Could anyone who has recently been to Pemba or Ilha de Mozambique comment on the state of the dirt roads in the region? I am thinking of doing a mountain bike trip, cycling along the coast between the two. I'd really appreciate any information - the best maps I can find make it look doable. Although there is no bridge across the Rio Lurio, I'm hoping I can get a ride in a boat or a ferry across.
Thanks!
warplesnark
1
franb
Hi there,
I cycled last month from Quelimane to Angoche (via Pebane and Moma), and the roads were perfectly fine, good hard gravel for the most part. Had to push my bike only for 3km, close to the place where there is no bridge on the Rio Ligonha (and no car traffic at all).
I haven't had a single puncture in 700km.
I haven't seen the backroads between Pemba and Ilha, but I cycled on the back roads around to the two towns. It depends very much on the road itself, some stretches were good other bad (corrogation, big holes in the gravel).
But you can definitely cycle on them ! Just be prepared for A LOT of attention of the local people everytime you stop.
I'm sure there will be a canoe to make you cross the river, if it's impossible to do it by yourself.
Don't rely on maps ;-)
Enjoy your trip !
Franek
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