Lichinga

Lichinga is the capital of the province of Niassa, in Mozambique.

By plane
National operator LAM has flights from the capital Maputo and a few other major cities several times per week.



By train
There are a very limited number of passenger services from Cuamba, about four departures per month. Trains are operated by CFM.



By car
A main road heads north to Lichinga via Mandimba on the Malawi border, or west from the coast at Pemba.

By bus
Local transport is available going in and out of Lichinga.

By boat
It is possible to travel across Lake Niassa (Lake Malawi), though international travelers must legally enter through a border post and have the appropriate documentation (visas, etc. depending on nationality). Once on the Mozambique side, local transport would need to be arranged.

Taking the Ilala ferry is certainly a once in a lifetime experience. Sleeping on the upper deck of this second world war ferry and watching the sunrise over far rolling hills along the Mozambican and Malawian coast is breath taking. You can enter the ferry from any of the harbors where the ferry arrives. The stops and times of departure can be found under the following link Schedule.

IF you plan to visit Mozambique, you should get off at the harbor in Metangula. Make sure to leave a couple of days for a stay at Mbuna Bay lodge. If you contact them ahead of time they will pick you up at the harbor and drive you to the lodge. It's a truly beautiful place (see further below). They will also be able to give you information on your further travels in Mozambique and probably even give you transport the Lichinga.

Get around
Lichinga is small enough to get around by foot, or via bicycle taxi or other local transport.

Buy
A good number of stores are available offering food both local and international, construction supplies, clothing, electronics, etc.

Eat
A number of restaurants catering to a wide range of budgets is available.