DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Cahora Bassa Dam

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°
Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)

Weather…

The Cahora Bassa Dam on the Zambezi River in Tete Province is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Africa. Constructed between 1969 and 1974, this double-curvature arch dam stands at an impressive height of 171 meters with a crest length of 303 meters. The power station has an installed capacity of 2,075 megawatts, making it one of the primary energy sources for Southern Africa. A significant portion of the electricity generated is exported to South Africa via high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines. The resulting reservoir covers approximately 2,700 square kilometers, ranking as Africa's fourth-largest artificial lake. Beyond power generation, the dam supports commercial fishing and navigation, though it significantly impacts the ecology of the lower Zambezi basin. Control over the dam remained a complex diplomatic issue with Portugal after independence, only reaching a final resolution in 2007 when the Mozambican state acquired the majority shareholding.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262625252321202326293027
Rain mm21617010026659231166197

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Cahora Bassa Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and a major hydroelectric facility. The plant can be visited on guided tours.
🕒
Typical hours
Guided tours are typically offered at set times, often in the morning and afternoon. Advance booking is required; inquire with the operating company.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed on site, but not in sensitive operational areas. The best shot of the dam wall is from the viewing platform.
⏱️
Time needed
The tour lasts about one and a half to two hours. Allow extra travel time as the dam is located in a remote area.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with a safari in nearby Gorongosa National Park. The Tete-Zambezi corridor also gives further nature experiences.
🧭
Getting there
The dam is about 200 kilometers northwest of Tete in Mozambique. Access is via national road EN1, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
💡
Insider tip
Book the tour in advance and ask about technical details, especially fascinating for engineering enthusiasts. Bring sun protection and water.

Geography

Coordinates
-15.58610, 32.65830

Facts

  • The dam wall height is 171 meters with a 303-meter crest.
  • The station has an installed capacity of 2,075 MW.
  • Construction began in 1969 and finished in 1974.
  • The reservoir surface area is approximately 2,700 km².
  • Transmits power via a 1,420 km HVDC line to South Africa.
  • Ownership was transferred to Mozambique on November 27, 2007.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cahora Bassa GorgeCahora Bassa Gorge5 km · NExplore →
Cahora Bassa ReservoirCahora Bassa Reservoir7 km · SExplore →
Mount SongoMount Songo9 km · NEExplore →
SongoSongo13 km · NExplore →
Tete LowlandTete Lowland94 km · NExplore →
RushingaRushinga109 km · SWExplore →
Mazowe RiverMazowe River113 km · SWExplore →
Tete community parkTete community park116 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can the dam be visited?
Visits are limited; prior arrangement with the management is necessary.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 2 to 3 hours to admire the facility and the reservoir.
Are there boat tours on the lake?
Yes, local operators in Songo offer excursions to explore the reservoir.
Is photography allowed at the dam?
Photography is partially restricted; please pay attention to local safety signs.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season between May and September is good for outdoor activities.
Cahora Bassa Dam: where is it located?
Cahora Bassa Dam is located in Mozambique.
Cahora Bassa Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Cahora Bassa Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Cahora Bassa Dam on the Zambezi River in Tete Province is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Africa.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Mozambique →

Nearby cities

Tete — Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)
Tete
A city on the Zambezi River known for its hot climate and coal mining.
Moatize — Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)
Moatize
A major coal mining town located near Tete on the Zambezi River.
Songo — Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)
Songo
A highland town perched above the Cahora Bassa Dam, known for its cooler climate and views over the Zambezi Valley.
Ulongué — Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)
Ulongué
A district capital in Tete Province, known for agriculture.

Nature

Cahora Bassa Reservoir — Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)
Cahora Bassa Reservoir
One of Africa's largest reservoirs on the Zambezi River.

More places

Cahora Bassa Hydropower — Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)
Cahora Bassa Hydropower
One of the largest hydroelectric dams in Africa, harnessing the immense power of the Zambezi River.
Samora Machel Bridge — Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)
Samora Machel Bridge
A historic suspension bridge over the Zambezi in Tete.
Moatize Coal Mine — Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)
Moatize Coal Mine
A giant open-pit coal mine in Tete Province, holding some of the world's largest untapped coal reserves.
🗺️
Zumbo Trading Post
The furthest inland Portuguese trading post on the Zambezi.
Cahora Bassa Gorge — Cahora Bassa Dam (Mozambique)
Cahora Bassa Gorge
A spectacular gorge on the Zambezi.
🗺️
Mount Songo
A well-known mountain near Cahora Bassa.