bring hope, inspiration and the assurance that we are all in this fight together. Donations to Feed Malongane to be made into the following account. Every single cent will go towards feeding a family in Malongane. First National Bank CC Ward Account no : 62603557200 Branch 256505 Please include your name and surname when making a donation, as we would like to thank all our sponsors on the GoBundu and Feed Malongane Initiative Facebook page. Last week, the Feed Malongane Initiative fed 30 families - and we hope to see this number grow. GoBundu is full in support of this fantatic initiative, and we hope that you'll join forces with us as we work together to Feed Malongane.

feet on the beach

Itching to travel? Here's how to approach travel during 2020 #Coronavirus

At the beginning of 2020, many trends analysts predicted that travel would continue to rise - but no one could have predicted the global pandemic that we're currently faced with. Many travel plans have suddenly come to a complete stand-still with many travel-related businesses, hotels, and airlines affected. Here at GoBundu, we've been keeping an ear-to-the-ground and have rounded up a few tip for those travellers who are wondering what to do next. Start planing for your next holiday If you're anything like u, you're itching to start travelling again. But with no definite timeline in mind, it can be difficult to know when to start planning for your next getaway. Our advice? Start planning ahead now - and take advantage of some incredible deals while you're at it. According to many experts, it appears that COVID-19 may ease off during the period of September to December 2020, so if you're plotting your next escape, we recommend that you book for a time during (or after) this window. There are many short-term holiday rentals in Mozambique that are currently offering amazing deals, so we suggest you start there. Contact us by emailing lize@gobundu.com for the latest specials! Postpone - rather than cancelling Already have travel plans booked? One thing we don't recommend doing is cancelling your trip - rather contact your accommodation and other service providers to find out about postponing your trip. Consider a staycation - or visit a neighbouring country Although it may be difficult to plan a big overseas trip given the uncertainty surrounding the global pandemic, now's the perfect time to explore South African and its surrounding countries - especially with the incredible travel deals and discounts on offer at the moment. Coffee Bay, Franschhoek, Greyton, McGregor, the Kruger National Park, Nottingham Road, Riebeek-Kasteel, Tulbagh, the Wild Coast, and Wilderness are just a few local gems to choose from and the list goes on! It'll be a great time to try new hotels and restaurants, and to support local businesses as they're coming back together. And if you're itching to get your passport stamped, we suggest taking a trip to Mozambique, which is always a good idea as it's incredibly well priced and an easy road trip from Gauteng and KZN. TO FIND ACCOMMODATION AND GREAT DEALS, CLICK HERE. TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance isn't our area of expertise, but we do recommend finding an appropriate provider at this time. We recommend Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC). When taking out travel insurance, ensure that you read all clauses and conditions carefully to see if they suitably cover events such as a pandemic. COVID-19 has proved that disruptions can arise quickly, so this is very important! Keep in mind that a standard travel insurance policy won't cover fear-based cancellations. It will only protect you if your travel plans are disrupted think medical emergencies, travel delays and lost luggage.  

