Directions to Pemba Dive & Bush Camp
GETTING THEREDIRECTIONS: - with complementary transfers to & from airport 06h00-24h00. GPS Coordinates CONTACT US ROADOn the main road into Pemba, there is a 2km and 1km sign before the control point. The Police control point is a kilometer before the Airport. Turn left just before the Police control pointing to “Pemba Dive & Bush Camp” (Nacole Jardim). Drive 2km and follow the “Bush Camp” signs to the Beach Bar. The sand road is good enough for two wheel drive and low profile vehicles in the rainy season. Some areas are cemented. |
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Air
| LAM - | www.lam.co.mz (top right corner “English version”) LAM tends to be late. Air tickets are much cheaper – look at the various dates for travel deals, one way as there can be a big difference in prices, with discount airfare you can book further in advance. Please confirm your booking, with at least 72 hours prior to departure, without confirmation they are known to cancel. +258 272 21251 Pemba City, +258 272 20442 Pemba Beach. |
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| Airlink - | www.flysa.com www.flyairlink.com your flight is guaranteed. To book flight tickets give details, press continue, click on “Voyager Upgradeable” and continue and the price will show airfare and airline tickets. |
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South Africa = Johannesburg to Pemba |
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| Air Link - | is a sister company through SAA Wed & Sat - Direct flight 3 hour flight | |
| LAM - | Linhas Airlines Mozambique Wed, Fri & Sun - Fri midnight 23h30 - |
Connect at Maputo depart Sat 00h30 Pemba to Maputo |
| LAM - | Maputo to Pemba every day except Thursday | |
Kenya = Nairobi – Tanzania = Dar Es Salaam to Pemba
LAM - www.lam.co.mz four times a week. Sat, Wed, Fri Sun 3 hour flight, phone on arrivalOTHER AIRLINES To Maputo Airport
TAP Portugal- with daily connecting airline flights to Pemba with LAM Lisbon - Maputo
1Time Airlines www.1time.aero discount airline tickets Johannesburg - Maputo
Air Corridor www.aircorridor.co.mz
Please Note: With air travel luggage can get lost on flights from time to time, we suggest you pack some small items in your hand luggage. Theft is common at most airlines, especially with electronics they will slash your bag open to get to it. Keep your valuables in your hand luggage and lock or glad wrap your suitcase.
Updates and prices September 2010. Your help will be appreciated with new info,
updates or corrections by emailing me at pembadive@gmail.com
INDEX
1. Travel By Road Map Directions
2. South Africa to Maputo
3. Maputo to Pemba
4. Zimbawe to Pemba
5. Beira to Pemba
6. Pemba to Nampula
7. Ilha da Mozambique to Pemba
8. Malawi to Pemba
9. Pemba to Ibo & Quirimbas Islands
10. Pemba to Tanzania
11. Car Rental
1) Travel By Road Map Directions
The coast line of Mozambique is 3 290 km with 6 countries bordering around it. Often travellers believe Mozambique ends at Beira. Mozambique is almost big enough to fit Europe in.
| South = | Gaza and Maputo Province Xai-Xai, Maputo and Ponta do Ouro = Inhambane Province Tofo or Inhambane, 635 km |
| Central = | Zambezi Province, Sofala and Inhambane Province Vilankulo, Bazaruto Archipelago = Beira is in the middle of Sofala Province and also Mozambique 800 km Gorongosa National Parks |
| North = | Nampula Province Angoche, Ilha de Mozambique, Nacala 1 300 km = Cabo Delgado Province Pemba with Quirimbas Archipelago Niassa Reserve 600 km |
Johannesburg to Maputo 555 km
GREYHOUND tel: +27 083 915 9000 Every day 44-60 passengers
Johannesburg 08h15 via Nelspruit 12h35, Komatipoort Garcia Border arriving Maputo 16h00.
Maputo – Johannesburg 07h30 – 15h30 @ R270 one-way
The eight hour bus service have toilets onboard, aircon and refreshments served.
INTERCAPE tel: +27(0)21 380-4400 Every day 60 passengers
Johannesburg – Maputo 08h00 - 16h00 @ R210 one-way
Johannesburg – Maputo 10h00 - 08h00 @ R230 one-way
Maputo – Johannesburg 07h30 - 16h30
Maputo – Johannesburg 19h00 - 03h55
The eight hour bus service have toilets onboard, aircon and refreshments served.
