Cabo Delgado Province
Area: 77,867sq.km
Borders: Tanzania, north, Nampula, south, Niassa, west, Indian Ocean to the east
Population Density: 16Inhabitants/sq.km
Most represented ethnic groups: Makonde and Makua.
Main Products: marble, clay, graphite and hard woods like ebony.
Traditions: Makonde are known as fearless people and ardent followers of initiation rituals. On the male initiation, they normally use one of the most known dances, "The Mapiko", in which they use the masks representing their Go's. It's also very common to do body tattooing and sharpening teeth for identification and aesthetic purposes.
Art craft: famous known as artists, particularly for their wood and ivory carvings.
The paradise for the lovers of the underwater world. There is no end to its natural wonders.
Pemba, Ibo Island and Mocimboa da Praia are but a few of the places to visit.
The bay of Pemba is the biggest in Africa with 50km2 of marvellous inlets and beaches. Start at Sagal Beach, Pecado, Maia Via, Wimbe and Marringanha Beach, after which there are kilometres of beaches from Chiuba to Mecufi.
Pemba, the capital of the Province, does not have an important economic role in the country because it was never involved in the historical world trading activities, thus its beautiful beaches are untouched by pollution.
The Old Town has few traditional markets, (Bazaars), that can be found in Paquitequete, Natite and Cariacó. In these quarters, admire the silver smiths work on their verandas.
Homeland of Makonde People, whose carvings are considered to be the best in African-Oriental art. There are three types: the Shetanis {the spirit of the forest}, the Ujamas {unity}, and realistic work. The islands craftsmen use ancient skills to craft and shape handmade silver jewellery from coins.
The best beaches in town are Wimbe, a palm lined beach with white sand and clear blue waters, are out of town. From Wimbe, talk a walk down south to the Lighthouse (Farol) beach.
There is a backpackers at Marringanha Beach, turn left after Wimbe and walk about 2,5 km.
Cashew Tree backpackers run by Margaux & Russel, they have a bar, showers and kitchen facilities. If you want to dive look out for Bill, he normally stays at Cashew Tree.
Other places to stay, but not very cheap:
Nautilus on Wimbe Beach, Pemba Hotel, Hotel Cabo Delgado or the Pensão Baia in town.
The Viking Bar, a bar in town where you can find lots of info.
Internet Connection at Sicamore Services next to the Hotel Pemba, Seebee Crafts or at Casa Cashy.
Credit Cards at BIM, they charge 5% commission.
The idyllic Island of Ibo, once an important trade post to the Portuguese, Quirimba and Pangane, part of the Quirimbas Archipelo off-shore Pemba is amazing, where the islands resound the call of creation, and evoke each one of our emotions with forest and beaches, with rocks and outcrops, with exotic coral and underwater fauna and flora...and, if you have the time don't miss it. There are Guest Houses and drinkable water on the Ibo Island but take some food with you.
From Pemba you can get to the border of Tanzania, Quionga, with local transport, just make sure you have enough time. If you can, stop over at Mocimboa da Praia, another marvellous beach, where you can stay at the pensão for cheap rates. There is a ferry that crosses the Rovuma River to Tanzania, where immigration offices exist. You will find transportation further into Tanzania from here. But in case you are looking to go into Malawi, which borders is Niassa Province, Chipode/Mandimba, is about 505km away, you have two options, the train that goes from Nampula to Cuamba every day except Sundays or just take the public transport also near the railways station.