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Place in Manica Province, Mozambique
Photo: A Verdade from Maputo, Moçambique, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chimoio is the capital of Manica Province in Central Mozambique. Chimoio plays a significant role in Mozambique´s economy. It is a transportation connection point to neighboring countries and to the coastal and south of Mozambique.
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Monte Bengo, not to be confused with Monte Binga
A symbol of the city of Chimoio and a "must" for dedicated travellers. The hill resembles the head of an old man. It is not a terribly high climb but offers a nice view of the city. Locals hold it in great esteem and every year, around November, there is a festival of music, books, crafts and other cultural events surrounding its celebration. It holds a mystical reputation in the general population. The walk to the hill and through local neighborhoods gives you a good introduction to life in Mozambique if just coming from Zimbabwe. Monte Cabeça de Velho path start is southwest of the peak.
in the District of Gondola but not far from Chimoio city. Popular waterfalls with anybody during the hot season. Good place to cool off and chill. Relatively short chapa ride to it.
private lodge in Lake Chicamba, popular hang-out for locals with a car or motorcycle and for group retreats/workshops. Beautiful view of the lake and the Messica river, it has a restaurant and swimming pool available. There is a crocodile enclosure and the property holds wildlife. The chalets are rustic but it seems the owner might improve accommodations (as of 2023). Nice for a stroll around the dam but watch out for the ants.
Chimoio is the departure point to Chimanimani National Park and Mount Binga, the highest elevation in Mozambique. If deciding to climb Mount Binga one can contact a guide from Chimoio or contact one with the assistance of staff once in Chimanimani (but it is better to plan ahead). Depending on your mode of transportation (you can take a chapa towards Sussundenga and then another one to the entrance of the park) count on at least 2 days as the trek to the peak of Mount Binga is a long one.
Very good quality. Decent swimming pool. Wi-fi. Fitness Center. Good security for cars. Next to Praça dos Herois Moçambicanos at one end of town. Fairly quiet and popular for business purposes, dignitaries and large events.
One of the best hotels in Chimoio, four-star equivalent standard. Right in the center of town. Popular for business purposes and hosting conferences.
Unofficial successor to Pink Papaya, which closed down during the Covid-19 pandemic. Nice garden, clean facilities, kitchen, fans in the rooms (one with A/C), Starlink WiFi. Staff is friendly and helpful. Good place for backpackers, NGO workers/volunteers and travellers on a budget.
Has more than twenty rooms available with one double or two single beds. Very centric, next to night life. Breakfast served on the premises. Good Wi-Fi. Popular for local visitors, business and couples. All the rooms are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV.
If you want a taste of everyday life go here where the common person goes shopping. Inside and outside the market you´ll find anything and everything the Chimoio and nearby resident asks for. Though you will find places to eat, particularly at the end of the Market, along the way there is a wide array of stalls where hair and beauty salons, hair extensions, bars, car parts, CD´s, cosmetics, phone protectors and repair, school supplies, shoes, produce, mounds of dry fish, beans and peanuts, linen, second-hand clothing and backpacks, jewelry, all kinds of hardware, household and garden items, etc. (emphasis on etc.) can be found.
By rail
Chimoio is on the international railway line between Beira and Harare in Zimbabwe.
By car
Chimoio is a 3+hour (200 km) drive from Beira.
By bus
Buses (called machimbombos here) from Maputo/Vilanculos tend to arrive late in the evening. Buses to Maputo leave Chimoio at 04ː30 or 05:00 in the morning. See section Go Next for more information.
By chapas/minibus
If coming from Zimbabwe, be aware of recent changes (February 2026) to the visa system.mz. You could potentially be turned around if you don't file online first.
It is possible to see the city on foot, however there is plenty of moto-taxi service readily available in case you do not choose to use the also abundant but crowded "chapas" (mini-buses).
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Chimoio · Regional · VPY
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