PEMBA
WHY TRAVEL HERE?
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Pemba is a coastal town situated in the province of Cabo Delgado in the north east of the country.
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The gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago, Pemba is fast becoming a top diving and water sports destination in Mozambique.
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Pemba Bay is apparently one of the largest inland bays in the world and the town of Pemba is situated on the southern arm of the mouth of the bay.
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The beautiful beaches and surrounding area have not been spoilt by pollution or modernisation.
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Most tourists are attracted to lively Pemba by the renowned Wimbe Beach, but there’s so much more to do.
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Enjoy lively Lambada-style dancing with locals at restaurants and discos.
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Past the Praia de Wimbe you’ll find the lighthouse and another beautiful beach called Praia do Farol.
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The old town known as Baixa has some interesting buildings and a relaxing atmosphere. At the nearby boat yard you can watch the mahogany boats being built.
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Enjoy the beautiful views out over the bay from near the Governors House, especially at sunset.
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The Makonde Workshop on the road between the town and the beach produces some unique wooden carvings.
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There are interesting traditional markets (bazares) in the bairros Natite, Cariaco, Ingonane and Paquite Quete.
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You can buy shells at Wimbe Conches, and there is a tourist office there, too.
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The supermarkets generally sell imported South African products.
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When to go:
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June to September – the coolest, drier months.
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Rainfall is highest January to April (over 250mm in January alone) and lowest from July to November.
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Average temperatures are around 30 C (85F) from November to March but rarely drop below 25 C (76 F) even in the cool period, June to September.
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OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
MORE INFORMATION
June to September the coolest, drier months. Rainfall is highest January to April (over 250mm in January alone) and lowest from July to November. Average temperatures are around 30 C (85F) from November to March but rarely drop below 25 C (76 F) even in the cool period, June to September.
DIRECTIONS
By air
There are regular flights to Pemba from Maputo, Beira, and Quelimane.
By boat
Dhows travel from Msimbati (Tanzania) to Pemba. From the south Pemba is at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel and is thus the last stop of most scheduled boat routes.
By road
From the north: (Tanzania, Mwambo, Niamoto) is a slow route and depends on the operation of the vehicle ferry over the Rovuma River. The coastal sand road between Pemba and Mocimboada Praia is upgraded for 110 km from Pemba and remains very basic after that.
From the west: (Lichinga) the road to Majune is well utilized but becomes a basic track through Marrupa to Balama. The road improves again between Montepuez, Metero and Pemba. (The Cuamba - Marrupa road is a better choice than the Lichinga - Marrupa road).
From the south: from Nampula town turn left at Namialo up to Metero and then eastwards to Pemba. The distance of Pemba from Nampula is 440 km.