happy children in a car

Our top tips for road tripping with kids

Are you planning a road trip with young children in tow? You might be panicking and wondering what you've gotten yourself into, but GoBundu is here to save the day with our tried-and-tested tips for road tripping with kids. First thing's first: give yourself ample time Make sure that you plan your trip - as well as each rest stop - ahead of time. Schedule in regular stops for young ones to stretch their little legs (and for mom and dad to stock up on some much-needed coffee!) Plan on taking a rest stop roughly every two to three hours along your journey, and be sure to give yourself enough time for these stops. Leave while the kids are still asleep It's a good idea to leave during the early hours of the morning while it's still dark, as it's likely that your children will fall right back asleep and it will shorten awake time during the journey considerably. Pack extra clothes within easy reach Make sure that you have spare clothes handy without having to unpack half the car - particularly helpful for younger children who are prone to spills or accidents. Also ensure that you have baby wipes for wiping sticky hands and faces, cleaning up messes in the car, and more! It?s a good idea to also bring your little one's blanket or teddy from home. Not only do these provide a familiar cuddle item, they can keep your child warm during naps or giving your child something to lean their head against in their car seat. Pack cleverly We love the idea of having each day;s outfit packed in a separate Ziplock bag, so you can just grab a bag and it's filled with everything that your little one needs (shirt, pants, underwear, socks, etc). Makes planning and packing for your trip that much easier! Stock up on snacks There's nothing worse than a hangry toddler, so make sure that you have plenty of snacks and juice boxes on hand for when your little one gets peckish. Mini cheese squares, grapes (cut in half to prevent choking), droe wors, cold meats, and Provitas are all great snack options for long road trips. Create a pulley system for snacks Use a bucket and rope to create a pulley system to easily hand over snacks, toys, or books from the front seat to the back. Beats having to turn around and lean over any day! Do a countdown Children love doing countdowns, so try offering them a new activity, toy, or book once every hour passes. This not only keeps them busy, but also helps to communicate how many hours have passed. Try doing a Scavenger hunt Before leaving for your trip, write down or draw pictures of things that your little ones can look out for throughout the journey, put it on a clipboard, and give them a pencil or crayon so that they can tick things off a they go. This is a great activity for older children, and can include things like a blue car, a wind mill, a specific border post, an ostrich, etc. Create a DIY colouring case Use an empty DVD case to hold a notepad and some crayons for a portable colouring case. Download audio books for the road Join Audible and download a few family friendly audio books for the road. These won't only keep the kids entertained, but will also ensure that the driver is entertained and stays alert. Download movies on Netflix Sign into your Netflix account on your laptop, and download a few of your kids' favourite shows and movies ahead of your trip. Be sure to charge your laptop before leaving, and let your kids enjoy their favourite film when things start to get a little hairy. Do you have any great tips for travelling with young children to add to the list? Be sure to leave your advice in a comment below - who knows, you might just be a fellow parent's saving grace!

poa portuguese bread rolls

#Lockdown recipe: deliciously fresh and easy Portuguese rolls

If you haven't tried your hand at baking yet during this national #lockdown, now's the time! We found this easy recipe to bake fresh Portuguese rolls in the comfort of your own home - pair them with a scrumptious Portuguese-style chicken (recipe here) and salad for a Mozambican-inspired feast! Watch this space and we continue to share some of our favourite Mozambican-inspired recipes over the next few weeks. Let us know if you try them (better yet share a pic on Instagram and tag us in it!) Easy Portuguese-style rolls Preparation time: 2 hours and 15 minutes | Baking time: roughly 20 minutes INGREDIENTS: 180 ml warm water 140 ml milk 20 g butter 7 g dried yeast 7 g sugar 500 g bread flour 7 g salt METHOD: Add milk, water, sugar and yeast to a mixing bowl and leave to stand for 5 minutes so that the yeast can start to activate. Add flour, butter and salt, then mix in a stand mixer for roughly 5 to 10 minutes - until you have a soft dough. This dough will be softer than normal bread dough, thanks to the addition of milk and butter. Place dough into a well-oiled bowl and cover with cling film or a clean dish cloth. Leave it to stand in a warm spot for about an hour. After an hour, split the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Pinch each side for a traditional, Portuguese-style look and placeonto a lined baking sheet. Slash each piece of dough with a sharp knife and cover with a clean dish cloth for another hour. In the meantime, pre-heat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Once your rolls have doubled in size, sprinkle them with flour and bake in the centre of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until brown. Transfer to a cooling rack. TIP: These rolls are best served fresh and warm. (Otherwise leave to cool completely for storage)

