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Cahora Bassa Gorge

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Cahora Bassa Gorge is situated on the Zambezi River in the Tete Province of western Mozambique and is the site of one of Africa's largest hydroelectric dams. Geologically, the gorge was carved by the erosive power of the Zambezi, which cut through hard metamorphic rock to create a good bottleneck for dam construction. The project was initiated in the late 1960s by the Portuguese colonial administration to secure energy supplies in Southern Africa, with construction lasting from 1969 to 1974. The resulting reservoir extends over a length of approximately 250 kilometers and has a maximum width of 38 kilometers, causing massive changes to the local ecosystem and fishing industry. Economically, the gorge is of immense importance, as the power station has a capacity of 2,075 megawatts and exports the majority of its electricity to South Africa. Despite the ecological shifts caused by the regulation of water flow, the gorge remains an impressive example of 20th-century large-scale engineering within a tropical river system.

Location: Mozambique
Nearby: Songo (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	25	25	23	21	20	23	26	29	30	27
Rain mm	216	170	100	26	6	5	9	2	3	11	66	197

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The gorge is best accessed by boat from the Cahora Bassa Reservoir or via highly challenging dirt tracks near Songo. Guided excursions are frequently recommended for safely navigating the area.

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Best season

The drier, cooler months between May and September are generally considered well-suited. This significantly reduces the malaria risk and ensures more stable conditions on the mostly unpaved access routes.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain is extremely rugged, characterized by sheer rock faces and dense, thorny scrub. Hiking within the gorge requires a high degree of scrambling ability and absolutely surefooted navigation.

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What to bring

Robust trekking boots, durable long-sleeved clothing, and very large quantities of drinking water are mandatory. GPS devices and comprehensive first-aid kits should always be carried on any hike.

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Parking

Secure parking options are typically only available in settlements like Songo or at established boat docks. For deeper, multi-day trekking tours, the vehicle is often left at a guarded base camp.

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Safety

The steep terrain carries significant risks of falling, and loose rocks can dislodge at any time. Watch out for local wildlife and preferably undertake tours in this remote region only with experienced guides.

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Time needed

A straightforward boat tour into the gorge usually takes half a day. Anyone wishing to explore the rugged area on foot should plan for at least a full day and possess a very good level of physical fitness.

Geography

Coordinates

-15.60000, 32.70000

Facts

Construction of the dam in the gorge officially commenced in 1969.
The hydroelectric plant has an installed capacity of 2,075 megawatts.
The reservoir created by the dam is approximately 250 kilometers long.
The dam wall stands 171 meters high and is 303 meters wide.
Full control of the dam was only transferred to Mozambique in 2007.
About 90 percent of the generated electricity is exported to South Africa.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cahora Bassa Hydropower1 km · EExplore →

Cahora Bassa Dam5 km · SExplore →

Songo8 km · NExplore →

Mount Songo9 km · EExplore →

Cahora Bassa Reservoir11 km · SExplore →

Tete Lowland89 km · NExplore →

Tete community park111 km · NWExplore →

Rushinga111 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Cahora Bassa Gorge (1)

Cahora Bassa Dam📍 landmark

Cahora Bassa Dam is on the Zambezi River in Mozambique. It is a large hydroelectric plant.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the gorge accessible for tourists?

Yes, there are viewpoints, but access is limited.

Can one go on boat tours there?

Yes, there are organized tours on the reservoir.

Is there a visitor center there?

Some areas are open to visitors, mostly private.

When should one visit the gorge?

In the cooler months to avoid the strong midday sun.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, the panorama is spectacular and popular among photographers.

Cahora Bassa Gorge: where is it located?

Cahora Bassa Gorge is located in Mozambique.

Cahora Bassa Gorge: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Cahora Bassa Gorge: why is it worth visiting?

The Cahora Bassa Gorge is situated on the Zambezi River in the Tete Province of western Mozambique and is the site of one of Africa's largest hydroelectric dams.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →