From Pemba to Baía do Rovuma and the Quirimba Archipelago: General Information

Location: From Pemba to Baía do Rovuma, Cabo Delgado Province. Home of the Macua, Makonde and Mwani People.
Main Localities: Pemba, Pangane, Guludo, Mocimboa da Praia, Montepuez and the Quirimba Archipelago.

Pemba, Capital of Cabo Delgado Province

Tourist development came faster to Pemba, compared to the rest of the Northern Territories, even though access to the area is difficult by road and expensive by air. It is due to the unique tourist qualities found in this stunning natural bay and its gateway access to the 27 islands/islets of the Quirimba Archipelago.

Pemba Bay itself is a fantastic natural harbor and has an active port.

The land seems to have the highest concentration of Baobab trees we have seen so far they create a brilliant contrast with the turquoise sea.

Most accommodations are found in the long and pretty Wimbe Beach on the outside of Pemba Bay and that is where the tourist action tends to be (see Accommodation for this sector).

Diving here was easy, exciting and very, very good. There are three dive operations in Pemba (see Dive Operators for this sector).

Services: All main National Banks are present in Pemba as well as ATM machines. Nautilus Hotel has an ATM machine at the reception, handy when you've no need to go to town or the queues their are too long. Good choice of restaurants and bars.

Communications: TDM: +258 (0) 72 20661

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: +258 (0) 72 20348, +258 (0) 72 20796
• Police: 119
• Fire Brigade: +258 (0) 72 20223
• Pemba International Airport: +258 (0) 72 23112

Pangane and Guludo

Pangane Point is about 160km north of Pemba (see Roads and Services for this sector). The small fishing village is located just before the point with white beaches and crystal clear waters on both sides. The point faces Matemo Island. It is possible to organise a dhow (or motorized boat) from Pemba to Pangane, stopping for a night or two at Ibo Island and hoping on/off some of the other small islands for picnics or snorkeling. There is a delightful place to stay right at the point where simplicity adds to the pleasure (see Accommodation for this sector). Highly recommended!

Services: Off the beaten track, Pangane does not have much in terms of infrastructure (no banks and no telecommunication or electricity available). But it is a place of outstanding beauty. Make sure to be self-sufficient when venturing up here. There is a small market with very limited basic supplies and the local shop sells cold beer and a few other essentials.

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital:+258 (0) 72 81153 (Mocimboa da Praia, the nearest hospital)
• Police: 119

Mocimboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado Province

About 300km driving from Pemba (see Roads and Services for this sector ). Mocimboa is an important dhow port and the last one before Rovuma Bay. The proximity with the Tanzanian border is noticeable here by the Swahili population.

Services: No banking facilities available. The market is large and very busy with basic supplies. No petrol station, local dealers have ample supply in plastic containers if you get caught in an emergency. Be alert to how much petrol gets into the tank!

Communications: TDM: +258 (0) 72 20661

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: +258 (0) 72 81153
• Police: 119

Montepuez

Up here, away from the sea side buzz, the air is cooler, the vegetation is much greener and very few tourists are seen wondering around. As you move inland so another side of Mozambique is revealed.

Services: No banking facility, nearest place is Pemba. There is great shopping in town where locally made products and beautiful textiles are very good value for money. The Aurora Project (see Accommodation for this sector) a few km from town sells their home pressed essential oils, mango jam, mango vinegar and other high quality products.

Communications: TDM: +258 (0) 72 20661

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: +258 (0) 72 81153
• Police: 119

The Quirimba Archipelago, Cabo Delgado Province

Over 23 islands and islets, some are tiny and uninhabited, some heavily built up over the last few centuries, most without fresh water, all surrounded by pristine ocean waters.

The Quirimba Archipelago was appointed by the Mozambique government as a "Class A" tourism development area. That means the lodges are of a luxurious and exclusive nature. Most guests will fly into Pemba International Airport to then fly onto the island by private or small charter plane. You can hop onto one of these flights if seats are available. These are pre-booked and only fly when there are reservations, but they do seem to be frequent, check at the airport or with a local travel agent.

For those staying in Pemba and wishing to explore the islands a good option is to hire a dhow for a few days and island hop, charter plains can be arrange to Ibo Island. If you are driving, the closest access to Ibo Island is from Tandanhangue (15km from Quissanga), where you'll also find secure parking.

Ibo is a popular option, with budget accommodation (see Accommodation for this sector) , lots of history dating from well before the arrival of the Portuguese. Very interesting architecture and a layed back rhythm to life. Between Ibo Island, Quirimba Island and the main land there is a large mangrove forest, the sand on this side of the island is a bit muddy and not ideal for bathers. The water is too turbid for snorkeling. There is a French diver - Didier - living on Ibo and running a small operation.

Services: On most of the southern islands it is possible to pick up cell phone signal from the main land at specific locations. Islands further away at sea or north of Ibo have very poor or no cell phone reception.

Communications: Most of the southern islands are able to pick up cell phone signal from the main land at specific location. Islands further away at sea or north of Ibo Is. have very poor or no cell phone reception at all. The exclusive, island resorts have satellite phones and e-mail communication.

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: +258 (0) 72 81153 (Mocimboa da Praia)
• Police: 119