Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
- 🇲🇿Mozambique
- 🇿🇼Zimbabwe
Border Cities
- 🇲🇿Espangabera
- 🇿🇼Mount Selinda
Wait Times
Cars 10-60m; peaks 90-240m
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Operating Hours
08:00 AM-04:00 PM
Crossing Types
Ped,cars; border controls
Border Type
Land crossing via road (rural)
Peak Times
09:00 AM-12:00 PM; weekends
Daily Crossings
300-1,800/day
Currency Exchange
USD/ZAR; MZN in towns; ATMs scarce
Safety Information
Rural roads; limited lighting at dusk
Languages Spoken
Portuguese, Shona, English
Accessibility Features
Uneven verges; minimal ramps
About Espangabera & Mount Selinda
The Espungabera-Mount Selinda border crossing links Mozambique and Zimbabwe in the eastern highlands, serving as a scenic but less-traveled route through Manica Province and Manicaland Province. You choose this point when heading overland from Chimoio or Espungabera in Mozambique toward Chipinge or Chimanimani in Zimbabwe, or when exploring the region’s forests and mountains rather than sticking to main highways. Alternative names include Espungabera Border Post (Mozambique side), Mount Selinda Border Post (Zimbabwe side), or Espangabera-Mount Selinda crossing.
Location and Basic Connection
Espungabera sits in Mozambique’s Manica Province, near the town of the same name, while Mount Selinda lies on Zimbabwe’s side in Chimanimani District. The crossing connects secondary roads through hilly terrain, with Mozambique’s approaches tying into routes from Chimoio and Zimbabwe’s linking to Chipinge via the A10 highway. It handles passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and local traffic in an area of outstanding natural beauty, close to Chirinda Forest and the Chimanimani Mountains.
Historical Background
The border follows colonial demarcations from the late 19th century Anglo-Portuguese treaty, with the highlands serving as a natural divide. The region saw activity during liberation struggles in both countries, though the crossing itself remained minor. Post-independence, it supported community ties and small trade. Recent bilateral efforts focus on regional connectivity under SADC, but this post stays secondary to larger points. Geopolitically, it remains calm, with occasional joint management of informal movements and health-related crossings noted in local reports.
Current Operating Status
As of early 2026, the crossing operates daily from 06:00 to 18:00. It stays open without major issues reported recently. Zimbabwe offers visa-on-arrival for many nationalities ($30-50 USD cash, single entry); Mozambique provides visa-on-arrival for eligible travelers ($50 USD cash preferred). The post sees modest local use, with no widespread disruptions. Confirm via embassies or recent traveler accounts, as remote posts can adjust for holidays or road conditions.
Practical Crossing Procedures
You cross by vehicle or on foot. From Mozambique at Espungabera, complete exit at immigration and customs for stamps and checks. Proceed across to Mount Selinda in Zimbabwe for entry. Zimbabwe requires visa payment (USD cash strongly preferred), document review, and questions about purpose or accommodation. Bring passport photos, cash for fees, proof of funds, and onward travel details. The process typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, with basic facilities and straightforward handling. Vehicles need insurance, temporary imports, and fees.
Wait Times and Peak Periods
Queues stay short due to low foreign traffic, often clearing quickly. Early mornings or late afternoons move fastest. Peaks occur with local trade, market days, or seasonal visitors, but this post avoids heavy delays. No significant backups noted recently.
Transportation Options
Mozambique’s roads from Chimoio lead to Espungabera via tarred sections that transition to gravel near the border. In Zimbabwe, connections head toward Chipinge or Chimanimani. Shared taxis, private vehicles, or motorcycles work; no regular buses cross directly. Use official hires. Roads on both sides vary, with potholes common on narrower sections.
Scams and Safety Warnings
Scam reports remain infrequent at this quiet post, but watch for touts offering “help” with forms or currency at poor rates; ignore and use official counters. Petty overcharges for transport happen occasionally. The highlands feel low-risk during open hours, with no major crime noted. Wildlife near Chirinda Forest (elephants, leopards) requires caution off roads. Remote location limits support. Standard border caution applies; avoid unofficial deals.
Road Conditions and Scenery
Mozambique’s approach mixes tarred roads with potholed sections through rural areas. The border zone features basic posts amid forested slopes. Zimbabwe’s side includes narrow tarred roads with potholes, passing tea estates and valleys. Scenery stands out: misty highlands, Chirinda Forest remnants (ancient trees, biodiversity), rolling hills, and distant mountain views. Dry season keeps paths passable; rain adds mud.
Seasonal Variations and Weather Impacts
Dry months (May-October) offer clearest travel and cooler temperatures. Wet season brings rain that worsens potholes and slows vehicles, though the crossing rarely closes. Trade or tourism aligns with drier periods, maintaining modest activity.
Nearby Attractions
Mount Selinda offers access to Chirinda Forest, one of Zimbabwe’s last rainforests with rare trees and birdlife. Espungabera provides rural markets. Nearby Chimanimani National Park features hiking trails and peaks. The area suits nature seekers and overlanders exploring eastern highlands.
Cultural and Economic Role
Local trade in produce, timber, and goods sustains the crossing, supporting community livelihoods. It enables family ties and small exchanges in this border region. The post reinforces practical links, with health-related movements noted in past reports.
Final Planning Tips
Arrive early with USD cash for visas, printed documents, and offline maps. Prepare for potholed roads and basic facilities. Check status ahead. With prep, you handle formalities and enjoy the scenic highlands.
Wrapping Up the Crossing
Espungabera-Mount Selinda keeps things simple and nature-focused between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Time your visit for dry conditions, manage the basics, and it provides a peaceful passage through eastern highlands. Safe travels.
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