Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CFA Charters
(
www.cfa.co.za
)
Scheduled and charter flights to the Bazaruto Ar-
chipelago, Quirimbas Archipelago and Gorongosa National Park.
Boat
On Lake Niassa there is passenger service between Metangula, Cóbuè and several other
villages.
Bus
» Direct services connect all major towns at least daily, although vehicle maintenance and
driving standards leave much to be desired.
» A large bus is called a
machibombo,
and sometimes also
autocarro
. The main compan-
ies include TCO, with comfortable buses and constantly changing schedules; Maning
Nice; Nagi Trans; and Grupo Mecula.
» Most towns don't have central bus stations. Instead, transport usually leaves from the
bus company garage, or from the start of the road towards the destination. Long-distance
transport in general, and all transport in the north, leaves early - between 3am and 7am.
Mozambican transport usually leaves quickly and close to the stated departure time.
» Sample journey fares and times: Maputo to Vilanculos (Mtc750); Nampula to Pemba
(Mtc350, seven hours); Maputo to Beira (Mtc1780, 16 hours); Pemba to Maputo
(Mtc2500, 3 days).
» There is no luggage fee for large buses. For smaller buses and
chapas,
if your bag is
large enough that it needs to be stowed on the roof, you will be charged, with the amount
varying depending on distance and size of the bag, and always negotiable.
» Where there's a choice, always take buses rather than
chapas
.
RESERVATIONS
Book TCO buses in advance, as its routes fill quickly. Maning Nice and Grupo Mecula
should be booked the afternoon before. Otherwise, showing up on the morning of travel
(about an hour prior to departure) is usually enough to ensure a place.
If you are choosy about your seat (best is in front, on the shady side), get to the depar-
ture point earlier.
The more luggage on the roof, the slower the service.
