Monte Binga
| Monte Binga | ||
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 Monte Binga north face |
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| height | 2436 m | |
| location | Mozambique , Manica | |
| Mountains | Chimanimani | |
| Coordinates | 19 ° 46 '27 " S , 33 ° 3' 38" E | |
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| particularities | highest elevation in Mozambique | |
The Monte Binga is the highest point of the African country Mozambique . It reaches a height of 2436 meters above sea level . It rises from the Mozambican lowlands in the Manica province on the rise to Chimanimani , the southern part of the Zimbabwe highlands, and its summit is right next to the national border. Chimanimani is a national park of which 1756 km² are in Mozambique.
Route from Mozambican side
The ascent of Monte Binga can be undertaken on the Mozambican side with moderately difficult or difficult terrain, sometimes on paths that are difficult to find.
The most favorable access to the Chimanimani National Park, on the road from Mavita to Rotanda, about 10 km west of Mavita, is located on the north-eastern border of the national park.
You follow, branching off the road to the south, a dirt road that can be driven by off-road vehicles in the dry season. The national park is signposted, as is Chikukwa Camp, which is at the end of the dirt road near the border with Zimbabwe. After a good 15 kilometers in a southerly direction, the path curves to the west. Here you come across the small village of Caricanhi. If you follow the path, you will reach the signposted camp after a little more than 10 kilometers. Contrary to what the signs on the way suggest, the path to Monte Binga begins in the middle of the village. You cross the river and quickly find a well-trodden path in a south-south-west direction. The path first climbs south on the western slope of the valley. The exact course changes from season to season and is probably not practicable in large parts during the rainy season from November to March. The path now turns parallel to the summit massif to the east to the Muerera high plateau. Here you use the first possibility to cross the east ridge through a small valley to the right. This is very rugged and not suitable for an ascent to the summit.
After about 200 meters of altitude you reach a system of several canyon-like, deeply cut valleys. Keep as far south as possible in a wide arc to the south and follow the main valley upwards to the west. About 300 meters below the summit you reach the south ridge, which you now follow to the summit, so that you have finally circled the summit massif almost completely.
The ascent described in this way takes place in the upper part without a path or marking and requires good fitness and alpine experience. It is important to note that even small injuries and accidents can quickly become life-threatening, as help cannot be expected. The nearest hospital in Mozambique is about 100 km northeast of Monte Binga in Chimoio and is difficult to reach in an emergency. There is no possibility to buy groceries or other things in the entire Chimanimani National Park.
Towards the end of the dry season, the watercourses only carry enough water far below the summit that can be safely drunk.