Pemba

Pemba stands on a peninsula at the mouth of one of the largest natural bays in Africa, a deep inlet several kilometres across. Wimbe Beach on the ocean side is the main stretch of sand, with reef close inshore, and the old town of Paquitequete keeps a working dhow harbour where boats are still built and repaired on the beach. Reefs around the bay mouth give the diving, and the city is the base for the Quirimbas further north.

History

There is no record of a town here before the 20th century, when the bay was a fishing ground for visiting Malagasy and Swahili fishermen. The Niassa Company founded a small trading port in 1898, soon named Porto Amélia after Queen Amélie of Portugal; after the company ended in 1929 it became the capital of the new Cabo Delgado district, and it was renamed Pemba in 1975 (Wikipedia, Pemba, Mozambique).

The main sights

• The bay - one of the largest natural harbours in the world, several kilometres wide.
• Wimbe Beach - the main city beach with reef close inshore.
• The dhow harbour - boats built and repaired on the beach at Paquitequete.
• The reefs - coral at the bay mouth, dived from the city.

When to go

May to October is the cooler dry season and the best for diving. Cyclone season from December to March brings storms to this coast. Humidity is high year round.

Things to know

Tourism infrastructure has contracted considerably in recent years and several operators and lodges have closed. Prices are high for what is available. Travel arrangements in the province should be checked with operators before booking.

Nearby

The Quirimbas archipelago is north, and Nacala is south down the coast.

Key facts