Cape Town to Tanzania 2014-2015
Solo trip for 11 months - Toyota Hiace 4x4 van

At the border

August 27, 2015  —  Mozambique

To get to the border of Tanzania, the Ruvuma River must be crossed. It is possible to do so by using the Unity Bridge, which entails a detour of 700 km on bad roads, or else to use the ferry near the coast.

The ferry has a reputation for being unreliable and sometimes out of service. Moreover, the crossing is dependent on tides and might not occur for one or two consecutive days.

I chose the ferry instead of driving hundreds of kilometres on the road. It was a nice little adventure that ended well. I had to wait only one day at a South African mission before going to the ferry.

Ruvuma River - Mozambique
I am the first of the small cars (in 3rd position). The two trucks in front of me are in the heavy vehicles category.
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
For $1, I had the car washed.
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
The river flows into the ocean. Thus, tides have an important effect on the water level of the river...
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
At high tide, the boat in the middle will have completely disappeared.
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
To be certain of having a place, I arrived four hours before the crossing time.
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
I was wondering how the cars get onto the ferry since the riverbank is quite steep.
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
The riverbank is quite rough.
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
Finally, here is the ferry.
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
Ruvuma River - Mozambique
I managed to drive on board. The heavy truck in the middle waited for 7 days before getting on the ferry.