Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EXPLORING MANICA PROVINCE
Although the Chimanimani National Reserve (
Click here
)
is the undisputed highlight, Manica province has
many other attractions including stunning terrain, a wealth of historical sites and rock-art sites. Catandica town, en
route to Tete, offers access to the beautiful Serra Choa plateau for self-drivers, while tiny Nhacolo, which has ba-
sic accommodation on the Zambezi River, offers an interesting self-drive loop going via Sena, Caia and the N1
south to Gorongosa park or north into Zambézia province. Work is well underway to open up tourism throughout
the province, with an emphasis on ecotourism and community engagement, although as yet there is little organ-
ised. Contact
Mozambique Ecotours
(
www.mozecotours.com
)
for information on the latest developments and
for help with suggested routes and itineraries, as well as for information on combining exploration of Manica with
visits to off-the-beaten track coastal destinations in Sofala province.
Sights
Near the town entrance, in a red-roofed colonial-era house, is a
Geology Museum
(Museu
de Geologia; 251-24433; admission free; 8am-3.30pm)
.
About 5km from town are the impressive
Chinamapere rock paintings
. To get here,
go west from Manica about 3km, and then south for about 1km along a dirt road, follow-
ing signs for '
pinturas rupestres'
. The site of the paintings is considered sacred by local
residents, and before your visit an elderly lady will conduct a brief prayer ceremony. Ac-
cording to tradition, no pregnant or menstruating women can visit the site.
Northwest of town, off the Penha Longa road and signposted from Manica, are the ruins
of
Macequece Fort
(Fortaleza de Macequece), the location of an old gold- trading fair
and site of an 1891 battle between Portuguese colonial forces and Cecil Rhode's British
South Africa Company. You'll need a 4WD to get here.
Sleeping & Eating
PENSION
Pensão Flamingo $
( 251-62385; EN6; r Mtc1100)
On the main road a few blocks west of Millennium
BIM, this spiffy place has simple rooms with bathroom and fan, plus a garden and a res-
taurant.
