Mozambique — Destinations
Bazaruto Archipelago
Consisting of five paradisiacal islands off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique's Inhambane Province, the Bazaruto Archipelago is the most popular tourist area in Mozambique and widely considered to be the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. It is a luxury destination sought after by divers, fishermen, nature lovers and well-to-do sun seekers.
The main islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra, as well as the smaller Santa Catalina, Magaruque and Bangue islands, are protected within a national park, one of the largest of its kind in the Indian Ocean. The warm seas are home to whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles and the endangered dugong, while unspoiled coral reefs provide underwater enthusiasts with first-rate diving and snorkeling opportunities amid thousands of fish and mammal species. On land, miles of deserted sandy beaches shaded by palm trees offer frazzled city executives a dream holiday getaway, where the most stressful thing is deciding between activities like bird watching, fishing and shell collecting, or simply enjoying the sunshine.
The largest and most popular island is Bazaruto, which gives the archipelago its name. To the west is the smallest island, Santa Carolina, nearly two miles (3km) long and less than half a mile (500m) wide, surrounded by protective coral reefs and deep water ideally suited to big game fishing. A narrow channel separates Bazaruto from its southerly neighbor Benguela, the second largest in the chain, followed by Magaruque, which is the closest island to Vilanculos on the mainland and primarily a diving resort. From Magaruque the tiny uninhabited island of Bangue can be explored.
Climate
The Bazaruto Archipelago enjoys a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the region experiences less rainfall than areas further south. In summer temperatures can soar but the islands experience less humidity than the mainland because of their exposed position.
Maputo
The sprawling capital of Mozambique was, under Portuguese influence in the 18th century, one of the most beautiful and fashionable cities on the continent, with a sophisticated multi-national atmosphere, elegant buildings and wide shaded avenues.
The 17-year civil war during the 1970s and 80s had a devastating affect on Maputo, reducing the proud city to a state of grubby disrepair, with thousands of immigrants taking over from where the wealthy socialites left off. The city has worked hard to recreate some of its former grandeur, with the five-star Polana Hotel once again abuzz with the gossip of the rich and famous and restaurants serving up their famous peri-peri prawns. Today the city is a lively mix of people, with lots of markets and street vendors, a vibey café culture, buzzing nightclubs and live music venues, and a relaxed pace of life.
Maputo, or Lourenzo Marques as it was known before independence, became the capital of Mozambique in 1898 and the city became established as a major trade and industry center, boasting the country's most important harbor. Today the economy of the city still relies heavily on the sea, and its port has significant potential for international trading, being the closest deepwater port in southern Africa to the Asian markets. Most visitors to Maputo will pass through the harbor on the way to Inhaca Island situated just off the coast, a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Maputo is also the gateway to many splendid beaches and resorts to the north and south of the city, as well as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, which has growing numbers of game and beautiful coastal areas. Ponta de Ouro is the southernmost resort on the Mozambique coast, famed for its white sand beaches and as one of the best diving locations with rich coral reefs and a variety of marine life. To the north of Maputo are the beautiful inland lakes at Bilene and the famous beaches of Xai-Xai, popular tourist destinations that offer fishing, water sports and plenty of relaxation in beautiful surrounds.
Climate
Maputo is wet, humid and hot during the summer months from October to April with temperatures averaging 88ºF (31ºC). The cooler, drier months between April and September are the best time to travel to Maputo, with warm and sunny days and cool nights.
Beira
Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique. It is situated in the central region of the country, in Sofala Province, where the Pungue River and the Indian Ocean meet. It is home to the Port of Beira, which acts as a gateway for the central interior portion of the country and the land-locked nations of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The Portuguese Mozambique Company originally developed Beira in the 19th century. It was developed further by the Portuguese colonial government from 1947 to 1975 when Mozambique became independent from Portugal. Beira still has aspects of colonial charm but has deteriorated in some areas.
Beira has a few interesting sights, including the Cathedral of Beira and the Fort of San Gaetano. Many of the shops, restaurants, and facilities in Beira are clustered around the Praça do Município and Praça do Metical squares in the center of town. There are some charming houses along the Ponta Gêa and the port, including the Casa Infante de Sagres.
