Chokwé

Chokwé Spotlight: Facts & Numbers

Location and Province

Chokwé is a town in Gaza Province, southern Mozambique, serving as the administrative seat of Chókwè District. It is located on the south bank of the Limpopo River .

Key Facts and Numbers

• Population (District): 187,422 as of the 2007 census; no separate recent (2023) town-specific figures are available, but the town is the largest settlement in the district.
• Geography: The district covers 2,466 km² with a population density of about 76 people per km². The area is prone to flooding from the Limpopo River, with major events in 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, and 2013 causing significant damage.

Economy

Chokwé is considered the economic hub of Gaza Province, with a strong focus on agriculture supported by 31,000 farms averaging 2.1 hectares each. Key crops include tomatoes (the main crop), corn, rice, cassava, cowpeas, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and beans. Livestock farming, particularly cattle and goats, is also prominent. The town has infrastructure like banks, a community radio station (Radio Vembe), and a train station, aiding trade and transport.

Road Access

Xai-Xai (Provincial Capital) 88 km ~100–120 km Southeast via EN1 or local roads; travel time ~1.5–2 hours.
Maputo (National Capital) 191 km 206–230 km South via EN1 highway; ~3–4 hours driving. 

Chokwé is connected by a 510 km district road network, including 160 km of national roads like EN1, the main north-south highway facilitating travel to Maputo and beyond. A key bridge over the Limpopo River (replaced in 2007 after destruction in 1978) links the town to surrounding areas. Public transport includes buses and chapas (minibuses), though roads can be impacted by flooding. 

Nearest Airport

Chokwé has a small local airport (IATA: TGS), but it lacks scheduled commercial flights and is mainly for general aviation. The nearest operational airport with scheduled services is Maputo International Airport (IATA: MPM, ICAO: FQMA), about 191 km straight-line south (206 km by road). It handles domestic and international flights, including to Johannesburg and other hubs. Xai-Xai Airport (IATA: VJB) is closer at ~87 km but also has limited or no scheduled services.

Nearby Attractions

Chokwé emphasizes cultural and rural experiences rather than major tourism, with a focus on peace, tranquility, and community life:

• Limpopo River: Scenic river views, fishing, and potential boat trips; the area highlights the town's farming heritage with tomato fields and livestock.
• Xai-Xai Area (Nearby): About 100 km away, offering beaches, the Limpopo River mouth, and markets for cashew nuts and rice.
• Limpopo National Park: West of Chokwé (~50–100 km), part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park connected to South Africa's Kruger National Park, featuring wildlife safaris with elephants, lions, and rhinos. The region suits eco-tourism and authentic agricultural tours, though infrastructure is basic.