Nelspruit to Maputo
Cheetah Express tel: +27 (013) 755 1988 Every day 12 passengers
Nelspruit – Maputo 15h30 18h00
Maputo – Nelspruit 07h00 @ R250 one-way
Greyhound Bus tel: +27 013-753-2100 @ R200 one-way
City to City tel: +27 086-158-9282 Every day 30 passengers
Nelspruit – Maputo 13h00 – 16h20 @ R200 one-way
Panthera Azul Company based in Mozambique, much cheaper
Fully loaded traditional bus with passengers could stand in the isles.
Railway
An overnight train runs regularly from Durban to Maputo.
A train runs from Johannesburg to the Mozambique border at Ressano Garcia where there is a connection to Maputo (journey time – 15 hours).
3) MAPUTO – PEMBA
By Car
The road has just been repaired from Xai – Xai to Quissico and Vilanculos – Inchope with a new surface.
Maputo – Pemba or Pemba – Maputo
By Bus @ 2 900mts one way
Backpack 20kg could be included in the price of the ticket.
Excess luggage will be charged between a flat rate 100mts or 15mts per kg.
The type of transport available is only for the general public.
Travelling this route should be broken up in two days.
Look up LAM at different dates some flights are 2 500mts per person and involves no accommodation cost.
Pemba – Maputo @ 2 900mts one way
Queries & Bookings – Isa +258 82 772 8350 (speaks English) depart Tues & Friday
Martins +258 82 336 0348 (depart Tues & Thursday please check)
I am impressed with the bus. No overcrowding, do not allow passengers to travel standing up in the isle. No aircon or toilets though he will stop if asked and does not sell refreshments. Baggage up to 20kg is included in the price. Excess 15mts per kg.
Purchase your ticket a day in advance and you can book your seat. Booking tickets on the same day will be cutting it fine to catch the bus next to Mcel 04h00 is departure – all at the same place.
Departing Tuesday 04h00 - Arrive Friday 13h00
Departing Friday 04h00 - Arrive Sunday 13h00
Pemba - Nampula 250 mts - Overnight - Room aircon & toilet 500mts departs 03h00
Pemba - Beira 2 000 mts
- Vilanculos or Maxixe - Overnight – Room aircon & toilet 500mts departs 04h00
Pemba - Maputo 2 900 mts = 3 days accommodation price excluded
Maputo – Pemba @ 2 900mts one way
Queries & Bookings – Tel +258 21 407 514 (speaks Portuguese only)
Trecamo Transporte - Expresso 60 passenger - no toilets and no standing in the isle.
Purchase tickets book a day in advance, in the same day will be cutting it fine.
They do not arrange accommodation. Make sure you arrange a good place to stay
Bus does stop for lunch but do not serve refreshments on the bus.
There are pick-ups between route
05h30 departs Maputo Teusday-Thursday
Inchope overnight depart 05h00 to Nampula
Nampula overnight depart 05h00 to Pemba
1. Maputo – Pemba Cargo Bus 05h00 Friday it can take 4 days transport cargo and doing a lot of stops @ 2 600mts one way
2. Maputo or Maxixe – Namupla direct (2 days) @ 2 500mts
3.. Fatima’s Nest Maputo – Tofo there is a daily shuttle with minimum four persons
on a 28 seater bus. Departing 05h30 – Arriving 15h00 @ 600 mts
4. Expresso Busses departs every day – this bus is full and the isles are full of passengers.
5. TCO Transportes Carlos Oliveira +258 2335 4822 – Single and double, décor Good, comfortable and with any break downs there is good back up.
Maputo 04h00 – Maxixe (Inhambane) 10h30 = 61/2 hrs – Beira 21h00 total 16 hours @ 1 500mts
Departure from Maxixe first 3 hours you will stand in the isle, to Beira it takes 91/2 hours. Beira busses are departing from the main bus station, purchase tickets “Express Bus” the day before only in the afternoon. Book tickets “TCO Bus” a week or a couple of days in advance. Often fully booked on purchasing a ticket the day before.
4) ZIMBABWE – PEMBA
By Car
Getting to Pemba 400 km or more can be saved travelling from South Africa to Masvingo to Mutare Border (missing Harare).