portuguese chicken

#Lockdown Recipe: Portuguese-style chicken

We're just over two weeks into #lockdown here in South Africa, and it seems that just about everyone has taken to the kitchen to bake and cook up a storm! If you'd planned on spending the Easter break in Mozambique and you're looking for a way to bring a little bit of Moz to your life, look no further! We'll be sharing some of our favourite Mozambican-inspired recipes for you to try over the next few weeks. Let us know if you try them (better yet - share a pic on Instagram and tag us in it!) PORTUGUESE-STYLE CHICKEN (serves 4) Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus 6 hours to marinade) | Cooking time: 40 minutes INGREDIENTS: 2 small (about 550g each) whole chickens, fresh or frozen (thawed) 80ml (1/3 cup) fresh lemon juice 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons oregano  2 tablespoons brown sugar 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1 red chilli - deseeded and finely chopped 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper Lemon wedges, to serve METHOD Place 1 chicken, breast-side down, on a clean work surface. Use kitchen scissors or poultry shears to cut down both sides of backbone and discard. Turn chicken, breast-side up, and push down to flatten. Tuck wings under. Pat dry with paper towel. Repeat with remaining chicken. Use a knife to make several 5mm deep and 4cm long cuts into chicken meat. Place in a glass or ceramic baking dish. Combine the lemon juice, oil, paprika, oregano, sugar, garlic, chilli, and salt in a bowl. Season with pepper. Pour over the chicken and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 6 hours to develop the flavours. Preheat oven to 200?C. Place chicken and marinade in a roasting pan. Roast in oven, basting occasionally with pan juices, for 40 minutes or until brown and juices run clean when chicken is pierced with a skewer. Remove from oven and cover with foil. Set aside for 5 minutes to rest. Cut each chicken in half and serve with lemon wedges, salad, and fresh Portuguese rolls.   Image source: Taste.com  

colourful umbrella and birds on the beach

TRAVEL ALERT: How the current land border post closures will affect those travelling from South Africa to Mozambique

South Africa has 72 ports of entry in the country which are land, sea and air ports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 will be shut down with effect from Monday 16 March and will be closed until 1 April 2020 at the earliest. Land-based border posts that will be closed and effect those travelling from South Africa to Mozambique are Pafuri, Giriyondo, and the Kosibay border posts. (For a full list of land-based border posts that will be closed from 16 March 2020, click here). If you are travelling to Mozambique from Johannesburg, your best option would be to enter Mozambique through the Komatipoort border. For those travelling from Durban, it's advised that you stay on the N2 North to Mkuze. Don't take the Hluhluwe turn off. There's a wonderful Engen One Stop at Mkuze, approximately 345km from Durban, where you can stop to fill up on fuel and fill those bellies! Continue on the N2 North - about 40km past Mkuze, you'll see a well signposted turn-off to your right, which will take you to the Golela Border post.  It's about 10km from the N2 turn off to the Golela Border Post.  Here, you'll need to clear immigration and customs on both the SA and Swazi side at Golela, pay your road tax, and continue North on route MR8.  Approximately 65 km from the Golela Border Post on route MR8, you will come to Big Bend, a huge sugar mill on the right hand side. Watch out for unmarked speed humps in this area, particularly if you are towing a boat.  Approximately 5 km after you see the sugar mill on your right, you'll need to turn right to Siteki. Route MR16. You should see the first Mabuda Farm sign at this turn off too. The road surface is poor and potholed on MR16, so take it easy - especially if you're towing a boat or trailer.  After approximately 40km, you will come to a T junction. Turn Right to Siteki route MR7. You will start the climb over the Lebombo mountains, pass through a foot and mouth control point, and you'll find Siteki at the top of the mountain. Watch out for unmarked speed humps in this area. IMPORTANT NOTE: petrol is cheaper in Swaziland than in SA or Moz. The Galp Petrol Station in Siteki is the last fuel stop before the Mozambican Border. Directions from Siteki: Take route MR 7 approximately 30 km to the Goba border post.  Clear immigration and customs. Be sure to declare everything of value so you have the paperwork for the return trip.  Once you have left the military security boom on the Mozambican side, you will start the descent down the Lebombo mountains.  Before you get to Maputo, take the new road to Ponta do Ouro.

