Makua are the main ethnic group of the Cabo Delgado province. Walking around Pemba you'll notice the local women with white paste on their face. This is nothing more than a skin-softening mask just like those worn by Western women.
Getting to Pemba
Regular
flights to Pemba make getting here relatively easy these days. The airport has international flights to and from various international airports. Pack a change of cloths and swimsuit in hand luggage as checked luggage has been known to arrive late.
Good tarred roads connect Pemba to Nampula (438 km) and
Ilha de Mozambique 427km. National roads run to the east and south to Central Mozambique. Northwards, the national road from Pemba to Dar es Sallam in Tanzania is partly tarred, and uses a ferry across the Rovuma River at the Quionga border post. You can get around using a meter taxi.
Activities in Pemba
Despite being not all that into tourism this city has an impressive array of attractions, most of which are along or just off it’s approximately 300km of coastline. It is a prime destination for water sport and diving enthusiasts as the coral reef lies close to the shore and their magnificent display of colourful coral species, thousands of tropical fish species, whales and dolphins.
Relax on the remote coast of Pemba Bay, looking out over the tropical Indian Ocean.
Sanctuary Spa- pamper yourself with Swedish massages, milk baths, body wraps and facials
Go on a tour of Pemba Town, a cashew nut plantation and a marble factory. Pemba, formerly known as Porto Amelia, is the colourful capital of Cabo Delgado Province. The city lies on the south shore of Pemba Bay, the third largest bay in the world.
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 to give a fascinating and vibrant destination situated on this stretch of Mozambican coast. It is the most important centre in Northern Mozambique, with banks, supermarkets, patisseries, and restaurants, though on potholed streets. The town was built over rolling hills, and most people live in wooden huts set amongst the numerous thick baobab trees.
Pemba is a destination for diving enthusiasts as the coral reef lies close to the shore. The abundant fishing waters at St Lazarus Banks are also within easy reach.
pure, white beaches along the coast, including the noted Wimbe beach.
Pemba Holiday Accommodation
Although Pemba receives a fair amount of tourism, most of which arrives by air, Cabo Delgado is one of the least visited provinces in Mozambique.
Pemba Beach Resort set among palm trees and landscaped gardens is situated near the town of Pemba, on one of the world's largest inland bays. Salt-water swimming pool overlooks Wimbe Beach and the Indian Ocean beyond. Enjoy fine dining at the restaurant. You can enjoy sailing, motorised water sport and on the quieter days you can relax on the sandy beaches.
Guludo Beach Lodge is situated in the newly designated Quirimbas National Park; Guludo Camp provides excellent accommodation, diving and community/conservation volunteering opportunities, Situated on a stunning white sand beach.
Climate
The climate is tropical humid. Average annual temperature ranges from a minimum of 22 to a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius. Hot rainy season runs from runs from December to April. The rain is irregular, can be very heavy and accompanied by strong monsoon winds. The dry season is from May to November, with average temperature of 28 degrees in the day.
