Driving in Mozambique - Maputo to Inhambane, Tofo and back

Hi all,
I was wondering how much of a hassle it would be to rent a car in Maputo (Europa car perhaps) and drive from Inhambane to Tofo stopping along the coast here and there. I have a few questions:

1) Do you hear of police officers flagging you down to bribe you as much as they used to. Is that true? If it is how should that be handled?

2) Are there decent numbers or gas stations along the road?

3) How about markets, where does everyone stock up when they stay at self catering accommodation?

4) How are the road conditions in May? Is a 4x4 recommended? (we would like to find beaches to go to) We are not used to too much off road 4x4 driving (only Southern Turkey and islands in the Caribbeans). However, in a different sort of way we drive in the pot hole infested, crazy driving on the New Jersey turnpike, and the streets of Manhattan, NY in the US. We are wondering how much driving skills we need.

Thank you!

No hassle at all really. Police will flag you down if you speed or commit another infringment but not if you stay the right side of the law. It's not anything to get worried about. Plenty of petrol stations between Maputo and Inhambane, the road is a good 2 lane tar so 2wd is fine. I haven't stayed at Tofo or Inhambane but I would imagine that there are small shops/supermarkets there, but stock up in Maputo and/or stop at Bilene to stock up on roadside fruit and veg

Sorry I mean Macia - the turnoff to Bilene.

Thank you for the information! It sounds like we can rent a car and drive up there, since we want to make stops along the way.

Hi there, how was your trip from Maputo to Inhambane? I will be doing it
In December, what where the roads like and how long did it take?
Thanks
Mike

The roads were great, much nicer than New Jersey, although there are many people walking along it and there are loads of speed bumps to control the speed. Make sure you follow the speed limit. There were at least 10 traps from the SA border to Inhambane. All the South African driver licensed cars who were flooring it were getting caught. The police were actually hiding in huts with speed guns. Hence it will take much longer to get to Inhambane than you may assume.

The penalty can go from $35 to $1000, depending on how much you speed. There were times where the speed sign changed on a downward incline. Positioned to catch you.

We also stopped by those fruit and piri piri stands to buy stuff. Generally cheaper than in the city.