2 people sitting beach chairs under an umbrella on the beach

TRAVEL ALERT: Update on Covid-19 and travel plans to Mozambique

With increasing concerns surrounding the Coronavirus and its impact on South Africans, many people are reconsidering their upcoming trips to Mozambique. As per the Presidential address on Sunday, 15 March 2020, South African citizens are advised to refrain from all forms of travel to or through the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and other identified high-risk countries such as China, Iran and South Korea. This is effective immediately. Mozambique, on the other hand, is considered a low-risk travel destination, with its long, warm summers (it's been suggested that the virus does not do well in a hot climate), its low population density, and remote beaches. The South African government has stated that domestic travel -  particularly by air, rail, and public transport, such as taxis and bus is discouraged. Since travel to Mozambique from South Africa is done via road, with no air travel required, we feel that travelling to Mozambique remains a relatively safe and viable option at this time. For many South Africans travelling from busy city centres, an escape to the safety of a low-risk, remote beach house in Mozambique might seem like the ideal option particularly with the extension of school holidays and many companies offering their employees the option to work from home. South Africa has 72 ports of entry in the country which are land, sea and air ports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 will be shut down with effect from Monday 16 March and will be closed until further notice. Land-based border posts that will be closed and effect those travelling from South Africa to Mozambique are Pafuri, Giriyondo, and the Kosibay border posts. (For a full list of land-based border posts that will be closed from 16 March 2020, click here). IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CANCELLATIONS: For those clients who decide, on their own initiative, that they don't feel comfortable with travelling and incurring any risk of contracting or spreading the virus, normal cancellation fees* would apply. If all borders have been closed and clients are not able to reach Mozambique, GoBundu will hold deposits for a future booking. Please note that seasonal rates apply and that future bookings are dependent on availability. Clients will have to travel within 15 months of cancellation, and must book to stay at the same accommodation. GoBundu always encourages clients to take out travel insurance when booking. Travel insurance needs to be paid for within 48 hours of paying for your accommodation. For any information regarding travel insurance, click here. *GoBundu's cancellation policy states that no refunds will be made towards any cancellations made within 30 days of your arrival date.  Any cancellations made with at least 30 days notice will result in a 25% loss of your total invoice. However, due to the current circumstances, GoBundu will be relaxing their cancellation policy for people travelling between 16 March and 14 April 2020. GoBundu is allowing clients travelling to Mozambique between 16 March 2020 and 14 April 2020 to postpone their travel dates please note that these Clients will have to travel within 15 months of cancellation, and must book to stay at the same accommodation. Seasonal rates apply and future bookings are dependent on availability.

paddleskie in crystal clear sea water

How does the Coronavirus affect those travelling to Mozambique?

The rapidly spreading Coronavirus has already caused havoc in many developed countries, with two cases being confirmed on the African continent (in Senegal) in the past 24 hours. The majority of African governments have put strict screening measures in place at points of entry - especially airports. Ivory Coast, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Botswana have recorded suspected cases. All except Botswana have reported that the tests were negative. The majority of African airlines (except for Ethiopian Airlines) have cancelled scheduled flights to China. Several African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have been identified as being at risk and the World Health Organization (WHO) has named these as priority zones for containing the spread of the virus. A number of African governments have put certain measures aimed at detecting Coronavirus cases in place, preventing the spreading of the virus, and treating those who are infected. Some are better equipped than others, having had recent experience in tackling other epidemics like Ebola and cholera. Mozambique has stopped issuing visas to Chinese travelers. The government has also designated isolation centers in case the virus is detected. South Africa has set up national and provincial response teams, designated 300 health officials to ports of entry and begun screening all travelers from China. In the meantime, a few safety measures can go a long way towards protecting travelers against infection. Here are a few that you can adopt if you're concerned or traveling in the next few months: Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap,and dry them properly with a towel. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also be used. Avoid close contact with others who have coughs, chest infections, and/or fevers. Avoid direct, unprotected contact with farm or wild animals, particularly when visiting live markets in affected areas. Preferably avoid such markets. Avoid eating raw or under-cooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk, or animal organs to prevent potential cross-contamination with uncooked foods. Although face masks do not provide complete protection from the infection from an airborne disease such as this, they may provide at least some additional defence against infection. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or a flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing. These safety measures are useful when it comes to preventing any kind of infectious illness, and it's particularly vital that international travelers take care to follows these steps. Seek medical attention if you develop a severe fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing and/or chest pain, and to be sure to share your complete travel history with your healthcare practitioner.

