Nampula Province

This Province presents contrasting scenery. The miombo forest alternates with the magnificent towering granite domes and peaks, a paradise for rock climbers.

Area: 78.197sq.km
Population Density: 38inhabitants/sq.km
Borders: Cabo Delgado & Niassa, north, Zambezia, southwest, Indian Ocean to the east
Makua is the most represented ethnic group.
Main Products: cashew, cotton, tobacco, precious stones and uranium.
Makua traditions: woman paint their faces with "Muciro" a white extract from a root, to make beautiful masks which can be seen in public.
Art craft: baskets, mats and other articles woven out of straw as well as creating some of the most famous sculptures in Africa, like the Makonde's, out of black ebony and clay.

Mozambique Island in the blue Indian Ocean is one of the world's patrimonies since 1992. It's a gem with its houses built in coral stone. It is so unique.

Nampula, the capital of the Province, is an inland town surrounded by flat plains dotted by rocky granite outcrops.

Things to see: The Cathedral from the late 50's is a remarkable building with twin towers and a massive dome. The Museum, on E. Mondlane Ave, has the oldest displays of the diverse forms of art, typical of Mozambican culture.

You can stay at Pensao Marques they have rooms with a fan, or with aircon for which are clean and friendly. Or you could stay at Pensao Nampula, and they are safe and friendly.
More expensive you have, Hotel Tropical, Hotel Lúrio and Hotel Nampula, to not mention others.
The Trade Fair, like everywhere else in the country is the place to go and have fun with is Restaurants, Bars and Nightclubs.
Internet café, "JM - Consultores", 26, 1left, 3 de Fevereiro Str.

If heading to Mozambique Island or Pemba, you must get off at Namialo and get another transport to Pemba, and that leaves from the railway station.

Mozambique Island, was the first capital of Mozambique, around thefifteen hundreds, was declared by UNESCO "World Heritage Site" in 1992. Although many of the buildings, which are constructed out of coral, are in a very poor condition due to lake of maintenance, it's great to walk around and imagine her magnificent times.

Places not to be missed:
St. Paul's Palace: the Museum of Sacred Art and the Fortress of St. Sebastian.

At Mozambique Island, there is backpackers called Private Gardens or "Casa Luis" like the locals calls him, it is very cheap and has received good recommendation from travellers. There is also Casa da Dona Flora, very good and hygienic, and the Pousada da Ilha de Moçambique, more expensive. There is a very good Bureau of Information, on the Island. They can give all kinds of info on tours, accommodation and on the history of the place.

Praia (beach) das Chocas, not far away from the Island is one of the beaches to be seen.
Praia (beach) Fernão Veloso, about 80km from the Island, and near Nacala, another one of the unspoiled beaches in the area, and easy to get to.
Accommodation is not very cheap, but not too expensive. Camping is always possible, you just need to be very careful, and get everything before going there.

Fim Do Mundo Lodge is based 10kms outside Nacala Port City, the second largest harbour in the world. They have thatched houses, dorms and camping facilities. They offer PADI/DIVE courses, Dive Charters, Kayaking and day trips to Moçambique Island and environment. Their remote location guarantees access to the most amazing untouched reefs and beautiful beaches. Phone: 258 6 520017 for a pick up.
From Namialo you go to Namapa, which is not so expensive. Other places to stay on your way to Pemba are PensaoTuca-Tuca in Moeda Village.

From here, it is straight to Pemba. There have been many instances of foreigners that work in the area and under the guise befriend you to rob you, so please be aware as other travellers have had problems with them.