A popular destination for longer hikes is the cascata (waterfall) in the hills north of town. To get here, head first to the UP4 tea factory (also known as Chá Sambique), which you can see in the distance to the north; ask locals to point out the way and allow about 45 minutes on foot. From UP4, it’s another 1½ hours on foot through overgrown tea plantations and forest to the falls, which will be to your right. En route are several detours offering beautiful views back down towards Gurúè. Swimming is possible in the pools above the falls. There are said to be some wild horses from colonial days in the surrounding hills, as well as herds of cattle. As the falls are situated in the middle of tea plantations, you will need permission to visit. This is free and can be obtained from the Gulamo company at their UP6 warehouse, a complex of white buildings several kilometres out of town off the Quelimane road; ask for Senhor Rafiq. At UP6 you may also be able to arrange to tour one of the tea factories, which still have much of their original equipment, including an old steam engine.