Macuti Beach, with its iconic lighthouse, is easily the most fashionable part of town, though many parts are in need of repair. Savanna Beach is 16 miles (25km) out of town and you have to take a little boat across to the beach. The water is cleaner than in Beira and it's a great spot for fishing. It has a simple restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. About 8 miles (12km) out of Beira, between Macuti and the airport, Rio Maria is set between the sea and a lovely river. There are no facilities there but it is a very relaxing spot.
Climate
Beira has a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the rainfall isn't too high. In summer temperatures can soar and the humidity levels rise.
Pemba
Pemba is a port town and the capital of the Cabo Delgado Province, in the north of Mozambique. It has banks, patisseries, supermarkets and restaurants yet it retains a ramshackle feel with its potholed streets. The town was built over rolling hills and most people live in wooden huts set amongst the many thick baobab trees. The history of the people of the Cabo Delgado province lies in many centuries of African, Arab and Portuguese sailing, trading and settling. The Niassa Company founded Pemba in 1904 as Porto Amelia, named after a queen of Portugal. It was renamed Pemba at the end of Portuguese rule, in 1975. Tarred roads connect Pemba to Nampula and Ilha de Mozambique, and international flights and tourist facilities are budding steadily.
Pemba is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture, however many of its attractions are natural, as a prime location for water sports and diving. Nearby Ibo Island offers empty stretches of beach and to explore some of the world's richest coral reefs, and Quipaco Island is 12 miles (20km) to the north. Nacole Baobab Nature Estate and Nkwita Lake are also within an hour's drive.
There is an authentic local market (souk souk) in the center of Pemba selling arts and crafts, as well as traditional silverware. It is quite large, extending 1.2 miles (2km) along one of the town's main thoroughfares. Avoid the ivory sold at the market, as this is sold contrary to Mozambican and international law. Maconde arts and crafts are popular souvenirs from Pemba.
Climate
Pemba experiences a tropical climate with a very hot and humid rainy season which runs from December to April. Much of the rain is often accompanied by strong monsoon winds. Pemba's dry season runs from May to November and sees average daytime temperate of around 82F (28C). The average temperature throughout the year ranges from a minimum of 72F (22C) to 90F (32C) making it an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Consisting of five paradisiacal islands off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique's Inhambane Province, the Bazaruto Archipelago is the most popular tourist area in Mozambique and widely considered to be the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. It is a luxury destination sought after by divers, fishermen, nature lovers and well-to-do sun seekers.
The main islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra, as well as the smaller Santa Catalina, Magaruque and Bangue islands, are protected within a national park, one of the largest of its kind in the Indian Ocean. The warm seas are home to whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles and the endangered dugong, while unspoiled coral reefs provide underwater enthusiasts with first-rate diving and snorkeling opportunities amid thousands of fish and mammal species. On land, miles of deserted sandy beaches shaded by palm trees offer frazzled city executives a dream holiday getaway, where the most stressful thing is deciding between activities like bird watching, fishing and shell collecting, or simply enjoying the sunshine.
The largest and most popular island is Bazaruto, which gives the archipelago its name. To the west is the smallest island, Santa Carolina, nearly two miles (3km) long and less than half a mile (500m) wide, surrounded by protective coral reefs and deep water ideally suited to big game fishing. A narrow channel separates Bazaruto from its southerly neighbor Benguela, the second largest in the chain, followed by Magaruque, which is the closest island to Vilanculos on the mainland and primarily a diving resort. From Magaruque the tiny uninhabited island of Bangue can be explored.
Climate
The Bazaruto Archipelago enjoys a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the region experiences less rainfall than areas further south. In summer temperatures can soar but the islands experience less humidity than the mainland because of their exposed position.
Maputo
The sprawling capital of Mozambique was, under Portuguese influence in the 18th century, one of the most beautiful and fashionable cities on the continent, with a sophisticated multi-national atmosphere, elegant buildings and wide shaded avenues.
The 17-year civil war during the 1970s and 80s had a devastating affect on Maputo, reducing the proud city to a state of grubby disrepair, with thousands of immigrants taking over from where the wealthy socialites left off. The city has worked hard to recreate some of its former grandeur, with the five-star Polana Hotel once again abuzz with the gossip of the rich and famous and restaurants serving up their famous peri-peri prawns. Today the city is a lively mix of people, with lots of markets and street vendors, a vibey café culture, buzzing nightclubs and live music venues, and a relaxed pace of life.
