Fancy a Cool Drink?

Giriyondo Border Post
South Africa/Mozambique
December 5th, 2008

Packing up early at Kruger after our customary breakfast of oatmeal sprinkled with granola, we headed for the Mozambique border post inside the Kruger Park. Encountering an unexpected traffic jam in the form of an elephant taking the piss (no, not a piss, the piss), walking nonchalantly in the middle of the road oblivious to the mounting traffic behind him, we slowly made our way.

Carnet in hand we checked out of South Africa and into Mozambique. While the SA customs agent knew exactly what to do with our carnet (the car’s passport for temporarily import), the Mozambique officials were a bit unsure to say the least. Once guided, they stamped the forms, which I later completed by completing information and copying the official’s signature (as seen on a different document) as best as I could.

When the forms were completed, two customs officers came to inspect the car. The jerry cans filled with diesel were a “big problem, big problem”. Luckily Karel who keeps all his receipts found a fuel receipt for only 200R, which was a reluctantly acceptable amount.

The inspection continued. Karel went with one of the officers and I the other. Comparing notes later, Karel’s officer kept asking about whether or not we have a fridge and what would be kept inside. My agent said he “would like a cool drink”. Feeling the same as the heat was intense, I said “me too, it’s so warm out here”. It was a bit of a blonde moment as I didn’t even register that it was a request for a bribe. My naivety must have registered as being legitimate with the official as no other requests were made and we continued on our way.