The largest towns & villages in Mozambique

Manhiça

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Manhiça Spotlight: Facts & Numbers

Location and Province

Manhiça is the principal town and administrative seat of Manhiça District in Maputo Province, southern Mozambique. The district is in the north of the province, bordering the Indian Ocean to the east, and features rivers like the Komati and lakes such as Chuáli. The provincial capital is Matola.

Key Facts and Numbers

Population (Town): Approximately 65,240 (estimated as of 2025). District population: 159,812 (2007 census).

Area (District): 2,373 km².

Geography: Tropical humid climate at the coast (annual rainfall ~807 mm) transitioning to tropical dry inland; prone to flooding from rivers.

Administrative Divisions: Divided into six postos (sub-districts) with multiple localities.

History: Named after Chief Manacusse, a Tchaka leader who migrated from South Africa.

Economy

Primarily agricultural, with around 28,000 farms averaging 1.2 hectares each, producing crops like corn, cassava, cowpea, peanut, and sweet potato. The town is also known for the Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), which collaborates with the district hospital and attracts international researchers and students, contributing to health and scientific sectors.

Road Access

Distance Driving
Matola (Provincial Capital) ~71 km 80–90 km Via EN1; travel time ~1–1.5 hours.
Maputo (National Capital) ~66 km 77–82 km Via EN1; ~1–1.5 hours driving.

Manhiça is connected by a 200 km district road network, including a section of the national EN1 highway, which runs from Maputo north along the coast. This makes it accessible for north-south travel. Public transport includes buses, chapas (minibuses), and trains. Driving is on the left; roads are generally paved on EN1 but can be affected by flooding.

Nearest Airport

Maputo International Airport (IATA: MPM, ICAO: FQMA), located about 63 km south (straight-line; ~70–80 km by road). It handles domestic and international flights, including to Johannesburg and other regional hubs.

Nearby Attractions

Manhiça has limited dedicated tourist sites but offers access to coastal and natural features due to its Indian Ocean border:

Bilene Beach: About 100–150 km northeast, known for white sands, lagoons, and water activities like boat tours.