Maputo, or Lourenzo Marques as it was known before independence, became the capital of Mozambique in 1898 and the city became established as a major trade and industry center, boasting the country's most important harbor. Today the economy of the city still relies heavily on the sea, and its port has significant potential for international trading, being the closest deepwater port in southern Africa to the Asian markets. Most visitors to Maputo will pass through the harbor on the way to Inhaca Island situated just off the coast, a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Maputo is also the gateway to many splendid beaches and resorts to the north and south of the city, as well as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, which has growing numbers of game and beautiful coastal areas. Ponta de Ouro is the southernmost resort on the Mozambique coast, famed for its white sand beaches and as one of the best diving locations with rich coral reefs and a variety of marine life. To the north of Maputo are the beautiful inland lakes at Bilene and the famous beaches of Xai-Xai, popular tourist destinations that offer fishing, water sports and plenty of relaxation in beautiful surrounds.
Climate
Maputo is wet, humid and hot during the summer months from October to April with temperatures averaging 88ºF (31ºC). The cooler, drier months between April and September are the best time to travel to Maputo, with warm and sunny days and cool nights.
Beira
Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique. It is situated in the central region of the country, in Sofala Province, where the Pungue River and the Indian Ocean meet. It is home to the Port of Beira, which acts as a gateway for the central interior portion of the country and the land-locked nations of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The Portuguese Mozambique Company originally developed Beira in the 19th century. It was developed further by the Portuguese colonial government from 1947 to 1975 when Mozambique became independent from Portugal. Beira still has aspects of colonial charm but has deteriorated in some areas.
Beira has a few interesting sights, including the Cathedral of Beira and the Fort of San Gaetano. Many of the shops, restaurants, and facilities in Beira are clustered around the Praça do Município and Praça do Metical squares in the center of town. There are some charming houses along the Ponta Gêa and the port, including the Casa Infante de Sagres.
Macuti Beach, with its iconic lighthouse, is easily the most fashionable part of town, though many parts are in need of repair. Savanna Beach is 16 miles (25km) out of town and you have to take a little boat across to the beach. The water is cleaner than in Beira and it's a great spot for fishing. It has a simple restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. About 8 miles (12km) out of Beira, between Macuti and the airport, Rio Maria is set between the sea and a lovely river. There are no facilities there but it is a very relaxing spot.
Climate
Beira has a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the rainfall isn't too high. In summer temperatures can soar and the humidity levels rise.
Pemba
Pemba is a port town and the capital of the Cabo Delgado Province, in the north of Mozambique. It has banks, patisseries, supermarkets and restaurants yet it retains a ramshackle feel with its potholed streets. The town was built over rolling hills and most people live in wooden huts set amongst the many thick baobab trees. The history of the people of the Cabo Delgado province lies in many centuries of African, Arab and Portuguese sailing, trading and settling. The Niassa Company founded Pemba in 1904 as Porto Amelia, named after a queen of Portugal. It was renamed Pemba at the end of Portuguese rule, in 1975. Tarred roads connect Pemba to Nampula and Ilha de Mozambique, and international flights and tourist facilities are budding steadily.
Pemba is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture, however many of its attractions are natural, as a prime location for water sports and diving. Nearby Ibo Island offers empty stretches of beach and to explore some of the world's richest coral reefs, and Quipaco Island is 12 miles (20km) to the north. Nacole Baobab Nature Estate and Nkwita Lake are also within an hour's drive.
There is an authentic local market (souk souk) in the center of Pemba selling arts and crafts, as well as traditional silverware. It is quite large, extending 1.2 miles (2km) along one of the town's main thoroughfares. Avoid the ivory sold at the market, as this is sold contrary to Mozambican and international law. Maconde arts and crafts are popular souvenirs from Pemba.
Climate
Pemba experiences a tropical climate with a very hot and humid rainy season which runs from December to April. Much of the rain is often accompanied by strong monsoon winds. Pemba's dry season runs from May to November and sees average daytime temperate of around 82F (28C). The average temperature throughout the year ranges from a minimum of 72F (22C) to 90F (32C) making it an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Consisting of five paradisiacal islands off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique's Inhambane Province, the Bazaruto Archipelago is the most popular tourist area in Mozambique and widely considered to be the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. It is a luxury destination sought after by divers, fishermen, nature lovers and well-to-do sun seekers.
