From Quinga to Mecufi: Roads and Services

Towns and villages along the way: Nampula, Namialo, Macololo, Carapira, Ilha de Moçambique
Turns along the way: Nacavala and Muecati are left. Meconta - turn left for Pemba (EN106) straight for Nacala and Monapo, Turn for Monapo Villa and Angoche via Liúpo. Turn right for Ilha de Moçambique (EN105).

Roads:

Directions: The EN1 from Nampula is a continuous road that takes you into Nacala. You'll find a Petromoc 4km from out of town, selling Unleaded (S/Chumbo). You will need to turn right after the Monapo Villa/ Angoche turn off, where there is a Galp Petrol Station and Police Check; here is the turn for Ilha de Moçambique. You will drive through a town close to the Island that is also called Ilha de Moçambique,, but the island and national heritage site isn't until you have crossed the bridge. You can drive around the island but it is better to just get your car to the hotels parking facility and then walk for the remainder of your stay. This is the best way to appreciate this island and not clog up the roads.
Distances: Nampula to Nacavala/Muecati turn off 50km, another 21km to Meconta turn off. Nampula to Namialo is 86km, the Nacala/Pemba (N106) turn off is 1km further. Macololo is 105km from Nampula. Macololo to Carapira is 8km. Carapira to Ilha de Moçambique, turn is 15km. From the turn to the islands bridge is 24km. The bridge is 3km long.
Nampula to Ilha de Moçambique, is 152km.
Nampula to Nacala is 152km, funnily enough!
General condition: This road is in good condition and tarmaced all the way.
Recommended Speed: 100km/h.
Signage: Good. The bridge is closed from 22h00 to 05h00

Services:

Mobile Phone Reception: Full reception, good in Nampula but stops shortly after leaving Nampula heading east. At Namialo it comes back and this is with you all the way to the island.
Petrol Stations: In and just outside of Nampula. Where the EN1 meets the EN106 for Pemba turn off. And on the island.

• Types of fuel: Super, Diesel, Unleaded (in Nampula)
• Gas Available: In Nampula.
• Air for tyres: Yes.

Car Repairs: Yes. There are several mechanics in Nampula. You might find a mechanic on the mainland part of Ilha.
Car Towing: Yes in Nampula.
Stop Offs: There's an old colonial Portuguese church between Meconta and Namialo, 75km from Nampula. Namialo has a pousada and Bar/Restaurant.

Comments:

There is a police check point at the Ilha de Moçambique, turn off.
N.B. There is very little parking space on the island and only Hotel Omuhipiti has secure parking. If you are towing a caravan, trailer or boat it is recommended you, stay or leave your vehicles at least at the camp site just before you enter to the bridge.

Route: Ilha de Moçambique, to Nacala and Around.

Towns and villages along the way: Nacala Centre, Nacala Port.
Turns along the way: Lumbo, Mossuril and Chocas Mar, Nacala (EN8), Itoculo, Matibane, Nacala Velha, Praia Fernáo Veloso (Airport). Airport and Bay Diving. Quissimajulo Beach

Roads:

Directions: From the bridge and where you can turn to the airport, follow the main road back out the way you came in, then carry on until you reach the turning for the EN8, take this and follow the road all the way in to Nacala. There are two right turns to be taken in order to get to Praia Fernáo Veloso and the Airport the first is before the road slopes down to the port and the second is before the Petrol Stations 10km on.
For Nacala Velha and Memba you will see a turning before entering Nacala. Once you have entered Nacala Velha, take the second left turn through town and this road goes all the way to Memba.
Distances: Ilha Mozambique Airport turn off to Mossuril/Chocas Mar turn off 12km, Chocas Mar turn off to EN8 turn is 25km. EN8 turn to; Itoculo turn 7km, Matibane turn 53km, Nacala Velha turn 57km and Petrol Stations on outskirts of Nacala 65km. The turn for Fernáo Veloso and Airport turn is 10km.
General condition: The road between Ilha and Nacala is excellent having been resurfaced in 2004. Around Nacala some potholes are present but these are easily avoided. The road to Nacala Velha has shallow potholes but these aren't a problem.
Recommended Speed: On the EN roads 100km/h. Around Nacala 60km/h. To Nacala Velha 80km/h.
Signage: Good

Services:

Mobile Phone Reception: Full reception in Nacala.
Petrol Stations: In Ilha and Nacala,

• Types of fuel: Super, Diesel and Unleaded in Nacala
• Gas Available: There is a gas refill center in town.
• Air for tyres: Yes.

Car Repairs: Yes. There are mechanics in Nacala.
Car Towing: Yes in Nacala.
Stop Offs: None.

Comments:

You'll find a police check on the main road into Nacala.

Route: Nacala to Namapa

Towns and villages along the way: Namialo, Macololo, Carapira, Netia, Nacaroa, Alua, Namapa.
Turns along the way: Ilha de Moçambique, Pemba (EN106), Memba.

Roads:

Directions: Once you have left Nacala head back along the EN8, passed the turn to Ilha de Moçambique, (EN105), until you reach Namialo, here there is a turning for the north onto the EN106 for Pemba. Once on the EN106 it's a straight drive to Namapa. For further info on continuing this journey (see Roads and Services, Pemba to Baía do Rovuma and the Quirimba Archipelago).
Distances: Nacala to Ilha de Moçambique, turn - 65km, Ilha de Moçambique, turn to Namialo - 31km.
Namialo to: Netia - 20km, Nacaroa - 46km, Alua - 123km Namapa - 148km.
General condition: Good tarmac road all the way.
Recommended Speed: 100km/h.
Signage: Good

Services:

Mobile Phone Reception: Good from Namialo to Ilha turn off. Good around Nacala
Petrol Stations: In Nacala, at Ilha turn off, Namialo and at Namapa

• Types of fuel: Super and Diesel. Unleaded in Nacala
• Gas Available: Yes.
• Air for tyres: Yes.

Car Repairs: In Nacala
Car Towing: IN Nacala and Namialo, other than this look to your friendly lorry driver.
Stop Offs: Namialo. Macololo - 'Peixe da Mama'

Comments:

Easy pleasant drive, good services around you, a very interesting part of Mozambique.