Harare – Beira 565 km
Harare – Mutare (beautiful) Zimbabwe – Machipanda Border Mozambique
280 km = good tar roads 3 hours
Machipanda – Chimoio 90 km good tar 1.2 hours
Chimoio – Inchope 63 km good tar .45 minutes
total 10 hours
Overnight
Chimoio – Castela Branco
Beira Beira Sol – very nice to stay in 1500 mt a room for two persons
Taxi = 100 Mts from bus station to Beira Sol Restaurant
Caia – M’phingwe Camp (30km south of Caia.) owner Graeme & James White
(Dalmann Shop) Catapo ph +258 82 301 6436
5) BEIRA - PEMBA
By Car
Beira to Caia - 258 km new highway do full up buy petrol at Caia
money exchange to Mets 3 hours
Caia to Mocuba - 278 km road is good, Mets only 3 hours
There is a bridge to cross over. The ferry no longer exists.
Mocuba – Nampevo - 80 km very very bad 1.5 hour
Nampevo – Alto Molocue - 110 km good tar 1 hour 2.5 hours
Mocuba - Alto Molocue - 100 km road bad dirt, go slow, top road 1 hour
Alto Malocue - Nampula - 210 km just tarred, do take dollars 2 hours
Nampula- Pemba - 420 km tarred good potholes repaired 4.5 hours
Nampula - Ilha de Moz - 1 hour apart
Careful at night: logging trucks not having lights or reflectors.
Should take 16 hours straight to Pemba without Ilha de Moz detour.
Overnight
Mocuba - S. Cristovao
Cruzeiro
Nampula - Pensao Parqe double room, no bathroom and no mosquito nets 800 mts = 21$,
very basic = OK: 2 single beds and fan
close to train station, for safety at 05h00 take a taxi @ 100mts.
Residencial Brazilia (06) 21 2789??
Hotel Lurio
Bamboo 1 500mt /p or 2 000 mts 2xp
Hotel Millenio
Executivo new 3 500 mt
Railway
There is a train service from Harare to Manica – Chimio – Beira.
Adventures Way
By Bus
Beira 04h00 – Chimoio – Quelimane - Mocuba 14h00 - Nampula 19h00
Departs every second day and returns the next day.
TCO Transportes Carlos Oliveira +258 2335 4822 are good and comfortable.
With break downs there is a quick back up. Always overcrowded @ Price +-1 000 Mts
Nampula – Ilha do Mozambique or Nacala 2.5 hours
Get a mini bus from Nampula to Ilha do Mozambique next to the Station, ask for Tanzanianos chapa departing 10h00, get there 09h00 to secure a seat, though if lucky right up to 13h00.
Or catch a train Nampula to Nacala – I believe almost impossible.
Grupo Mecula from the Grupo Mecula garage (in the area known as ‘Raman’ on Rua da Moma) behind the Catholic University, just off Av 25 Septembro daily buses to Nacala depart daily 13h00
Padaria Nampula Transport in Av do Trabalho, east of the train station
Careful some say they’re going to Ilha but only go just before to Monapo.
Ilha de Mozambique 05h00 up to 11h00
Nampula 04h00 – Pemba 11h00
The Bus Station is next to the Padaria Nampula. Always overcrowded @ 250 Mts 6 hours
Grupo Mecula from the Grupo Mecula garage (in the area know as ‘Raman’ on Rua da Moma, just off Av 25 Septembro daily buses to Pemba depart daily 05h00
Namialo (Between Nampula – Ilha do Mozambique) the intersection to Pemba 5 hours
Can arrange a Minibus 8 persons @ 1 000mts or 125mts
Visial Reference
6) PEMBA – NAMPULA
Adventures Way - Bus
Tues & Friday depart 04h00 Bookings with Isa +258 82 772 8350 (speaks English) @ 250 mts
I am impressed with the bus. No overcrowding, does not allow passengers to travel standing in the isle. No aircon or toilets though he will stop if asked and he does not sell refreshments. Baggage up to 20kg is included in the price. Excess 15mts per kg. Purchase your ticket a day in advance and you can book your seat. On the same day will be cutting it fine and you get on the bus next to Mcel, departure is at 04h00 – all at the same place.
In Pemba town Mecula Ltds between Osman and the globe is the bus station.
Pemba – Namialo depart 04h00 daily Backpack @ 100 mts passenger 200 mts
Namialo – Nampula chappa @ 100 mts
7) ILHA DA MOZAMBIQUE - PEMBA
Adventures Way - Bus
The bridge at Ilha is closed from 21h at night to 5h in the morning.