The main islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra, as well as the smaller Santa Catalina, Magaruque and Bangue islands, are protected within a national park, one of the largest of its kind in the Indian Ocean. The warm seas are home to whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles and the endangered dugong, while unspoiled coral reefs provide underwater enthusiasts with first-rate diving and snorkeling opportunities amid thousands of fish and mammal species. On land, miles of deserted sandy beaches shaded by palm trees offer frazzled city executives a dream holiday getaway, where the most stressful thing is deciding between activities like bird watching, fishing and shell collecting, or simply enjoying the sunshine.
The largest and most popular island is Bazaruto, which gives the archipelago its name. To the west is the smallest island, Santa Carolina, nearly two miles (3km) long and less than half a mile (500m) wide, surrounded by protective coral reefs and deep water ideally suited to big game fishing. A narrow channel separates Bazaruto from its southerly neighbor Benguela, the second largest in the chain, followed by Magaruque, which is the closest island to Vilanculos on the mainland and primarily a diving resort. From Magaruque the tiny uninhabited island of Bangue can be explored.
Climate
The Bazaruto Archipelago enjoys a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the region experiences less rainfall than areas further south. In summer temperatures can soar but the islands experience less humidity than the mainland because of their exposed position.
Maputo
The sprawling capital of Mozambique was, under Portuguese influence in the 18th century, one of the most beautiful and fashionable cities on the continent, with a sophisticated multi-national atmosphere, elegant buildings and wide shaded avenues.
The 17-year civil war during the 1970s and 80s had a devastating affect on Maputo, reducing the proud city to a state of grubby disrepair, with thousands of immigrants taking over from where the wealthy socialites left off. The city has worked hard to recreate some of its former grandeur, with the five-star Polana Hotel once again abuzz with the gossip of the rich and famous and restaurants serving up their famous peri-peri prawns. Today the city is a lively mix of people, with lots of markets and street vendors, a vibey café culture, buzzing nightclubs and live music venues, and a relaxed pace of life.
Maputo, or Lourenzo Marques as it was known before independence, became the capital of Mozambique in 1898 and the city became established as a major trade and industry center, boasting the country's most important harbor. Today the economy of the city still relies heavily on the sea, and its port has significant potential for international trading, being the closest deepwater port in southern Africa to the Asian markets. Most visitors to Maputo will pass through the harbor on the way to Inhaca Island situated just off the coast, a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Maputo is also the gateway to many splendid beaches and resorts to the north and south of the city, as well as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, which has growing numbers of game and beautiful coastal areas. Ponta de Ouro is the southernmost resort on the Mozambique coast, famed for its white sand beaches and as one of the best diving locations with rich coral reefs and a variety of marine life. To the north of Maputo are the beautiful inland lakes at Bilene and the famous beaches of Xai-Xai, popular tourist destinations that offer fishing, water sports and plenty of relaxation in beautiful surrounds.
Climate
Maputo is wet, humid and hot during the summer months from October to April with temperatures averaging 88ºF (31ºC). The cooler, drier months between April and September are the best time to travel to Maputo, with warm and sunny days and cool nights.
Beira
Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique. It is situated in the central region of the country, in Sofala Province, where the Pungue River and the Indian Ocean meet. It is home to the Port of Beira, which acts as a gateway for the central interior portion of the country and the land-locked nations of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The Portuguese Mozambique Company originally developed Beira in the 19th century. It was developed further by the Portuguese colonial government from 1947 to 1975 when Mozambique became independent from Portugal. Beira still has aspects of colonial charm but has deteriorated in some areas.
Beira has a few interesting sights, including the Cathedral of Beira and the Fort of San Gaetano. Many of the shops, restaurants, and facilities in Beira are clustered around the Praça do Município and Praça do Metical squares in the center of town. There are some charming houses along the Ponta Gêa and the port, including the Casa Infante de Sagres.
