PEMBA AND THE REGION NORTH TO THE RIO ... - MozGuide

Namoto.
This is the border outpost in a wonderful forest at the edge of the Rovuma floodplain. New
buildings are being constructed for the immigration officials and once the computer and
generator have been installed, perhaps Mozambique visas will finally be issued here. Until
then make sure that you get your visa in Dar es Salaam (same day possible) if coming south
to Mozambique from Tanzania. No facilities here but good flat and clear spots available to
put up a tent. If entering Mozambique with a vehicle, you will have to show the registration
papers and purchase a 30-day Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for about US$1,50 or Mtn30. It
is compulsory to obtain 3 rd Party Insurance Motor insurance but as this is not on offer north of
Pemba, assure any officials or police that may ask for it that you will purchase this from
Emose in Pemba.
Mueda
Once the new ‘Unity Bridge’ over the Rovuma between Mtambaswala in Tanzania and
Negomano in Mozambique is complete (perhaps by mid 2008), Mueda will be the first major
town travellers will reach if using this new and very scenic route into Mozambique. Presently
there are no bridges over the Rovuma River, and the only vehicle access is presently via the
irregular motor barge (ferry) between Kilambo (Tanzania) and Namoto (Mozambique) at the
Rovuma mouth.
Mueda is a surprisingly large and quite busy town with cell phone (MCel only) signal, ATM’s,
banks, supermarkets, district hospital (basic care only – malaria well treated) and Service
Stations (often only diesel available). Due to its 900m altitude, Mueda’s climate is moderated
and is up to 5°C cooler than along the adjacent coastline – pretty cold during the winter
months!
Mueda became important to the Portuguese Colonial regime when Frelimo began launching
raids in Mozambique from Tanzania and a forward base for Portuguese soldiers was needed.
Mueda became one of Mozambique’s main military bases and a tarred road was built from
Mocímboa da Praia to facilitate the movement of troops and armoured vehicles.
The Mueda Massacre.
In 1960, Tanzania declared itself a Marxist state and, as Mozambique’s northern neighbour,
began to provide bases for Makonde exiles who had crossed the Ruvuma River after being
deprived of their land in Cabo Delgado Province by Portuguese commercial farmers. The
initial half-hearted guerrilla incursions had little impact on the white settlers who responded by
in the form of the Portuguese Governors’ calling of a meeting with Makonde Chiefs that was
held at Mueda in Cabo Delgado during 1960. There are conflicting reports, but confusion
ensued when discussions became heated. Portuguese commandos opened fire, killing many
of the Makonde leaders. Outrage fuelled internal resistance and prompted greater Soviet
intervention in Mozambique.
Getting to Mueda.
By Road.
Other than via Namoto, Quionga and Mocímboa da Praia, there is presently no way to drive
to Mueda from Tanzania. The road from Pemba is almost all tarmac, while the scenic track
from Montepuez is being extensively upgraded but is still 4x4 - only territory. If using public
transport from either Mocímboa da Praia or Pemba, you will probably have to change at
Diaca.
By Air.
While there are certainly no scheduled flights from anywhere to Mueda, it has a good airport
with a 2789 ft (900m) long runway at 11° 39’ 0” S; 39° 33’ 0” E.
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