The bus departs Ilha at 5h00 to Namialo then catch the large busses NPL Pemba. There is Grupo Mecula, Maning Nice and City Boy and lots of small Chapas.
Departing Pemba - take the Mecula to Nampula or Nacala and get off at Namialo or Monapo and than catch a chapa to Ilha.
Ilha de Mozambique to Nampula 4 hour (Chapa) 2.5 hour (car)
Ilha de Mozambique to Nacala 1.20 hour
Ilha da Mozambique to Namialo (Pemba turn off) 1 hour
Namialo to Pemba 4 hours 200 mts
Kaskazini +258 82 039 6990 Departure 08h00 – 14h00 and Return the next day 08h00 – 14h00
It is encouraged for adventurous travellers to be more than 4 people to support this, it is much cheaper, they have good and safe drivers, there is no over crowding and a reasonable hour of departure. To avoid disappointment do the bookings two days in advance.
Return passengers booked more 4 people 50$
1-4 people with car load booked one way and no return bookings 385$ per car
More than 4 people, one way and no return bookings 85$ per person
8) MALAWI TO PEMBA
By Car, Backpacker or Adventurous way
Good tarred roads through Malawi to Liwonde.
1. Blantyre tar road to then dirt road Milange Border to Macatanja
Turn off to Marracau to Mocuba still a dirt road= 200 km (5 hours)
No fuel and stick to the left when the road splits before Mocuba
Mocuba - Alto Molocue - 100 km road (dirt - go slow) (1 hour)
Alto Malocue - Nampula - 210 km just tarred, do take dollars (2 hours)
Nampula- Pemba - 400 km tarred potholes covered up (5 hours).
Adventures traveller – Milange to Mocuba, you need to hitch a ride, there are no buses.
2. Liwonde is mountainous dirt road to Nayuchi (Malawi)
- cross over to (Moz) Entre Lagos Border - Cuamba.
Cuamba - Nampula - the dirt road is not good, although the scenery is beautiful
can take 7 hours in the dry season. Nampula to Pemba 6 hours is tarred. Total 13 hours
Avoid January – April; could take 18 hours and you will need to build bridges.
You may encounter problems with grass seed stuck under your car. 18 hours
Alternative transport your vehicle on the train at Cuamba, you will need to load it the night before and arrange a guard. Sit back inside your car and enjoy a stunning view with the train ride.
3. Lichinga - Marupa is tar and in good condition 306 km = 3 hours
1km after Marupa right Quinta Manlia Campsite is basic
Marupa – Nungo sand road good condition, no bridges 35 km
Nungo – Balama bad road gravel, sandy stretches with bad bridges
(rainy season need to build bridges ) 115 km = 2.5 hours
Balama – Montepuez is now good sand road under construction 60 km = .45 minutes
Montepuez is tarred road to Pemba 220 km = 2.5 hours
Fuel is available only at Lichinga, Montepuez, Metoro and Pemba. 9 hours
Nampula – Malawi
Railway
Railway line link in Malawi Liwonde – Nayuchi = border to Mozambique Cuamba. The train turns back to Malawi.
The trains depart in each direction at 05h00 on alternate days.
Nampula - Tuesday, Thursday and Saterday
Cuamba - Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
See Pemba – Nampula bus schedule
This train ride is really beautiful.
At Nampula train station purchase tickets day before. Purchases the same day and you might only get 3rd class even if you are two hours early to get a seat but after a few stops seats are available.
Nampula – Cuambe 2nd class @ 332 mts 3rd class @ 132 mts 11 hours
Nampula - Nacala
Cuamba – Malawi daily train (check what time it leaves)
Cuambe – Madimba chappa takes a day 200 mts
Going Madimba to Moz Border is 2km
Crossing over Mozambique Border to Malawi border is another 2km
Cuambe – Entre Lagos Border truck takes a day 200 mts
At the Malawi border you can take a truck or minibus to Liwonde, Cape Mc Clair (good place), Monkey Bay or Blantyre, the prices are similar to Mozambique
Overnight
Nampula see Beira – Pemba
Cuamba Pensao sau Miguel double room, no bathroom and no mosquito nets 500 mts = $21us
very basic = OK: 2 single beds and fan
double room with bathrooms 800 – 1 000 mts
9) IBO & QUIRIMBAS ISLANDS
Places of interest in and around Pemba
Map of the Quirimbas Archipelago Islands and detailed information how to get there by road and air is completed, though not yet been submitted – do email me at pembadive@gmail.com
10) PEMBA – TANZANIA
By Car
The corridor between Mozambique and Tanzania Unity bridge is now open. With this route plan an overnight at Mocimboa da Praia or Pangani.