Macuti Beach, with its iconic lighthouse, is easily the most fashionable part of town, though many parts are in need of repair. Savanna Beach is 16 miles (25km) out of town and you have to take a little boat across to the beach. The water is cleaner than in Beira and it's a great spot for fishing. It has a simple restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. About 8 miles (12km) out of Beira, between Macuti and the airport, Rio Maria is set between the sea and a lovely river. There are no facilities there but it is a very relaxing spot.
Climate
Beira has a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the rainfall isn't too high. In summer temperatures can soar and the humidity levels rise.
Pemba
Pemba is a port town and the capital of the Cabo Delgado Province, in the north of Mozambique. It has banks, patisseries, supermarkets and restaurants yet it retains a ramshackle feel with its potholed streets. The town was built over rolling hills and most people live in wooden huts set amongst the many thick baobab trees. The history of the people of the Cabo Delgado province lies in many centuries of African, Arab and Portuguese sailing, trading and settling. The Niassa Company founded Pemba in 1904 as Porto Amelia, named after a queen of Portugal. It was renamed Pemba at the end of Portuguese rule, in 1975. Tarred roads connect Pemba to Nampula and Ilha de Mozambique, and international flights and tourist facilities are budding steadily.
Pemba is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture, however many of its attractions are natural, as a prime location for water sports and diving. Nearby Ibo Island offers empty stretches of beach and to explore some of the world's richest coral reefs, and Quipaco Island is 12 miles (20km) to the north. Nacole Baobab Nature Estate and Nkwita Lake are also within an hour's drive.
There is an authentic local market (souk souk) in the center of Pemba selling arts and crafts, as well as traditional silverware. It is quite large, extending 1.2 miles (2km) along one of the town's main thoroughfares. Avoid the ivory sold at the market, as this is sold contrary to Mozambican and international law. Maconde arts and crafts are popular souvenirs from Pemba.
Climate
Pemba experiences a tropical climate with a very hot and humid rainy season which runs from December to April. Much of the rain is often accompanied by strong monsoon winds. Pemba's dry season runs from May to November and sees average daytime temperate of around 82F (28C). The average temperature throughout the year ranges from a minimum of 72F (22C) to 90F (32C) making it an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Consisting of five paradisiacal islands off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique's Inhambane Province, the Bazaruto Archipelago is the most popular tourist area in Mozambique and widely considered to be the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. It is a luxury destination sought after by divers, fishermen, nature lovers and well-to-do sun seekers.
The main islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra, as well as the smaller Santa Catalina, Magaruque and Bangue islands, are protected within a national park, one of the largest of its kind in the Indian Ocean. The warm seas are home to whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles and the endangered dugong, while unspoiled coral reefs provide underwater enthusiasts with first-rate diving and snorkeling opportunities amid thousands of fish and mammal species. On land, miles of deserted sandy beaches shaded by palm trees offer frazzled city executives a dream holiday getaway, where the most stressful thing is deciding between activities like bird watching, fishing and shell collecting, or simply enjoying the sunshine.
The largest and most popular island is Bazaruto, which gives the archipelago its name. To the west is the smallest island, Santa Carolina, nearly two miles (3km) long and less than half a mile (500m) wide, surrounded by protective coral reefs and deep water ideally suited to big game fishing. A narrow channel separates Bazaruto from its southerly neighbor Benguela, the second largest in the chain, followed by Magaruque, which is the closest island to Vilanculos on the mainland and primarily a diving resort. From Magaruque the tiny uninhabited island of Bangue can be explored.
Climate
The Bazaruto Archipelago enjoys a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the region experiences less rainfall than areas further south. In summer temperatures can soar but the islands experience less humidity than the mainland because of their exposed position.
Maputo
The sprawling capital of Mozambique was, under Portuguese influence in the 18th century, one of the most beautiful and fashionable cities on the continent, with a sophisticated multi-national atmosphere, elegant buildings and wide shaded avenues.
The 17-year civil war during the 1970s and 80s had a devastating affect on Maputo, reducing the proud city to a state of grubby disrepair, with thousands of immigrants taking over from where the wealthy socialites left off. The city has worked hard to recreate some of its former grandeur, with the five-star Polana Hotel once again abuzz with the gossip of the rich and famous and restaurants serving up their famous peri-peri prawns. Today the city is a lively mix of people, with lots of markets and street vendors, a vibey café culture, buzzing nightclubs and live music venues, and a relaxed pace of life.
