Mozambique Travel Guide to Pemba and Northern Mozambique

Pemba And Northern Mozambique

Formerly known as Porto Amelia, Pemba is the beautiful gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago and Quirimbas National Park. The Niassa National Reserve can also be reached via Pemba. This city in Mozambique has a delightfully relaxed feel although this is changing as tourism projects take off. Visitors to Pemba can see lovely Portuguese colonial architecture and strong Arab influences, also magnificent views over the bay from the city heights.

The capital of Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, has all modern amenities including an airport, shops, banks, patisseries, cafes and restaurants as well as bars. There is also a massive market where just about anything can be bought. The old part of Pemba also has traditional markets to explore which is the place to go for beautiful arts and crafts (especially work by the Makonde people which is renowned) and handmade silverware.

Pemba Bay forms a huge harbour and stunning coral reefs lie close to shore providing wonderful diving and snorkelling adventures. The surrounding landscape of bay is characterised by forests of Baobab trees growing down to the shoreline. The most popular beaches are Wimbe and Farol for accommodation and restaurants. Dhow safaris are a popular way to sail around the bay and beyond. There are great beaches further north of Pemba or visitors can hop on a flight to visit the Quirimbas Islands.

A good time to travel to Pemba is in the dry season from May to November when it is less humid. Hot and humid conditions, with irregular but sometimes heavy rainfall and monsoon winds occur from December to April.

Accommodation Options:

Pemba Beach Hotel

Lichinga

The capital of Niassa Province, Mozambique, is situated at high altitude on a plateau, surrounded by lush vegetation and pine tree plantations. Lichinga has most modern facilities and services including an airport which is connected by flights to most other provincial capitals. Road access is really only for 4x4 vehicles, although tourism is increasing in this area and improvements are likely. This Mozambique town is well located for access to surrounding attractions of Niassa National Reserve and Lake Niassa (or Lake Malawi as it is otherwise known).

Niassa National Reserve

This stunning Mozambique reserve on the Lugenda River and bordering Tanzania is the largest in the country if not Southern Africa. Game rich and with vast forest, riverine, savannah and prairie eco-systems, this untouched reserve managed to escape the ravages of civil war probably due to its remote position.

Niassa Reserve in northern Mozambique is known for its Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Wild Dog populations. It currently supports 4 of the Big Five animals and exotic birdlife amongst many other fascinating creatures. Accommodation and safari facilities can be found in a private concession adjacent to the reserve on the banks of the Lugenda River. Access to Niassa Reserve in Mozambique is via the local airstrip with air charter from Pemba, or by road from Lichinga.

There are parts of the reserve which are only for 4x4 vehicles and even these routes are not possible during the rains. The winter months are best for viewing the reserve (April to October).

Accommodation Options:

Lugenda Wilderness Camp

Lake Niassa and Manda Wilderness Reserve

The beautiful Lake of Stars was so named by the explorer David Livingstone. Lake Niassa is the Mozambique name for Lake Malawi. The shores of the Mozambique side are unspoiled and remote. It’s an area of breathtaking beauty edged by sandy beaches and pristine forest. The freshwater lake is absolutely teaming with unique fluorescent fish and the waters are warm and clear.

Manda Wilderness Reserve in northern Mozambique is right on the shores of Lake Niassa and a superb bush and beach escape. This reserve has been established to restore game stocks and rehabilitate the surroundings in conjunction with the local community. The wilderness area has diverse flora and fauna. Visitors to this Mozambique reserve will find luxury lodging, lake and land activities including walking or canoe safaris. Access is via Lichinga, Cobue or Likoma Island on the lake.

Accommodation Options:

Nkwichi Manda Wilderness Lodge