reading a book on the beach

Our pick of the best Summer holiday beach reads

Are you in the process of planning and packing for your next beach holiday? May we remind you to pack your swimming costume, sunscreen... and that all important beach read, of course! We've rounded up a selection of our favourite beach reads - read our reviews and take your pick! (And don't forget to leave a comment sharing your favourite book!) Grown Ups by Marian Keyes (R220) The latest book from international best-selling author, Marian Keyes, revolves around the Caseys, a large, Irish family who love a good excuse to get together, be it for an anniversary, birthdays, or the holidays. The Casey brothers, Johnny, Ed, and Liam seem close enough, and their wives all appear to get along - like one big, happy family. Or is it Resentments fester under the surface in this hilarious book that willl have you reading well into the wee hours. Available at your nearest Exclusive Books. A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende (R282) This Sunday Times bestseller has been described as "one of the strongest and most affecting works in Allende's long career" by The New York Times Book Review, which says it all! Victor Dalmau is a young doctor during the Spanish Civil War - a tragedy that leaves his life (and the fate of his country) forever changed. Together with his sister-in-law, Roser, he is forced out of his beloved Barcelona and into exile. When opportunity to seek refuge arises, they board a ship chartered by the poet Pablo Neruda to Chile, the promised long petal of sea and wine and snow. There, they find themselves enmeshed in a rich web of characters who come together in love and tragedy over the course of four generations, destined to witness the battle between freedom and repression as it plays out across the world. The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker by Joanne Nel (R333) As the wife of retired ship's doctor Dr Henry Parker, Evelyn is living out her twilight years aboard the Golden Sunset. Every night she dresses for dinner tells her fellow passengers stories of a glamorous life spent travelling the world in luxury. When retired ship doctor Henry goes missing, his glamorous wife Evelyn sets off and searches every nook and cranny of the grand ocean liner the Golden Sunset to find him. Misadventures are had, new friends are made, and scandalous behaviour noted - all news to Evelyn. If only she could remember the events of the night before as clearly as she can recall the first time she met Henry back in 1953, abandoning her dreams of becoming a midwife to be a wife instead . Why is it so hard to forget some things and so hard to remember others? And where is Henry? The Pact by Amy Heydenrych (R185) A gripping and chilling suspense novel by esteemed South African author, Amy Heydenrych. When Freya arrives at her dream job at the city's hottest start-up, she can't wait to begin her new and exciting life - including dating her new colleague, Jay. However, fellow employee and Jay's ex, Nicole, seems intent on making Freya's life a misery. After a big deadline, where Nicole continually picks on her, Freya snaps and tells Jay about the bullying and together they concoct a revenge prank. The next morning, Nicole is found dead in her apartment . . . Is this just a prank gone wrong Or does Freya know someone who is capable of murder - and could she be next

