Its one long journey across two neighbouring countries. Its unfortunate there is no direct bus service between the two cities. From Blantyre one needs to use multiple vehicles to the border and then to Tete. From Tete that’s when you will get a direct comfy coach to Maputo.
Key Highlights
- Distance: 1758 kilometres.
- Cost: USD80.
- Travel time: 48-72 hours.
Blantyre to Tete
In Blantyre you will need to go to the Mibawa Bus Depot a take a bus to Mwanza. They leave as soon as they fill up but I’d say that’s about every hour. From there you will find plenty of motorcycle taxis or regular taxis to drive you to the Malawi border post to get your exit stamp and then across the few kilometres of no-mans land to get to the Mozambique post at Zobue.
After you done with the immigration, You just cross the gate. From there you will take a minibus to Tete, which leaves after its only filled up. Sometimes there leave half empty and go fill up at Angónia a trading centre which is just about 15 minutes from Zobue. From there its a smooth ride with just numerous police check points, dropping & picking up passengers. Its a distance of about 120 kilometres which should be covered in two hours.
The second option from Blantyre to Tete. You can board a bus from Wenela bus depot i.e Triptrans (Monday to Saturday) or 3 stars (Thursday’s and Sunday’s) which operates between Blantyre and Harare via Tete. They will charge you USD20 and drop you at Shoprite Zambezi shopping centre. From there you will need to get a motorbike or taxi to citylink bus offices. Its a more expensive option but saves time. Departs at 06:30 in Blantyre and arrives in Tete at around 10:30/11:00.
Tete to Maputo
From Tete there is a luxury bus operator called CityLink. Their buses are fully book most of the time. As soon as you can visit their office and book your seat. Departure is around midday. Their office and Departure point is at Av. da Liberdade, Aurelio Unit, opposite VIP Hotel. Whatsapp them in Portuguese on (+258 852916911/823216282).
Please note that in Mozambique buses and trucks are not allowed to operate between 9pm and 5am. Mostly citylink coaches departs Tete and parks in Chimoio which about 375 kilometres away for the night restriction. The bus will depart at exactly 4am for Maputo estimated arrival time is at night or the following day depending on the road conditions.
From Chimoio its a long journey thats passes through Inharrime, Inhambare, Massinga, Mapinhare, Xai xai, etc. In some parts of the road you will enjoy the amazing scenery of the Indian Ocean, beautiful mountains, dry rivers, etc. The bus does have some recess points to stretch yourselfs, get some fresh hot food and cold drinks.
Citylink has luxurious facilities on board. Their buses are equipped with recling seats, air conditioned, toilet, USB charging ports, entertainment on board, etc. One should expect a comfortable and enjoyable ride for such a long journey.
Your final destination point in Maputo is at the CityLink offices located at 451/A Rua do João mulungu Avenue, Maputo city.
Please note citylink is not the only bus operator on this route. Other avaliable bus operators are Etrago, Spaces liner, Nagi investments, etc.
Immigration control
For this journey you only need to have your passport or travel document stamp on twice.
- Mwana border post (Malawi)
- Zobue border post (Mozambique)
What You Need
- Valid passport.
- Malaria medicine course or mosquito repellent.
- Valid yellow fever card.
- Sufficient funds for trip.
Bus explorer 
Leave a comment