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TRAVEL ALERT: Closed ports of entry to and from South Africa

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2020-03-16

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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.

All Land-based border posts to be closed:

Namibia border:

Alexanderbay

Onseepkans

Rietfontein

Sendelingsdrfit

Botswana border:

Bray

Derdepoort

Gemsbok

McCarthys Rest

Middelputs

Mokopong

Mokgobistad

Platjan

Pondrift

Stockpoort

Swartkopfontein

Tweerivieren

Zanzibar

Mozambique border:

Pafuri

Giriyondo

Kosibay

eSwatini (Swaziland) border:

Bothashoop

Emahlatini

Josefsdal

Nerston

Onverwacht

Waverley

Lesotho border:

Boesmansnek

Makhaleng Bridge

Mononstha Pass

Ongeluksnek

Pekabridge

Ramatsiliso

Sanipass

Sephaphus Gate

Tellebridge

For those travelling to Mozambique, find directions for alternative entry points into Mozambique, here.

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Burger and chips

Restaurant in Ponta Malongane

On our most recent site inspection visit to Mozambique, Yolanda invited us to lunch at her Ponta Malongane restaurant, Upside Downers. On arrival, we were welcomed by Yolanda herself. The choice of where to sit and enjoy your meal is endless. There is a tiny little garden scattered with tables and chairs underneath trees surrounded by grass, or you can sit outside underneath the thatch roof with your feet in the beachy sand while watching Yolanda prepare your meal in her kitchen. There is also a large inside bar area, which I'm pretty sure must be bustling with people in December. We prefer planning our work visits to Mozambique out of season when there are fewer crowds. We chose to sit outside underneath the thatch roof where a cool breeze blew through the area, creating the whole feel of ‘sitting outside’. Two of us ordered burgers and chips, and I decided on an Avolicious, which ended up being exactly that – delicious! My meal had the freshest, crunchiest lettuce, cucumber and herbs in it, and when I asked how she keeps her fresh so fresh, she said she grows it all in her vegetable garden! Being an avid vegetable gardener myself, I just had to go and have a peek at her vegetable garden. She took me to a spot behind the restaurant, and I was gobsmacked at the variety she was growing: green peppers, strawberries, lettuce, cucumber, and loads more. Mozambique’s climate and soil are rife for growing vegetables. My one work colleague who ordered a burger said, "I'm not sure if I am just really hungry or if this is the best burger I have ever had." For fresh delicious food, made with love, this is a definite meal stop if you have booked a Holiday Home in Ponta Malongane, Mozambique.

restaurant in ponta mamoli mozambique

Quaint Restaurant in Ponta Mamoli

Most people holidaying in Pona Mamoli don’t know that there is a restaurant. Everyone knows that Ponta Malongane, a 20-minute drive south of Ponta Mamoli, is bustling with restaurants. But hidden in Ponta Mamoli is a quaint restaurant run by one of the local men, namely Trevor. When we arrived, Trevor was busy doing maintenance at Cutta Corner and welcomed us with a big smile. One of the first things Trevor asked us was, “Would you like to come and see the fish I caught this morning?”. He goes fishing every morning on his sea kayak, and if he catches fish, they are served as ‘Fish Of The Day’ – so when you order fish at Cutta Corner, you know you are eating very fresh fish! He took us to the back of the restaurant and showed us the Cutta and Wahoo fish that he had caught that morning, each fish was just over a metre in length. Not being a person into fishing, I found the colours on the Wahoo beautiful! This added to a true ethnic experience of eating local! We were advised to try the local 2M beer, which we ended up buying a six-pack of and kept in the fridge at Aloha 7, where we were staying. Going unsaid, these 2M did not last very long! If you enjoy beer, this is a must-try! Trevor came and sat with us while we were having our ice-cold beers and told us his fishing stories, of which some were about him far out at sea catching fish and having sharks swimming around his sea kayak! Cutta Corner (or, as some locals know it, ‘Trevors Place’) is a must-visit if you have booked a Holiday House in Ponta Mamoli, Mozambique! Ask the staff at the house you are staying at to direct you to Cutta Corner restaurant. TIP: Good food takes a long to make – get yourself ready to wait a long time for your meal to be prepared and served – Cutta Corner is a local experience and not a quick dinner. There is a swimming pool at the restaurant too.

checklist

The Ultimate Pre-Guest Checklist: How to Get Your Holiday Home Guest-Ready Every Time