sunset over sea sweeping over beach

Mozambique: Frequently asked questions

If you're planning a trip to Mozambique, you might have a few questions before paying your deposit and securing your accommodation. We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions that we get about Mozambique - we hope this helps! What is the currency in Mozambique, and what is the exchange rate? Mozambique's official currency is the Metical(or Meticais in its plural form), but if you're travelling in southern Mozambique both the South African Rand and US Dollar are accepted. If you're travelling in the north, it's best to carry US Dollars. The exchange rate fluctuates daily, but as of publishing (25 February 2020), 1 Mozambican Metical equals approximately 0,29 South African Rand. Can I use my credit card in Mozambique? Most large resorts and lodges accept Mastercard and Visa, but many smaller lodges don't have credit card facilities and prefer cash transactions, so it's best to keep cash on you at all times. What is the time difference between South Africa and Mozambique? There is no time difference between South African and Mozambique. Mozambique is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, and Daylight Saving Time is not applied. Do I need a Visa to enter Mozambique? South African passport holders don't need a Visa to enter Mozambique, provided that their overall stay is less than 30 days. Other passport holders will require a Visa - it's best to contact your nearest consulate for more information. How much should I tip waiters and other staff? In restaurants, it's customary to tip the usual 10 - 14% of your bill, as in South Africa. Check with the owner of your accommodation to find out what their recommendation is when tipping staff. What plug points to they use in Mozambique? Do I need to bring a special adaptor? South African-style plugs with 2 circular metal pins above the large circular grounding pin is used in Mozambique. Are you planning a trip to Moz? Send us a quick email (lize@gobundu.com) or call 028 254 9193 and we'll help you book your dream getaway. Our destination specialists are also more than happy to answer any other questions you might have! PS: You might also want to browse our selection of incredible accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets, here.

burning citronella candles

Our pick of the best insect repellents

One of the most important items to pack when travelling to Mozambique (or to parts of southern Africa in general) is a good quality insect repellent to help keep mosquitoes, midges, and other insects at bay. But with a plethora of products to choose from, how do you know which one is best? We've rounded up a selection of our favourites... tried, tested, and love by the GoBundu team! Peaceful Sleep Mosquito Repellent Aerosol Spray A trusted product used (and loved) by many South Africans, Peaceful Sleep is also GoBundu's director, Chantelle's top pick whenever she heads to Moz with her family. It boasts a non-greasy, perspirant-proof formulation that's great at protecting you and your family against the bites of mosquitoes, fleas, and flies. They also have a 'Family Care' variant that's ideal for young children and babies over the age of 6 months. Pure Beginnings 100% Natural Insect Repellent Available in both a spray and stick form, this 100% natural insect repellent is Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) free, so safe to use on your little ones. The combination of citronella, lemon eucalyptus, neem and lemon bush help repel insects and mosquitoes naturally. Oh-Lief Natural Products Insect Balm Another natural option, this Insect Balm from Oh-Lief (a beloved South African brand) is great for use on more sensitive skin types. We love that it comes in a compact, travel-friendly tub - no risk of spills or leakages! On Guard Insect Repellent Gel We love the gel formulation of this safe, powerful, and long-lasting insect repellent that helps prevent insect bites whilst protecting and moisturising your skin at the same time. Do you have any tried-and-test insect repellents that you swear by? Leave a comment below - we'd love to hear your suggestions! IMAGE CREDIT: Oh-Lief Natural Products (source)    

Portuguese prawns

6 of the best things to eat and drink in Mozambique

When you think of Mozambique, you immediately conjure up thoughts of pristine white beaches, turquoise waters, and food - glorious food! With an abundance of fresh fruit, plentiful fish and seafood, and over 500 years of Portuguese influence, there's no doubting the fact that Mozambique is every foodie's dream. Here are a handful of dishes and drinks that you simply must try on your next trip to Moz. Prawns There's plenty of seafood dishes to choose from in Mozambique, but prawns are by far one of the highlights: whether you like yours grilled or fried, they're always juicy and succulent! Try prawns smothered in a fiery, Portuguese-inspire peri-peri sauce or opt for a simple garlic sauce - the choice is yours! Pa Pa (pronounced pow) is an absolute must when visiting Mozambique. These freshly-baked Portuguese bread roll are baked in wood-fired ovens and can be found at every market. Make your own Prego roll by adding a minute steak and lashings of peri peri sauce - divine! Cashews Mozambique was once the world's largest producer of cashew nuts, and there are still nut trees growing all over the country. You can buy bags of cashes from vendors on the side of the roads, and even on the beach. You simply can't leave Moz without trying the roasted peri peri cashews at least once! 2M Pronounced doysh-em, there's nothing better than washing down some peri peri chicken with this local beer after a long day spent on the beach. Peri Peri Chicken Speaking of which, you'll find peri peri chicken on offer all over Mozambique. Think succulent chicken marinated in lemon juice, lashings of garlic, and plenty of peri peri sauce and you're on the right track. Simply delicious! Tipo Tinto No trip to Moz is complete without at least a couple of headaches as a result of this national rum! Try mixing a tot or two with raspberry flavoured cola to make a 'Rum and Raspberry' - every holiday-maker's favourite Mozambican cocktail! Are there any Mozambican drinks or dishes that we've left off this list? We'd love your recommendations - drop them in the comments, below!

surf board on the beach

TRAVEL CHECKLIST: everything you need when crossing the border into Mozambique

Traveling to Mozambique by car can seem quite daunting at first - what documentation do you need, do you need any additional safety equipment, how long will it take - but with a little planning and preparation, crossing the border into Mozambique can be a cinch! Here's GoBundu's list of everything South African citizens will need when crossing the border into Moz: Your South African passport - valid for at least 6 months after entry, and with at least 2 blank pages. Your car registration papers and ownership documents. (If you are traveling in a car that is owned by someone else, they will need to provide you with a letter stating that you have permission to drive it across the border. This letter must be notarized and accompanied by a certified copy of the owner's ID. South African driver's license. A letter from your car insurance stating cross-border insurance. Third-party insurance. 2 x roadside emergency triangles. 2 x reflective vests - either yellow or green. These must be visible at all times, so hang them onto the back of your driver's and passenger's seats. Black and white ZA sticker visible on the back of your car. If you're towing a trailer, boat, etc, you'll need a blue and yellow triangle on both your car and trailer. This must be on the front-right bumper of your car, and on the back of your trailer). If you need any additional assistance or need help finding the perfect accommodation, be sure to contact GoBundu! You can email Lize on lize@gobundu.com or call (028) 254 9193.      

surf board on beach at sunset

Extended hours at Mozambique border posts for festive season 2019

It's no secret that high volumes of people are usually recorded at South Africa's borders with Mozambique during the festive season. As a result, the Department of Home Affairs is set to extend the operational hours at the land border crossings to help avoid delays during the period of 4 December 2019 to 13 January 2020. Furthermore, the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Polica Services (SAPS), and the South African Revenue Services (SARS) will deploy additional officials at selected points of entry during the holiday season. EXTENDED BORDER HOURS MPUMALANGA: Lebombo - current hours of 06:00 to 00:00 will be extended to 24 hours from 13 December 2019 - 13 January 2020. Mananga - current hours of 07:00 to 18:00 will be extended to 07:00 to 20:00 from 21 December 2019 - 24 December 2019. Jeppe's Reef - current hours of 07:00 to 20:00 will be extended to 07:00 to 22:00 from 21 December 2019 - 24 December 2019. Oshoek - current hours of 07:00 to 00:00 will be extended to 24 hours from 19 December 2019 - 21 December 2019. Mahamba - current hours of 07:00 to 22:00 will be extended to 07:00 - 00:00 on 21 December 2019 and 24 December 2019. KWAZULU-NATAL Kosi Bay - current hours of 08:00 to 17:00 will be extended to 06:00 to 20:00 from 13 December 2019 - 9 January 2020. Ensure that you have all your travel documentation in order if you are entering or leaving South Africa during the festive season to help prevent unnecessary delays at the border crossings. This includes passports, visas, health certificates, permits for specified goods, vehicle insurance, and bank authorized cross-border documents for vehicles.  

