The
Pemba coastline is a place where beach meets bush. Thick
stands of baobabs rush to the emerald blue seas and the
coastline is plied by hundreds of lateen-rigged dhows -
reminders of a trading and fishing tradition inspired by
the Arabs nearly 800 years ago. This is the centre of the
Cabo Delgado Province, a place that has a wealth of forests,
fishing and farming.
Pemba Bay, the third largest bay in the world is close
to a number of breathtaking attractions. These include the
beautifully untouched Quirimbas islands, consisting of 32
islands, including the historic Ibo Island.
The modern port, the international airport, world-class
hotels and restaurants, and a network of newly repaired
roads combine with the historic charm and colonial architecture
of the old city, gives this stretch of Mozambican coast
a fascinating and vibrant feeling.
Pemba is also renowned
as being a prime destination for water sport and diving
destination as the coral reef lies close to the shore. The
abundant fishing waters at St Lazarus Banks are also within
easy reach. There are many pristine, white beaches along
the coast, including the famous Wimbe beach.
The many magnificent baobab trees dotting Pemba's
coastline with the traditional palm leafed houses nestle
in between gives you a feeling of being lost in a place
forgotten by time.
Pemba Town
Pemba - formerly known as Porto Amelia - is a historic town,
steeped in colonial and trading history and a gem to explore.
Old colonial Portuguese architecture combines well with
Arabic and modern structures presenting quite an interesting
look.
In town you will find shops, banks, a pharmacy, restaurants,
garages, a bakery with the freshest of rolls and bread (pao).
The market, which is nearly 2km long, has numerous stalls
selling everything from spices to items of clothing. A visit
is a must. The oldest or low town (Baixa) near the harbour
is an informal museum of traditional architecture and lifestyles.
The local people, the Makonde, will share their way of
life with you and welcome you to their land with smiles
while pressing you good humouredly and politely to buy their
wares. They are master carvers and crafters of silver plated
tin jewellery.
How to get there?
Guests can fly to Pemba Airport in Mozambique from Johannesburg
and Dar es Salaam. There are also daily connections from
Maputo.
| Accommodation |
| Pemba Beach
Resort Hotel |
| This luxurious hotel rises from the western edge of
Wimbe Beach. Its adobe arches and sweeping lawns reminiscent
of an Arabian palace. The hotel offers exclusivity and
tranquillity in an idyllically beautiful and tropical
setting on the unspoilt Mozambican coastline.
All rooms are sea facing, with individual balconies
or terraces. The bedrooms have en suite bathrooms
with bath and shower, air conditioning, mini-bar,
satellite TV, direct dial telephone, coffee/tea making
facilities, electronic safe, international plug sockets
and hair dryer.
Outside the rooms, lawns stretch down to the warm
waters of the Indian Ocean. The infinity edge salt-water
swimming pool presents an excellent opportunity to
enjoy sundowner cocktails whilst admiring the breathtaking
view.
The restaurant and cocktail bar face the ocean.
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| Londo Lodge |
| Londo Lodge is a private Bush & Beach resort set
in its own bay whereby guests fully enjoy the highest
standards of luxury, privacy and hospitality set amidst
the stunning views of the Indian Ocean and its turquoise
seas and pristine beaches.
Londo Lodge consists of 6 private beach villas. Each
villa has its own unique, distinctive style, which
is a blend of traditional sub-Sahara African, Moroccan
and Indian styles. The villas are built with local
timber and bamboo, fossil coral rock and makuti thatched
roofing and each lodge features a king-size bed with
the best English handmade mattresses, exclusive Belgian
bed linen, a luxurious bathroom with an outdoor shower
and a romantic private terrace that promises stunning
sunsets. A dramatically curved stairway leads uphill
to these villas, perched on high bluffs with an eagle's
view over the water.
The resort facilities include
a restaurant, idyllic sunset beachbar, breathtakingly
beautiful swimming pool and massage facilities.
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What to See
In central Pemba there is an authentic local market or Souk,
where arts and crafts, as well as traditional silverware
can be bought - a bargain hunter's delight.
What
to Do
Scuba Diving
Pemba is fast becoming one of Mozambique's premier
tourist destinations and is undoubtedly one of the country's
top scuba diving destinations, with many undiscovered dive
sites and spectacular coral reefs now opening up to the
intrepid diver.
Fishing
The Pemba region is one of the prime fishing hot spots anywhere.
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