Mozambique Channel
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MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL CRUISING GUIDE
An online cruising guide for the Mozambique Channel.
Background
The Mozambique Channel is a portion of the Indian Ocean between the island of Madagascar and southeast Africa, namely Mozambique. The channel is approximately 460 kilometers across at its narrowest point between Angoche, Mozambique, and Tambohorano, Madagascar.
The channel reaches a depth of 3,292 meters about 230 kilometers off the coast of Mozambique. A warm current flows in a southward direction in the channel, leading into the Agulhas Current off the east coast of South Africa. It is around 1000 miles(1600 kilometers) long and the width of it varies from 250-600 miles(400-950 kilometers).
It is not wise to consider cruising in the Mozambique Channel between November and May as this is both the rainy and cyclone season. Towards the southern end of this region, a high incidence of cold fronts and gales can be experienced between July and August.
The Mozambique current is south flowing and because of the long cyclone season and the possible winter gales, renders this region as comfortable for cruising for only about six months of the year. But, for those six months, it is wonderful, interesting cruising.
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
Weather
Details?
Sources for weather forecasts:
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Islands & Atolls
Passage - South to North
This passage is best undertaken after the "cyclone season" ends in May - the best periods being May/June and Sept/Oct. However, take note that gales tend to be worst and most frequent in July and August. It is therefore important to know where all the "bolt-holes" are should you wish to seek sanctuary. The South African weather service normally gives information about approaching fronts about three days in advance so you would normally have plenty of time to make important decisions.
Fast Passage
- Durban -> Maputo (Mozambique) = approx. 300M
- Durban -> Tulear (Madagascar) = approx. 780M
- Durban -> Nosi Be (Madagascar) = approx. 1400M
- Durban -> Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) = approx. 1650M
- Maputo -> Tulear (Madagascar) = approx. 640M
For a quick northerly transit of the Mozambique Channel, remain coastal (inside the Mozambique Current) after leaving Durban/Richards Bay (on a favourable weather forecast) until parallel with Maputo (a possible "bolt-hole") and if the weather forecast is still favourable, cross the Current towards Madagascar. Sailing past Europa Island and fairly close to Madagascar affords you the chance to pick up the north-flowing counter-current of 1 or 2 knots. This current is sometimes difficult to find so a bit of perseverence is in order.
This route should make for a fast passage to the northern tip of Madagascar from where you will pick up the west-flowing South Equatorial Current to cross back to the Tanzania coast (near Mafia Island) for onward passage.
Alternatively, at the latitude of Maputo, sail north-easterly across the south-flowing Mozambique Current which runs close to the Mozambique mainland, and then proceed up the middle of the channel. Continue to Mayotte / Comoros to pick up the west-flowing South Equatorial Current to assist you back to the Tanzania mainland.
"Gunk-Holing"
Proceed as above to Maputo.
Option 1:
Cruise your way up the Mozambique coast and stop at as many of the wonderful, interesting stops (see Mozambique) as your time will allow (avoid Beira if possible). Remain as close to the coast as possible to avoid the full force of the Mozambique Current though from Mozambique Island onwards, the current is very close to shore and makes this section a little hard to sail. The good news however, is that you will get on to the north-flowing South Equatorial Current "freeway" near the Tanzania border. Allow yourself two months to "slow" cruise from Durban to Dar es Salaam if possible.
Option 2
From Maputo, sail across to Tulear, Madagascar and "gunk-hole" your way up the west coast to Nosi Be for provisioning and onward passage on the back of the east-flowing South Equatorial Current to Mayotte and Tanzania. See the Madagascar section for the west coast ports and stops.
Passage - North to South
From Tanzania to Richards Bay / Durban South Africa
Best Time: September - October
Fast Passage
Details
"Gunk-Holing"
Details
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
References & Publications
- Islands and Atolls in the Mozambique Channel Cruising Notes by Tony Herrick.
Cruiser's Friends
- Cruising Connections - Tony Herrick in Durban
External Links
Personal Notes
Personal experiences
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