travel checklist

TRAVEL CHECKLIST: 3 things to do before you travel to Mozambique

Mozambique is the perfect holiday destination with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you're looking for a peaceful break spent on pristine, white beaches or you're in the mood for a more active getaway (think scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, fishing, and more), Mozambique covers it all. But before you begin packing those bags, make sure that you've planned and prepared for the trip to Moz. Here are 3 things to do before you travel through the borders to make for a smoother trip. Make sure you have all the necessary car papers Drivers of South African-registered cars crossing the country's borders must carry and present a certified copy of vehicle registration/vehicle license papers at the border gate. If your car is still under finance, you'll need to present a certified letter from the bank giving authorisation to take your car across the border. Make sure that this letter also indicates your dates of travel. Both the bank letter and license papers should be signed by a commissioner of oaths. If the driver of the vehicle is not the owner, an affidavit from the police giving authorisation from the financial institution/owner to take it abroad is required. If you're using a rental car, the driver must have a letter from the car rental company. PLEASE NOTE: all the same rules apply to trailers, jet skis, boats and any other mode of transport that requires registration. Declare all goods in your possession Travelers to Mozambique must declare all goods in their possession with all the necessary documents (such as invoices or proof of purchase). Make sure that you've declared all valuable items (including cameras, laptops, and motorbikes, etc) at Customs. These items should also be securely stored. Check your medical aid It is also vital to make sure that you have medical cover when crossing any border. When entering Mozambique, you will have to buy third-party insurance - this is available at the border.

man birding with binoculars in ponta malongane, mozambique

5 of the best things to do in Ponta Malongane and Ponta Mamoli

Travel

Whether you're into scuba diving, kayaking, big game fishing, or simply want to spend your days lazing on beautiful sandy beaches, Ponta Mamoli and Ponta Malongane offer a range of exciting activities fit for the whole family. Here's our round up of 5 of the best things to do in Ponta Mamoli and Ponta Malongane... 1. SCUBA DIVING Close to shore, Ponta Malongane offers divers over 15 beautiful coral reefs to explore. All range in different depths (up to 48 meters) and cater for both beginner and advanced divers. Popular dive sites such as Wayne's World, Bass City, Pinnacles, and Atlantis are home to a great variety of marine life, including whale sharks, Zambezi sharks, reef sharks, potato bass, blue spotted rays, brown ribbon-tailed rays, and more. 2. BIRDING  If you're in the mood for a birding adventure, Ponta Mamoli is the place! Mozambique currently has more than 600 recorded bird species and around 500 species that breed in the country, making it the ideal destination for avid birders.  3. SWIM WITH DOLPHINS Pods of Bottlenose Dolphins are regularly seen in these waters, and many resorts offer guests the opportunity to experience close-up encounters with these majestic mammals. (This activity is done under strict conservation guidelines). 4. EXPLORE THE BARS, BAKERIES, AND CAFES IN MALONGANE In the mood for a chilled afternoon? Stock up on warm, freshly baked  pos (Portuguese rolls) at one of the local bakeries, then head home to make your own delicious, home-made Prego steak rolls. Keep an eye out for  Doce Vitria Padaria & Pastelaria, a small bakery situated on the Main Road - they also have the most incredible pastries that you simply must try. Bem Vindo (which translates to 'come to see') offers visitors local-style meals served in a beautiful setting overlooking the lake behind Ponta Malongane's sand dunes. And while you're at it, you simply must try the local Mozambican beer, 2M!  5. SNORKELING AT FREDERICO'S Snorkelling enthusiasts will love exploring the unspoilt rock pools of Fredrico's Bay, which are teeming with a variety of bright and colourful marine life.  Have you been to Ponta Malongane or Ponta Mamoli? What are some of your favourite things to do in the area? Tell us in the comments below! Are you planning a trip to Ponta Malongane or Ponta Mamoli in future? Contact GoBundu for all your accommodation needs - call 028 254 9193 or send a Whatsapp to 079 506 7902. You can also email Lize on lize@gobundu.com  

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