Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to allow time to track down and talk with the queen; it's better to plan on at least an
overnight.
To do the entire climb on foot from Gurúè, allow three days, walking the first day as far
as Mugunha Sede (about seven to eight hours from Gurúè), where the
régulo
will show
you a spot to camp or arrange basic accommodation in a local house. The second day,
head up to the summit and back, sleeping again in Mugunha Sede and returning the next
day to Gurúè. With an early start and good fitness levels, it's possible to combine the
second and third stages into one long day. If you have an extra day available, there's a
longer detour route possible via the UP4 warehouse and a beautiful waterfall. Camping on
the summit isn't permitted (and isn't a good idea anyway because of rapidly and often
dramatically changing weather conditions). At any time of year, be prepared for rain and
cold during the climb. Also, if it's raining, the guide will definitely want an extra incent-
ive to continue up to the summit.
THE MAKUA
Although widely scattered today throughout large areas of central and northern Mozambique, most Makua people
consider Mt Namúli as a common home. According to tradition, the Makua ancestors - all once living in the area
around the mountain - split into several groups. Some followed the Malema River from its source on the moun-
tain northwards into Nampula province, while others made their way southward along the Licungo River (which
also has its source on Namúli) into present-day Zambézia, thus resulting in the distinct Makua groupings of mod-
ern times.
Sleeping & Eating
For meals, other than what you can arrange at the hotels, try
Restaurante Zamzam
(Ave
Eduardo Mondlane; light meals Mtc100-150)
, on the roundabout, just up from Pensão
Gurúè.
Catholic Mission $
(Centro Polivalente Leão Dehon; 24-910096; cpldgurue@gmail.com; dm Mtc300, tw
without bathroom Mtc600, d with bathroom from Mtc1000)
Located on the edge of town
in Bairro Artes e Ofício, this tranquil place has clean, good-value rooms, tasty meals with
advance notice and hot-water bathrooms. The gates close at 9pm.
GUESTHOUSE