Pemba 80 km - Sunate (Silva Macua) 110 km - Macomia tarred road is bad, lots of potholes
(50km after Macomia turn off overnight at Pangani Campsite)
Macomia 100km dirt under construction to T junction to Diaca or (Awasi)
left to Mueda 60 km beautiful tar road
Pemba to Mueda = 350 km 4 hours
Mueda – Negomano there are 4 bridges and one is damaged, not designed for heavy trucks
Mueda, do get fuel. Dirt road 160km to Negomano the road has very, thick powder dust. Caused mostly by heavy trucks going through during the rainy season.
Negomano go 80km has Immigration & Customs at Negomano Unity Bridge.
The Forestry Reserve scenery is stunning. 2 hours
Coming from Tanzinia - the Unity bridge of good road after the bridge ask for directions to turn off to Mueda, this is right in the middle of this good road Mueda 300m ONLY! There are no signs for the turn off, you will pass the turn off getting a sudden dead end and can end up in the bush. Careful especially at night!
Negomano cross over the bridge to Namajani. This crossing is at S11.42630 E38.48912.
On the Tanzania side 200m from the Bridge is customs & immigration, drive about 10 km's to the village Masuguru. From there the road to Chitowe to Nangomba (please, report if you can get fuel) is a long and exceptionally good gravel road (end Dec-April with very slippery spots) 2 hour gravel road to Masasi - can get fuel.
Pemba to Masasi 11 hours
Lindi can get fuel. 3 hours
Masasi to Kilwa Kisiwani tarred 5 hours
Kilwa Kisiwani to Dar Es Salaam tar road a couple of potholes 6 hours
The last 80km before Rufiji River road works are ongoing and very bad.
From there straight to Dar Es Salaam is excellent tar road.
Pemba to Dar Es Salaam we recommend 2 days straight -3 day trip looking around.
PLUS: When stopped at the customs office at the Tanzanian side of the ferry I was told the cost to cross can cost as much as $300.00 US depending on what you drive A LAND CRUISER VX station wagon will be more expensive than a NISSAN pickup. So where my HILUX would fit in, I do not know. These prices definitely makes the detour and the scenery all the more worthwhile.
Mikindani to Mocimboa da Praia you can cross the river by putting your car on fishing boats.
First you might be ripped off @ $200 US
Secondly, everybody that has done this, said it is madness and spooky.
Although Palma just below the Revuma River is beautiful.
The choice is yours.
Backpacker or Adventurous way
By chappa or bus to Mocimboa de Paia.
Makola bus Pakietet (Pemba) 04h30 – 13h00
Transanians at M Cell Pemba 04h30 – 11h00
staight to Mocimboa de Praia
Mocimboa de Praia – lot of chappas to border post
Do have Immigration & Customs
Overnight at MOCIMBOA DE PRAIA accommodation is:
Natalie 1 800mt / pp the best accommodation
Saber Vier much cheaper next to bus station
Magid cheap a little better - close to old gas station - recommend
Custodio ok
Pensaio Bebe ok
Chappa – there is heavy competition @ 350mt travel 110km, 3-4 hours
Crossing – boats 5 000-10 000 Shilling 1 = 11.600shilling
kaskina 2 000 -3 000 shilling
MTWARA – Chappa / bus 3 500 shilling
Backpacker Chilinima Hotel
They do change money.
Reserve a bus early as possible – Akida Bus is good to go to Dar.
11) Car Rental in Pemba – East Africa
In Pemba there is a transport service offered with a car rental facility.
They can offer you assistance and information with car hire rates,rental vehicles and 3rd party insurance. A valid driver's license (international or sadc approved licence for non-mozambican citizens) and identification document (passport for non-mozambican citizens), this must be produced by renter or driver before commencement of the rental period.
You can choose either a 2wd or 4wd from the following car hire establishments and have the freedom to move around Pemba, Nampula, Ilha de Mozambique and also to Ibo Island, Pangane and the Quirimbas Reserve or Niassa Reserve.
Safi rent-a-car ida
Moti Rent A Car
Have a great journey!
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