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Pemba & mainland

The remote beaches north of Pemba can be almost as striking as the islands

Pemba & mainland

Pemba & mainland

Mozambique's gateway to the spectacular Quirimbas Archipelago with one of the world's largest natural harbours - the large and sheltered Pemba Bay.

Mozambique's gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelagos is the mainland town of Pemba. Don't confuse this with the Tanzanian island of Pemba, with is far to the north of here.

Mozambique's town of Pemba is a fairly neat but unremarkable town, although it does lay claim to have one of the world's largest natural harbours - the large and sheltered Pemba Bay.

On the edge of town, a short drive from the airport, is the convenient Pemba Beach Hotel.

About five hours' drive north of Pemba is Guludo Beach Lodge.

Pemba & mainland

Our top beach holidays in Mozambique

Here are 3 great Mozambique holidays to inspire you.


Itinerary image

Azura Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

Stay in a stunning location on the western coastline of Benguerra Island. Elegant accommodation, a highly personalised level of care and a wide range of land and water-based activities make Azura a fantastic destination for travellers.

US$5,880 - US$6,880 per person

Itinerary image

Anantara Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

Enjoy a range of land and water-based activities from Anantara Bazaruto Beach Resort and Spa. A great destination for families, it offers something to keep all ages entertained as well as ample opportunity for utter relaxation.

US$2,940 - US$6,000 per person

Itinerary image

Benguerra Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

This luxurious lodge offers a fantastic blend of total relaxation and more active pursuits. Explore your idyllic surroundings with a range of land and water-based activities before unwinding with a massage and sundowner drinks on the beach.

US$6,910 - US$8,380 per person

Most recent reviews of our trips to Pemba & mainland

Click below to browse all 7 reviews from Pemba & mainland. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


100%
7 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
7
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs H from Middlesex

Arrived 30 Jun 2017, 20 nights

"Wonderful holiday"

"The trip was wonderful overall... …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr M & Ms T from Ongar

Arrived 3 Nov 2015, 14 nights

"My Nov 2015 trip"

"We loved the country...Ellie was very helpful. …" Read Mr M & Ms T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Pemba & mainland reviews

Where to stay in Pemba & mainland

Our suggestions for places to stay in Pemba & mainland


Guludo Beach Lodge

Guludo Beach Lodge

Guludo Beach Lodge is a quiet eco-friendly beach lodge in a stunning and remote location, with a firm commitment to conservation and fighting poverty.


100% (4 reviews)
Avani Pemba Beach

Avani Pemba Beach

Avani Pemba Beach in Mozambique's small, northern town of Pemba - the gateway to the reefs and beaches of the Quirimbas Archipelago


60% (3 reviews)

View all places

When to go to Pemba & mainland

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Pemba & mainland in Mozambique


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Mozambique in January

January is one of the wettest, hottest and most humid months in Mozambique, with average daytime temperatures reaching the low 30s °C, dropping only to around 24°C at night. Although the rain falls mostly as tropical downpours in late afternoon/evening, with the rest of the time sunny, there are definitely better times to visit.

Diving is generally good, but visibility can be limited. Dolphins are abundant, but humpback whales have moved out and this is the last month with a reasonable chance of spotting whale sharks and manta rays. On beaches, turtles lay their eggs and by the end of the month some are beginning to hatch.

After the busy Christmas/New Year period lodges are almost empty, so it’s a good time to avoid the “crowds”.

  • One of the wettest & hottest months, with high humidity
  • Diving is fair but visibility can be poor
  • Great for dolphin viewing
  • Turtles laying eggs, which begin to hatch by end of month
  • The low season so lodges much quieter, but for a reason

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in January

Map of Pemba & mainland

Choices for where to stay in Pemba & mainland


Reference map

Best 2 beach lodges in Pemba & Mainland

Listed below are our recommendations for nice places to stay on Pemba and mainland. Ask us for more details of what's where, and what's likely to suit you best!


Showing 1-2 of 2
Name
Traveller's rating
No. of reviews
Guludo Beach Lodge

Guludo Beach Lodge

Guludo Beach Lodge is a quiet eco-friendly beach lodge in a stunning and remote location, with a firm commitment to conservation and fighting poverty.


100% (4 reviews)
Avani Pemba Beach

Avani Pemba Beach

Avani Pemba Beach in Mozambique's small, northern town of Pemba - the gateway to the reefs and beaches of the Quirimbas Archipelago


60% (3 reviews)
Showing 1-2 of 2
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