Explore Zambezia Province
Please note:
The rainy season can fundamentally change the conditions of primary and secondary roads in Mozambique. A massive deterioration can occur, or improvements can also be seen by road repairs and upgrading. It is therefore advisable to ask locals for information about the condition of the road before starting your journey.
The route from Caia to Quelimane
The route from Caia to Quelimane in Mozambique stretches over 205 kilometers and follows the N1 national road. Apart from the pubs at the ferry terminal on the north bank of the Zambezi, there are hardly any villages or settlements along the road. The paved road allows a speedy ride through the monotonous dry bush forests. After 110 kilometers through wooded hills you cross the wide Rio Lualua, where the landscape becomes more varied. There are beautiful primeval forests, but they are exposed to the clear-cutting of the villagers, who make a living from selling wood and cultivating cassava. The traffic density gradually increases, and the first major town, Nicuadala, is reached after 170 kilometers. Here the cul-de-sac branches off to Quelimane, which is reached after 37 kilometers. It is recommended to check the vehicle before driving and allow enough time for breaks to arrive at the destination safely and relaxed.
The route from Quilemane to Alto Molocue
The route from Quelimane to Alto Molocue in Mozambique covers 330 kilometers and normally takes around 7 hours. The route runs mostly on the national road N1 and is supplemented by unpaved roads in some sections. Road surfaces are bumpy and uneven, and there are no tarmac lanes in most towns along the route. The route leads through flat country with rivers, forests and agricultural land. There are several small villages along the route where you can buy traditional clothing and handicrafts.
From Quelimane drive back along the causeway to Nicuadala and follow the tarmac road to Mocuba (150 km total distance) where there are good supply options.
69 kilometers north of Mocuba, the EN 231 branches off to Errego and Gurue, and another 120 kilometers leads to Alto Molocue, a major crossroads and rest stop along the Quilemane-Nampula road. There is a gas station and accommodation here
The route from Alto do Molocue to Nampula
The route from Alto do Molocue to Nampula is approximately 230 kilometers and takes about 4 hours to complete. The journey begins in the small town of Alto do Molocue, which is located in the central part of Mozambique. As you drive, you'll notice a lot of open savannah grasslands to your left and right. These grasslands are dotted with trees and the occasional village. The drive is relatively smooth. You may have to contend with a few bumps and potholes, but overall, it's a comfortable ride. As you approach Nampula, you'll begin to see more cars and people on the road.
The route from Quelimane to Milange (border with Malawi )
The route from Quelimane to Milange along the border with Malawi in Mozambique is around 290 kilometers long and usually takes around 8 hours. The route partly follows the N1 national road and is mostly paved, but in some sections the road can be rough and narrow.
In Mocuba, the well-developed road to the city of Milange branches off the national road EN 1. Outside the rainy season, the dirt road is also passable without all-wheel drive. The route leads through a hilly landscape and after 189 kilometers reaches the border town of Milange. The city lies at an altitude of 700 meters. There are accommodations and restaurants, a gas station and a bank.
The route from Quelimane to Gurue
The route from Quelimane to Errego and Gurue in Mozambique is approximately 370 kilometers long and can take around 9 to 12 hours to cover, depending on weather conditions. A part of the journey is on the National Highway N1 from Quielemane to Nampula.
The journey begins with a return journey from Quelimane along the dam road to Nicuadala. After reaching Namacurra, travelers must take for about 69 kilometers towards Nampevo, where the EN 231 road leads towards Gurue and Errego. The road towards Errego and Gurue is uneven and contains many potholes, making it challenging to navigate.
The route passes through scenic landscapes, ranging from small villages to large plains of farmland, along with mountainous terrain and dense forests.
Travelers will pass through the town of Mocuba, which is an essential transportation hub with significant economic importance in the province's interior. Here, tourists can find petrol stations, garages, and restaurants to take a break and freshen up before continuing their journey.
After Mocuba, travelers will continue along the EN 231 road and reach the town of Gurue after approximately 120 kilometers. Gurue is a bustling town with plenty of amenities for travelers, including hotels, restaurants, and petrol stations.