The journey takes around 4.5hours. Any stops for photos, eating or resting should be added on as extra time. There are no fuel stations after Lichinga and only some simple shops so stock up!
Leaving Lichinga take the tarmac road to Metangula, passing the turn off to the airport. After 80 kms (50 mins), on the edge of the escarpment, is Manhamba village. At the end of the village (by a stop sign) turn right towards Metangula - straight on the road comes to a dead end.
There is a bumpy and dusty short cut that saves around 45 minutes off the journey. 98km after Lichinga (20 mins past Manhamba) there is a blue sign pointing to the right, towards Michumwa. The short cut is 10km long and takes aorund 25 mins. It is not advisable to use this short cut in the rainy season and should only be attempted by confident drivers. At the end of the short cut (at Michumwa), turn right to Cobue.
From Michumwa it is 91km to Cobue, which takes around 2 hours.
Metangula is 106km from Lichinga, taking under 2 hours driving. The road is tarmac the whole way, with some excellent views over the lake just before arriving in Metangula. At the cross raods in Metangula, turn right to Chuangwa beach and Cobue (straight takes you to the beach and left up the hill to the administration buildings).
The road follows the lake shore for a few km. At Chuangwa (where you can see a big, golden beach) the road to Chuangwa turns left. The road to Cobue continues straight on. After 5 mins the road will fork again, the right hand fork crosses a narrow cement bridge - this is the road to Cobue, the left road descends into a sandy river bed - do not take this road.
The last 60km (1.5 hrs) of the drive is through the Manda Wilderness Community Conservation Area - keep your eyes open and you may catch a glimpse of some wild animals.
Vehicles are not common on the road, but there are usually 2 or 3 a day. So in the event of a serious problem it is best to stay by your vehicle. Phone signal is available in Cobue (through the Malawian network), Metangula and Lichinga (through the Mozambican network).
Drive past the ruined church, after 100km turn right down to the beach. After 30m take the track on the right (just after the circular carpentry shed under the mango trees) - this track will lead you to Kango Beach Lodge - a backpackers run by Julius who will be your contact person in Cobue.
There is safe and secure parking here.
Nkwichi boat crew will be waiting for you on the beach in front of Kango Beach Lodge.
You MUST make a booking, or the boat will not be waiting.
From Cobue, it is 25mins by speed boat and 1 hour by motorised dhow to the lodge. Nkwichi Lodge is only accessible by boat or by walking (3 hours from Cobue).
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Location | How to get here | Driving instructions | Itineraries