Mozambique Gurue
The Tea Plantations of Gurúè: Exploring the "Tea Capital of Mozambique"
Welcome to Gurue - a town located in the North of Mozambique in the Zambezia Province. Gurue is known for its tea production and beautiful landscape. Mount Namuli, the second highest peak in Mozambique, dominates the skyline. The temperate climate and ideal conditions for growing tea make Gurue a must-visit destination.The main road runs through the centre of the town towards the town square and is separated by an island of green lawn, small shrubs and lamp posts that light the street at night. The road is lined with local shops which offer a range of supplies, including a hardware, clothing and grocery store, and ATM and bank. The local market sells everything from bicycles to colourful plastic containers and a selection of fresh produce and poultry.
Nestled in the heart of Zambézia Province, Gurúè is affectionately known as the "tea capital of Mozambique," a title earned through its sprawling tea plantations that paint the landscape in vibrant shades of green. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Namuli, the region's high altitude and lush terrain make it a haven for tea cultivation, offering visitors a unique blend of agricultural heritage, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. Here's your 2025 guide to exploring the tea plantations around Gurúè, with practical tips for an enriching visit.
Gurúè: The Heart of Mozambique's Tea Industry
Gurúè, located in northeastern Zambézia Province, sits at an elevation of 600 to 1,000 meters on the Mozambican Plateau, a high plateau region shaped by the African Great Rift Valley. The town, with a population of around 140,000, is the largest in the province and serves as a hub for the surrounding tea estates. Its cool climate—averaging 15–25°C in the dry season—and fertile, well-drained soils create ideal conditions for tea cultivation, a legacy that dates back to the Portuguese colonial era in the early 20th century.
The tea plantations around Gurúè cover thousands of hectares, with estates like Chá Namacurra, Chá Gurúè, and Chá Monte Verde leading production. Mozambique produces both green and black teas, with Gurúè contributing significantly to the country's output, which reached 23,000 tons in 2020, valued at $40 million in exports. The industry employs thousands of local workers, primarily from the Makua and Yao ethnic groups, providing a vital source of income and supporting community development through schools, clinics, and infrastructure funded by tea companies. The plantations are set against the backdrop of Mount Namuli (2,419 m), Mozambique's second-highest peak, adding a dramatic flair to the rolling green fields.
The Tea Experience: What to Expect
Visiting the tea plantations around Gurúè offers a deep dive into Mozambique's agricultural heritage and the art of tea production:
Estate Tours: Many plantations, such as Chá Namacurra and Chá Gurúè, offer guided tours ($10–20/person), taking visitors through the tea fields, processing facilities, and tasting rooms. Learn about the cultivation process—from planting and harvesting to drying and packaging—and witness the labor-intensive work of tea pickers, who hand-pluck the tender leaves.
Tea Tastings: Sample high-quality green and black teas at estate tasting rooms, where you can savor the region's distinct flavors, often characterized by a rich, earthy profile with subtle floral notes. Some estates pair tastings with local snacks like cassava bread ($5–10/tasting).
Scenic Walks: Stroll through the plantations, where endless rows of tea bushes stretch toward the horizon, framed by Mount Namuli's imposing silhouette. The cool, misty mornings create a serene atmosphere, perfect for photography and relaxation.
Hiking Mount Namuli: Combine your tea tour with a hike up Mount Namuli, a 4–5-hour round trip offering panoramic views of the plateau and, on clear days, the Indian Ocean over 200 km away. The mountain's slopes, once forested, now reveal patches of tea estates, showcasing the region's agricultural transformation.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with the Yao and Makua communities, who form the backbone of the tea industry. Visit local markets in Gurúè to buy crafts, taste traditional foods like matapa (cassava leaves with peanut sauce), or attend cultural events, such as Yao ceremonies honoring Mount Namuli's spiritual significance ($20–40 for guided cultural tours).
Practical Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit: May–October (dry season) offers cooler temperatures (15–25°C), drier roads, and lower malaria risk, ideal for plantation tours and hiking. November–April brings heavy rains (1,000–1,200 mm annually), making roads challenging and increasing malaria risks, though the lush greenery enhances the landscape's beauty.
Getting There:
From Maputo: Fly to Quelimane (1.5 hours, $150–250 one-way via LAM), then drive 200 km to Gurúè (4 hours, 4x4 recommended). Alternatively, buses from Maputo to Quelimane (12–14 hours, $20–30) and local transport to Gurúè (2 hours, $5–10) are options.
From Beira: Fly to Quelimane (1 hour, $100–200), then drive as above, or drive 600 km (9–10 hours) via the EN1.
From Nampula: Drive 300 km to Gurúè (5–6 hours, 4x4 needed), a scenic route through the Mozambican Plateau.
Accommodation:
In Gurúè: Stay at guesthouses like Pensão Gurúè ($30–50/night) or budget hotels ($40–60/night). Some tea estates, like Chá Monte Verde, offer basic lodging ($50–80/night) with views of the plantations.
Camping: Camp near Mount Namuli's trailhead in villages like Mulepe or Mure10 ($10–20/night, bring your own gear) for a closer connection to the mountain.
Quelimane: For more comfort, stay at hotels like Hotel Chuabo ($80–120/night) and day-trip to Gurúè.
Mount Namuli is a must-see for any nature lover! With its granite rock face and 2419 metre-high peak, it's no wonder it's considered one of the leading hiking spots. The terrain is dotted with ravines, waterfalls and streams, providing an exceptional abundance of birdlife. The summit rewards you with stunning views