Villa do Songo

Songo is a Villa  town in Mozambique situated on the north bank of the mighty Zambezi River, close to the Cahora Bassa Dam. 

Songo was built in 1969 to house the workers who constructed the dam and remains very much a functional town centered around the dam's operations. 

The town itself is unlike many others in Mozambique. There's no formal town center, and it's more a collection of loosely connected neighborhoods. This is likely due to its origins as a construction camp. 

 There are chapas, or local minibuses, running around town, though  Songo is quite walkable.

Despite its unconventional layout, Songo is considered one of the more attractive towns in Mozambique. It seems to have  avoided the worst effects of war and neglect that have plagued other parts of the country.  The stakeholders involved with the dam likely play a role in keeping the town well  maintained. Teams of workers clad in green work clothes sweep the streets five days a week.

Here are some interesting things to do in Songo:

* Visit the Cahora Bassa Dam: 

This engineering marvel is the largest hydroelectric dam in Africa and a major source of power for Mozambique and neighboring countries. It powers the Mozambican economy: it's the heartbeat of Mozambique.

 

* Explore the Zambezi River:

 Take a boat trip on the Cahora Bassa lake to see hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and other wildlife.

* Go hiking or biking in the surrounding countryside: The area around Songo is beautiful and relatively unspoiled, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

* Relax at the Girasol Songo Hotel: 

This hotel is situated  in the Northern Zone of Villa do Songo 

*Go to Kubissa Discotheque for a night out

*There's also a local restaurant, Restaurante da Vera.