- [NEWS @ 0935Z] – Confirmation from the team that C94RRC activity will stop on July 12th (local evening time but no definitive time yet). The next day, they leave the island then start the journey to AF-098 where C93RRC activity begins.
- [JULY 10 @ 0945Z] – Here’s the very latest news direct from the island via Vasily R7AL and Slav OK8AU.
The crew arrived late at night on July 7th and quickly realised the QTH was not good for radio. They were located in a small village with very limited infrastructure and electricity, and were not close enough to the sea for vertical antennas. They quickly erected a 40m vertical to get on air, but knew they would have to move QTH the next day.
On July 8th they tried to meet the local governor who would hopefully grant them permission to operate from a remote, but better area within the island, however he would not be available until July 9th. Meantime, to keep on the air, the team were using FT8 mostly.
Yesterday, July 10th, they finally met the island governor, and after a one hour meeting, it was decided they could move all equiment and belongings to the part of the island they wanted to set up from. This took the entire day, including installing electricity. Today, the guys are extremely tired, but happy knowing the new QTH is much better. You may have already noticed their signal has improved well from the first couple of days.
Vasily, R7AL mentions they will do more CW and SSB soon. Antenna installation at the new site is almost complete. There was no word on when they will QRT from the island.
- [JULY 7 @ 2215Z] – Vasily, R7AL reports the team reached the island and set up a 40m vertical becoming QRV just after 2200z. Started off on CW then to FT8. Band is mostly dead, says Vasily. In the local morning (July 8th) they will set up more antennas.
- [JULY 7 @ 0915Z] – Further to yesterday’s update, just received word from the team that the road has abruptly ended and they have no other access to the island than to now take a slow 8 hour boat trip from Chinde. This further delays them but still hopeful of being QRV later today. Video and pictures showing boat and team.
- [JULY 6 @ 2100Z] – Having reached the nearest town, the guys are nearing the island. They still have some more travelling to do on dirt-track roads in the morning, but are hopeful of being on the island at some point July 7th barring no last minute issues. Everyone is well. Some pics and videos:
- [JULY 6 @ 1200Z] – Team arrived in Mozambique on July 5th as scheduled. Mentioned previously, their road-trip to AF-103 region is long so they’ve been keeping busy by operating as C92RU/M on the way as shown in the video.
- [JULY 4] – Earlier today, July 3rd @ 2100z, the team started their long journey to Mozambique from Moscow. Once they arrive in C9, there is a 1500 km road trip to get to the region where Inhacamba Island is located. This is expected to be a long, ardous journey with perhaps some as yet unknown obstacles in the way. Anticipated QRV date is July 5th.
At Moscow airport with all equipment.
- [MAY 21] – Russian DX Team members (OK8AU, UA3QLC, R7AL) plan to be active from Inhacamba Island, AF-103 as C94RRC during July 5-11, 2025.
We have been planning this trip since 2022, but had to postpone each time due to the lack of logistics. Please note, that we are not giving any promises to anyone because it’s quite a difficult and risky project! The success of this activity will highly depend on many factors: road conditions, local assistance, etc. We’ll try to spend 6-7 days on the island, depending on local conditions.
NOTE: Inhacamba island (aka Chinde) is located at the mouth of the Zambezi river in central part of Mozambique. It belongs to "Zambezia District group” (AF-103) according to the IOTA directory. Last time activated in 2006 by C91VB/4, this IOTA group is in Most Wanted List with only 18.9% credit. Located far away from civilization and tourist enclaves, this island is quite difficult to access.
