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- Destinations
- Africa
- Mozambique
- Pemba
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 pot-holed 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 steadily on the increase.
Pemba is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture;
however, many of its attractions are natural, as it is a prime
location for water sports and diving. Nearby Ibo Island offers
empty stretches of beach to explore some of the world's richest
coral reefs, and Quipaco Island is just 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 centre 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 Mozambican souvenirs available from
Pemba.
Information & Facts
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 temperatures 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.
Language
Portuguese is the official language, and there are 13
main national languages spoken. English is taught in secondary
schools, but is only spoken in the southern tourist
regions.
Money
The official currency is the New Metical (MZN), which is divided
into 100 centavos. In the southern parts of the country, South
African Rand, US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are also accepted to
pay for accommodation. Credit cards are accepted in some upmarket
hotels in Maputo, but facilities throughout the rest of the country
are limited; it is advisable to carry cash or travellers cheques.
ATMs are limited and tend to be unreliable, but local banks have
branches in most cities.