Songo – An oasis in the sweltering heat of Tete

Traveling through Mozambique always leads to experiencing extremes. The ocean usually offers us paradise islands, crystalline waters and breathtaking images. Deserts, often uninhabited, surprise us with oases that make us forget the arid soils and give us back a breath of freshness.

Songo is a small village located in Tete. Amidst the mountains, you can see the complexion of a welcoming population.

The endless displays of various fish, from freshly caught; to dry, accompanied by salt for conservation; or smoked, which despite its peculiar appearance, when already at the table, drives us wild with its intense flavor.

Our recollection of that first contact with the Nyungwe people is still warm, in line with the high temperatures that characterize their environment.

Our recollection of that first contact with the Nyungwe people is still warm, in line with the high temperatures that characterize their environment. While driving by the different baobabs, with widths, shapes, heights and looks from ancient times, it is inevitable to realize that the best things come from the least expected places.The houses are distributed along the mountains, the cold starts to take over and the electricity glow gives the village a privileged view of the deformed city.

Early in the morning, a walk through the mountains, an appreciation of monuments such as the large snake Sandawana, installed by Naguib, or a motorcycle adventure through the streets, mountains and landscapes will take you to nirvana.Images and settings that would fit for the most romantic movies, such as the canoe trips through the waters that flow calmly, in green and turquoise colors and crystalline shapes that allow you to contemplate the high mountains and glimpse the great Cahora Bassa Dam.

But the best in a place will always be its people. When exploring the town, conversations always bring to the fore stories and stories from other times. Distant and recent memories, of pride and longing. Memories of those who cross the mountains every day in search of past truths and things of the future. Giant teeth and relics of different animals will be presented with nostalgia for the youthful years that have long since gone under intense physical work. And there will be no shortage of stories of how a young man managed, by himself, to tame a crocodile and place its large carcass in his living room as unequivocal proof of his feat.

▶ How to get there

Travel with LAM to the city of Tete. After the heat of the city, a car trip along vibrant landscapes ensues.

▶ What to do

Visiting the dam aboard a charming canoe is, without a doubt, one of the best memories you will have. A calm walk through the village is also essential.

▶ Where to eat

At Kukoma’s you can eat like you lick your fingers, you can try dishes with local products and more. Just as you can eat at the Mangos bar and enjoy the varied Mozambican cuisine, accompanied by different beers and other drinks for all tastes.For a more refined atmosphere, with an equally privileged landscape and a beautiful mountain in sight, the Montebelo restaurant offers everything to the consumer’s taste, with friendly staff who are very willing to serve you and tell different stories.

▶ Where to stay

Hotel Montebelo offers a cozy and refined atmosphere. With luck, your room might face a beautiful mountain with sublime and lush vegetation.

▶ Watch out for

For those who like hiking it is a perfect place, just go out with comfortable shoes as the climbs and descents are not easy. Always carry water and a charged camera to immortalize the landscape. If you are driving, pay extra attention, the road is full of curves. When venturing into the waters, watch out for crocodiles and always speak to a local for recommendations on places to fish. Have a taxi driver and arrange hours, as in some places the network fails.

Edição 80 Jul/Ago/ Set| Download.