Tete province is well know as the location of the colossal Cabora Bassa dam, but this province is also rich in minerals, such as coal, iron, fluorite and gold.
Characteristics of the province
Area: 100,724 sq. km
Borders: Zambia to the north, Manica and Sofala to the south, Zimbabwe to the west and Malawi to the east
Main products: Coal, iron and fishing (on the Cahora Bassa Lake)
Population density: 7 inhabitants / sq. km
Most represented ethnic group: Nyanja and Nyungue
The city of Tete
Tete is one of the hottest parts of Mozambique as it lies on a plateau 500m above sea level.
Getting to Tete
To reach Tete, there is a road from Zimbabwe, crossing the border at Cuchamano (191 km from Tete), passing through to Malawi at the Zobué border (120 km). There is another road from Zambia via the Cassacatiza border crossing (293 km), and also the EN 6 and EN 102 roads from Beira via Guro and Changara. Alternatively, it is possible to fly with LAM from Beira or Maputo.
Main places to stay
Hotel Zambeze, Hotel Kassuende, A Piscina Rented Rooms, Central Hostel
Sightseeing
The Tete suspension bridge
Crossing over the Zambezi River this bridge links Tete to Moatize. It was built at the end of the 60s.
Mountains and countryside
This is the second largest dam in Africa and the fifth largest in the world. The enormous reservoir has a surface area of more than 2,000 sq. km. You must obtain a written permission to visit the dam from the Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) office in Tete before travelling to Songo (150 km from Tete), where guided tours to the power station and dam are available.
The 'Embondeiro’ or Baobab Tree
Is spread throughout this province. This ancient and legendary tree is intimately linked to the lives of the people in Tete, Cabo Delgado and Inhambane provinces. Innumerable stories about baobab tree have been passed down through the generations. The baobab is a might tree, its trunk can have a diameter of up to 8 meters and the tree can grow up to 15 meters high. The trunk is crowned with very thick branches.
Flora and Fauna
Tchuma Tchato
In the region of Bawa you can go on photographic safaris and bird watching excursions.
Nhau Traditions
The Nhau dancers require extreme agility. They dance holding a huge and frightening wooden mask to the sound of strong drum beats. These dancers are often initiation rituals.
Responsible for Tourism
Tete Province
Direcção Provincial de Turismo
Av. da Liberdade 7º andar - C.P. 223 - Tete
Tel: +258 52 23762 / 24225
Fax: +258 52 24225
e-mail: dpturism.mz@hotmail.com