There are two options as I see it. The one is via Nelspruit and the other via Pongola. I am familiar with the ups & downs around Machadadorp but have not travelled (recently) to Pongola.

Which route will the seasoned travellers recommend?

Hi Chris,

Have only travelled to the Borderpost at Kosi Bay.

Road in relative good condition.

Cattle and pedestrians cross as they like.

Very irritating speed humps all the way North of Jozini dam.

Road poor and full of coal trucks between Piet Retief and the turnoff to the Jozini Dam

Driveable during daytime but I would not try at night.

Enjoy

If I remember correctly from previous threads on this subject, the tout after the border is a bit of a nightmare with deep sand t places. Is this in fact true?  If this is the case, the road up to the border would be a lesser problem.   

Thanks Andre, after reading that I’ve made up my mind to travel via Nelspruit.

Fred’s take on the Pongola route confirmed my decision as I never considered  that part of the route.

Thanks guys, much appreciated

Entering at Kosi Bay, via Josini,  you will find a new tar road all the way to Ponta.

Meerkat wrote:

Entering at Kosi Bay, via Josini,  you will find a new tar road all the way to Ponta.

Yes this is correct.  There is a tar road going to Ponta du Oro from the border post and one going all the way up to Maputo.  The Chinese build them.

Be prepared to have sandy roads in and around Ponta du Oro. 4x4 is advisable.