The GPS co-ordinates are :
Camp Carlos: 26º04'59.60"S 32º57'09.90"E
Harbour Master: 25º58'37.37"S 32º34'16.25"E
Club Nautica: 25º58'52.80"S 32º35'07.25"E
Club Naval: 25º57'35.55"S 32º35'45.82"E
Camp Carlos is only accessible with a 4 x 4 vehicle from Ponta border post or with a boat via Maputo
4 x 4 VEHICLE
FROM DURBAN
Take the N2 highway and continue north. After Mkuze take the Jozini turn-off. Drive through the small town of Jozini, over the dam wall and continue towards the border post at Ponta de Oura. *From there on follow the directions below
FROM PRETORIA / JOHANNESBURG
Take the N4 east. After Witbank, turn off onto the N11 towards Hendrina / Ermelo. After Ermelo take the N2 towards Pongola. When you have passed Pongola drive until you reach the Jozini turn off on your left. Drive towards Ponta de Oura border post. *From there on follow the directions below
Directions from Ponta de Oura border post
OPTION 1: Entering through Northen gate of Elephant park
* Ponta border post time 08h00 - 17h00
* Deflate the vehicle and trailor's tyres.
* Immediately turn left once through the border post .It will look as if you pass through a taxi rank. 26º51'83.60"S 32º49'76.20"E
* After about 8,5km you will cross the Power lines. Follow them all the way. Don't turn off.
* Next turn off is slightly to your right. 26º31'46.85"S 32º43'13.83"E
* Keep on this road until you reach the gate. 26º30'18.23"S 32º43'01.13"E Entrance fee is R70 per person and R70 per vehicle. R30 per trailor. (Fees may change) Follow the transmission lines. Remember to keep your receipt to display at gate when returning. Otherwise you have to pay again!
* Follow the power lines. Pass power pole no.353 at 26º26'70.30"S 32º51'45.30"E Keep straight on.
* Santa Maria town. Turn right. 26º06'13.34"S 32º55'37.82"E Follow the signs for Torres camp. Keep left.
* Beach: No driving on the beaches is allowed. Please off-load all luggage at the chain barring road access to the beach. 26° 5'34.47"S - 32°57'2.95"E. Phone Santos (Camp Manager) at 00258 828 414 808 to come and fetch you with the rubber duck. Santos and the camp staff will handle all your luggage. The trip on the rubber duck takes 5 min. Parking is available at R30 per vehicle per day.
It takes about 5 adventurous hours to reach Camp Carlos from Ponta border post.
OPTION 2: Entering through Southern gate of Elephant park.
* This is your best option.
* During heavy rainfall this route is not recommended because of the rising water level of the lakes that you have to drive trhough.
* Ponta border post time. 08h00 - 17h00
* Deflate the vehicle and trailor's tyres
* Immediately turn left once through the border post. It will look as if you pass through a taxi rank. 26º51'83.60"S 32º49'76.20"E
* After about 8,5km turn right at Ponta Mamoli sign. 26º46'44.20"S 32º48'60.8"E Drive for 3km untill next turn off.
* Next turn off is to your right. 26º44'97.60"S 32º49'21.80"E Short tar road for about 3.2km.
* Turn off to your left at 26º44'23.70"S 32º51'01.40"E
* Entering Elephant park through south gate. 26º36'46.90"S 32º50'62.90"E Entrance fee is R70 per person and R70 per vehicle. R30 per trailor. (Fees may change) Follow transmission lines. Remember to keep your receipt to display at gate when returning. Otherwise you have to pay again!
* Drive for about 19km untill you get power pole no. 353. 26º26'70.30"S 32º51'45.30"E Turn right.
* Drive for about 44km to Santa maria town. Turn right. 26º06'13.34"S 32º55'37.82"E Follow theTorres camp signs. Keep left.
* Beach: No driving on the beaches is allowed. Please off-load all luggage at the chain barring road access to the beach. 26° 5'34.47"S - 32°57'2.95"E. Phone Santos (Camp manager) at 00258 828 414 808 to come and fetch you with the rubber duck. Santos and the camp staff will handle all your luggage. The trip on the rubber duck takes about 5 min. Parking is available at R30 per vehicle per day.
This route is not recommended for towing a boat. You can however tow a trailor or Jetski
Procedure through border post
- Stamp your passport
- Your vehicle will be inspected by the police
- Walk over to the Mozambican side
- Fill in the passport forms and pay R17.00 per person
- Fill in the permit for vehicles and pay R10.00
- Pay third party insurance R150.00/vehicle and R80.00/trailor
-You are now ready to proceed to Camp Carlos
Handy items for the road - Tyre pressure gauge
- Compressor for the tyres
- Recovery strap
- Shovel (if you get stuck in the sand)
- Drinks and something to eat
- First aid kit
- Torch
- Toilet paper
PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION PAPERS AND A LETTER FROM THE OWNER IF IT IS NOT YOUR OWN VEHICLE. PASSPORTS!
WITH YOUR OWN BOAT
If you want to use your own boat for fishing, you have to drive from Maputo across Maputo bay to Camp Carlos. It will take you approximately 1 hour depending on the tide and the weather. Remember to first obtain permission from the Harbour Master before your departure from Club Nautica or Club Naval in Maputo.
FROM DURBAN
Take the N2 north towards Pongola. At Golela border post you enter Swaziland and drive towards the Goba border post just after Siteki. From Goba you continue downwards towards Maputo. Remember to visit the Harbour Master before your departure from Club Nautica or Club Naval.
FROM PRETORIA / JOHANNESBURG
Take the N4 east. Drive until you reach the Komati border post. Remember all relevant documentation. After you have crossed the border take the highway towards the EN4, all the way to Maputo.
Procedures at border posts
Golela: - First fill in the permit papers for your vehicle before you go to customs
- Stamp your passport
- Walk to the Swaziland side
- Fill in the passport forms
- Pay R50.00 road fund
Goba: - Stamp passport
- Fill in the permit papers for your vehicle
- Drive to the Mozambican side
- Stamp your passport and pay R17.00 per person
- Fill in the permit for your vehicle R10.00
- Pay third party insurance R150.00/vehicle R80.00/trailor
-You can exchange your money here
- Your vehicle will be inspected by an officer. He will give you a gate pass. Make sure it is signed.
- Proceed to the boom and show your gate pass.
*Remember the Foot and Mouth control point just after Siteki when you return from Mozambique. Be aware that fresh meat can be confiscated if found.
Procedure at Harbour Master
Allow 1 hour for paper work at Harbour Master before proceeding to Club Nautica or Club Naval. His office is on the quay at the harbour. *See GPS co-ordinates above and map
Compulsary: - Skippers license
- Seaworthy certificate
- Safety equipment
The Harbour Master will inspect your boat. Please ask for directions to the permit office.
- Take out a boat permit and fishing license that is payable in meticais.
- Proceed to Club Nautica or Club Naval. *See GPS co-ordinates above and map
- There is parking available for your vehicle and trailor at a minimum fee
- Security is available but nothing is guaranteed
- Show your boat permit before launching
Important! Please make sure that the weather conditions are favourable to leave Maputo. Rather leave on high tide. There is a lot of sand-banks and islands during low tide.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BOAT ...
A boat will be available which will take you from Maputo to Camp Carlos. Please contact Carlos on 0025 882 301 1850. Remember to contact Carlos in advance.