Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Complexo Cetuka, Catawala's; Chuwanga Beach; campsite per person Mtc150, d
Mtc500)
This long-standing popular place is about 8km from Metangula on Chuwanga
beach. It offers camping and basic reed bungalows on the sand, with shared rather scruffy
ablutions facilities (bucket baths). Meals and drinks are available and there's a grill for
cooking your own food.
Casa de Hospedes Bela Vista $
(r with shared bathroom Mtc150)
Bleak but reli- able rooms sharing grubby ablutions.
There's no running water. It's down from the main junction and Bar Triângulo, and next to
Immigration.
PENSION
Getting There & Away
CHAPAS
Daily
chapas
connect Metangula and
Lichinga
(Mtc150, 2½ to three hours), most depart-
ing Lichinga early. There's also one
chapa
daily between Metangula and
Cóbuè
(Mtc170,
four hours). Departures in Metangula are from the fork in the road just up from the market
at Bar Triângulo; look for the yellow Mcel wall. The final 20km or so of the tarmac road
from Lichinga to Metangula are very scenic as they wind down to the lakeshore.
There are occasional
chapas
between Metangula and Chuwanga, and hitching is easy
on the weekend. Otherwise, get a Cóbuè
chapa
to drop you at the Chuwanga turn-off,
though it's probably just as fast to walk from Metangula. To get to Messumba, you'll need
your own 4WD.
FERRY
The Ilala ferry is currently out of service; when running, it connects Metangula and
Malawi
. At the time of research, a new ferry was supposed to start 'soon' serving ports
on the Mozambican side of the lake, including Metangula and Cóbuè. Check with local
lodges if it has begun service. Departures in Metangula are from the small dhow port just
down from Bar Triângulo and below the Catholic church.
LAKE NIASSA FAST FACTS
» At more than 550km long, up to 75km wide, and 700m deep in parts, Lake Niassa (Lake Malawi) is the third-
largest lake on the African continent after Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.
