The most northerly of the country is the home of the Makonde group of people, who are concentrated on the Mueda Plateau.
Characteristics of the province
Area: 77,867 sq. km
Borders: Tanzania to the north, Nampula to the south, Niassa to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east.
Main products: Marble, clay, graphite and hard woods
Population density: 16 inhabitants / sq. km
Most represented ethnic group: Makonde and Macua
Pemba
The city of Pemba, located at the large bay of the same name, never had a role in historical world trading activities which tended to be concentrated on the islands off Mozambique.
Similarly, today there is little industrial activity in this city, thus its beautiful beaches are untouched by pollution.
Getting to Pemba
There are regular flights (LAM) from Maputo to Pemba and a 440 km road linking Pemba with Nampula
Main places to stay
Pemba Beach Hotel, Hotel Cabo Delgado, Nautilus Complex, Baía Hostel, Caracol Tourist Complex.
Sightseeing
Old town
The Old Town contains several traditional markets. Also known as ‘bazares’ these can be found in the ‘bairros’ of Paquitequete, Natite and Cariacó. In these quarters you can also admire the silver smiths at work on their verandas. These craftsman transform coins into silver necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
This is an old art, passed down through many generations from father to son.
Ibo Island
This beautiful island is part of the idyllic Quirimbas Archipelago. In historic times, it was an important Portuguese trade post. To visit the island you can hire a boat in Pemba.
Beaches
Praia do Wimbe
This is a palm-lined beach with white sand and clear blue waters.
Praia do Farol
You can walk along Wimbe beach in a southerly direction to the lighthouse (farol) and beach nearby.
Flora and Fauna
Quirimbas National Park
Includes costal and a mainland areas, with protected species such as: turtles, dolphins, dugongs, elephants and leopards.
Hunting concessions
Lugenda Wildlife Reserve, Kambako Investimento
(Montepuez), Negomano Safari (Montepuez).
Makonde traditions
The Makonde are known as fearless people and ardent followers of initiation rituals. For the male initiation it is common practice to use 'mapico' masks for the mapico dances. Another cultural characteristic is the tattooing of the body and the sharpening of teeth, both for aesthetic purposes. The Makonde are also known as artists, particularly for their wood and ivory carvings.
Responsible for Tourism
Cabo Delgado Province
Direcção Provincial de Turismo
Av. Eduardo Mondlane 239
Tel: +258 72 21911 / 2
Fax: +258 72 21912
