Mozambique Getting Around

Getting Around

Transport leaves early in Mozambique - 4 AM is not unusual, particularly as you go further north. Roads are generally in poor condition, especially when compared to South Africa, although significant work is ongoing to improve these. It needs to be pointed out that connections away from the main cities may not be in the best condition, and breakdowns cannot be ruled out. Be sure you are carrying a safe load of water! The bus is about the best means of getting around Mozambique. There are buses running between major towns usually once a day at least. There are three main private companies and each has express lines (which means less slow not particularly quick). Where the roads are well maintained this is a good way to go. Where the roads are in rough shape (and that includes nearly all rural areas) you'll probably have to use converted passenger trucks called chapa-cems (short for 'tin one-hundreds' and usually just called chapas) to get around. LAM has flights inside Mozambique connecting Maputo Beira Tete and other cities. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled; baggage is frequently lost or tampered with. There are also twice-weekly flights between the capital and the Bazaruto Archipelago. Sabin Air a private charter airline can fly you just about anywhere you like though it's more expensive than LAM. Air travel (with Linhas Aereas de Moçambique or Air Corridor) is by far the best way to travel between cities in different parts of the country. It is not cheap though, and it's quite possible to travel overland providing you aren't too fussy about how you get there. If you're driving your own vehicle in Mozambique the police have a reputation for finding problems trivial and imagined with vehicles for which large 'fines' are imposed. If you're polite have your vehicle and papers in strict order and obey all the road rules you stand less chance of being hassled. Cars can be hired in Maputo and Beira where several major and a few local agencies have depots. The airport is about 1km north-west of the city centre. Taxis and buses are available. The train station and minibus depot are at the southern edge of the city.