As a holiday homeowner, you know that first impressions count. Guests expect comfort, cleanliness, and a touch of luxury when they step into your vacation home. A well-prepared space can turn a great review into a glowing one and ensure repeat bookings. Here’s a detailed checklist to share with your housekeeper to ensure your holiday home is guest-ready every time! 1. Start with Cleanliness: A Spotless Home is a Welcoming Home Cleanliness is the cornerstone of a great guest experience. Before every new arrival, make sure: • Floors are swept, mopped, and vacuumed. • Surfaces are dust-free, including furniture, windowsills, and shelves. • Windows and mirrors sparkle, letting in light and enhancing views. • Trash bins are emptied, with fresh liners placed in. A clean home shows guests that you care about their comfort and sets the stage for a relaxing stay. 2. Comfort in the Living Areas The living room is where guests will unwind and spend quality time together. Ensure: • All furniture (sofas, chairs, tables) is in good condition and free from stains. • The TV and entertainment systems are fully operational, with remotes in an easy-to-find place. • Wi-Fi works seamlessly, and login details are clearly displayed. A well-organized and inviting living space can create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation or fun family time. 3. Bedrooms: A Sanctuary for Rest Nothing beats a great night’s sleep on holiday. To make the bedrooms guest-friendly: • Freshly laundered bed linens should be placed on every bed. • Ensure pillows and mattresses are clean, comfortable, and odour-free. Remove any stained, old linen from the house and replace it with new linen. And have two sets of linen for same-day turnarounds of guests. • Extra blankets and pillows are available in case of chilly nights. • Bedside lamps work, and airconditioners and outlets are accessible for charging devices. With cosy, well-prepped bedrooms, your guests will be well-rested. 4. Sparkling Bathrooms Guests expect hotel-quality cleanliness in the bathroom. Make sure to: • Clean the toilet, sink, shower, and mirrors thoroughly. • Replenish toilet paper and provide clean towels. Remove all stained or old towels and replace them with new towels. • Ensure there is plenty of hot water and no leaks. • Flush all toilets and check that the water stops running once the cistern is full. A spotless and well-stocked bathroom enhances the luxury feel of your home. 5. Kitchen: The Heart of the Home Whether guests plan to cook up a storm or just make breakfast, a well-equipped and clean kitchen is essential: • Wipe down all countertops, appliances, and the sink. • Make sure all utensils, dishes, and cookware are clean and neatly organised. Remove and replace all chipped crockery and glasses. Ensure there is enough crockery and cutlery for the number of people that your house sleeps. • Ensure the fridge is empty of leftovers and ready for new groceries. • Appliances like the oven, microwave, and coffee maker should be in top working condition. A tidy, functional kitchen is key to creating a home-away-from-home vibe for your guests. 6. Outdoor Spaces: The Perfect Spot to Unwind If your property has outdoor areas, make sure they shine too! Check that: • Outdoor furniture is clean and free from damage. • The pool, if applicable, is sparkling and safe for use. • Braai grills are cleaned. • Gardens are tidy, and any outdoor lighting works to set the mood for evening relaxation. Outdoor spaces are a major attraction for guests, so keeping them fresh and inviting can make all the difference. 7. Safety First: Ensure Peace of Mind Safety is a top priority for your guests, so it’s essential to: • Check that all chairs are sturdy and replace any that are getting old. • Ensure a fire extinguisher is easily accessible and in working order. • Double-check all door and window locks for security. Keep a set of spare keys at the house. • Provide emergency contact numbers and a basic first aid kit. These small steps provide your guests with a sense of security, allowing them to fully enjoy their holiday. 8. The Finishing Touches It’s the small details that turn a good stay into a great one: • Ensure the guidebook or instruction manual for the house is up-to-date with local tips, appliance instructions, and house rules. • Freshen up the home by opening windows to let in the breeze. The extra touch of care will leave a lasting impression on your guests. In Conclusion By following this checklist, you’ll not only keep your holiday home in top shape but also create a memorable experience for every guest. A well-prepared home ensures great reviews, repeat business, and the peace of mind that your guests are happy and comfortable. Remember, a little effort before guest arrival goes a long way in making your holiday home the go-to destination for families and travelers alike! This post should help your homeowners understand the importance of keeping their properties well-prepared for guests and encourage them to maintain high standards. Let me know if you’d like any changes or additional details!