Maputo, or Lourenzo Marques as it was known before independence, became the capital of Mozambique in 1898 and the city became established as a major trade and industry center, boasting the country's most important harbor. Today the economy of the city still relies heavily on the sea, and its port has significant potential for international trading, being the closest deepwater port in southern Africa to the Asian markets. Most visitors to Maputo will pass through the harbor on the way to Inhaca Island situated just off the coast, a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Maputo is also the gateway to many splendid beaches and resorts to the north and south of the city, as well as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, which has growing numbers of game and beautiful coastal areas. Ponta de Ouro is the southernmost resort on the Mozambique coast, famed for its white sand beaches and as one of the best diving locations with rich coral reefs and a variety of marine life. To the north of Maputo are the beautiful inland lakes at Bilene and the famous beaches of Xai-Xai, popular tourist destinations that offer fishing, water sports and plenty of relaxation in beautiful surrounds.
Climate
Maputo is wet, humid and hot during the summer months from October to April with temperatures averaging 88ºF (31ºC). The cooler, drier months between April and September are the best time to travel to Maputo, with warm and sunny days and cool nights.
Beira
Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique. It is situated in the central region of the country, in Sofala Province, where the Pungue River and the Indian Ocean meet. It is home to the Port of Beira, which acts as a gateway for the central interior portion of the country and the land-locked nations of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The Portuguese Mozambique Company originally developed Beira in the 19th century. It was developed further by the Portuguese colonial government from 1947 to 1975 when Mozambique became independent from Portugal. Beira still has aspects of colonial charm but has deteriorated in some areas.
Beira has a few interesting sights, including the Cathedral of Beira and the Fort of San Gaetano. Many of the shops, restaurants, and facilities in Beira are clustered around the Praça do Município and Praça do Metical squares in the center of town. There are some charming houses along the Ponta Gêa and the port, including the Casa Infante de Sagres.
Macuti Beach, with its iconic lighthouse, is easily the most fashionable part of town, though many parts are in need of repair. Savanna Beach is 16 miles (25km) out of town and you have to take a little boat across to the beach. The water is cleaner than in Beira and it's a great spot for fishing. It has a simple restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. About 8 miles (12km) out of Beira, between Macuti and the airport, Rio Maria is set between the sea and a lovely river. There are no facilities there but it is a very relaxing spot.
Climate
Beira has a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the rainfall isn't too high. In summer temperatures can soar and the humidity levels rise.
Pemba
Pemba is a port town and the capital of the Cabo Delgado Province, in the north of Mozambique. It has banks, patisseries, supermarkets and restaurants yet it retains a ramshackle feel with its potholed streets. The town was built over rolling hills and most people live in wooden huts set amongst the many thick baobab trees. The history of the people of the Cabo Delgado province lies in many centuries of African, Arab and Portuguese sailing, trading and settling. The Niassa Company founded Pemba in 1904 as Porto Amelia, named after a queen of Portugal. It was renamed Pemba at the end of Portuguese rule, in 1975. Tarred roads connect Pemba to Nampula and Ilha de Mozambique, and international flights and tourist facilities are budding steadily.
Pemba is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture, however many of its attractions are natural, as a prime location for water sports and diving. Nearby Ibo Island offers empty stretches of beach and to explore some of the world's richest coral reefs, and Quipaco Island is 12 miles (20km) to the north. Nacole Baobab Nature Estate and Nkwita Lake are also within an hour's drive.
There is an authentic local market (souk souk) in the center of Pemba selling arts and crafts, as well as traditional silverware. It is quite large, extending 1.2 miles (2km) along one of the town's main thoroughfares. Avoid the ivory sold at the market, as this is sold contrary to Mozambican and international law. Maconde arts and crafts are popular souvenirs from Pemba.
Climate
Pemba experiences a tropical climate with a very hot and humid rainy season which runs from December to April. Much of the rain is often accompanied by strong monsoon winds. Pemba's dry season runs from May to November and sees average daytime temperate of around 82F (28C). The average temperature throughout the year ranges from a minimum of 72F (22C) to 90F (32C) making it an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year.
