Frequently asked questions

Is there malaria in the north of Mozambique?

Malaria is the number one health concern in this part of the country. There are mosquitoes all year round, but there are more cases of malaria reported in the rainy season (December to the end of March / April). Even if you are taking prophylaxis, it is a good idea to cover up and/or use repellent at night, and always sleep under a mosquito net. Tests are quick and cheap and are done in the clinic or at the hospital, so if you feel unwell, it is well worth having a test to give you peace of mind. Some treatments (including artemether and coartem) are available in the pharmacies, at the hospital or at the Cabo Delgado clinic.

How do we get to Ibo from Pemba?

Currently Ibo can be accessed by air, boat or road from Pemba. A scenic 25 minute flight over the Quirimba islands is by far the fastest and most convenient option, from $100 per person each way. The other alternative is a rather long and bumpy drive to Tadanhangue, from where you can catch a dhow over to Ibo. Remember to check the tides before you leave as the boats can only cross at high tide. This journey takes a better part of the day. Kaskazini offers reliable 4x4 road transfers with an experienced guide / driver who speaks Portuguese, English and several local languages. Now there is also a cargo boat that leaves every Saturday morning around 5 am from Paquitequete in Pemba and returns on Wednesdays from Ibo. It takes around 9 hours and costs $35 per person, contact Ian the skipper directly to book on +258 827251709.

How can we pay?

If you are booking flights and accommodation in advance with Kaskazini, then we will send you an invoice to make payment into either our US Dollar account or our Metical account here in Pemba. Although we do have a credit card machine in the office, we are unable to process credit cards without the physical card to swipe through the machine.

US Dollars and Meticais are accepted almost everywhere, but Rands, the Euro and other currencies are not. Please note that it is not possible to change travellers' cheques or use American Express and Diners Club cards anywhere in the north of Mozambique. BIM bank, BCI, Barclays Bank, and Standard Bank all have cash machines for VISA and Mastercard withdrawals. There is a new cashpoint at the airport as well. Other than the larger shops, hotels and resorts, credit cards are not widely accepted.

How can we get to Ilha de Moçambique from Pemba?

From Pemba we can arrange a private road transfer for you in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who can speak English, Portuguese and other local languages. This is a 6 hour drive, so it is best to leave quite early in order to avoid the heat of the day. Transfers cost from $350 each way for the car.

Alternatively, you can take public transport: the Mecula buses depart early in the morning from the Mecula Bus depot in town (behind Osman Yacob Supermarket, next to Trak Auto). Make sure you take the bus to Nacala not the Nampula bus and you will need to be there at 04h30 or before to get a seat. The journey will take around 7-8 hours with frequent stops.

If you are flying in to Nampula airport, you can arrange a road transfer (2.5 hours) to Ilha de Moçambique. Kaskazini can arrange this for you from $175 per vehicle each way.

How do we cross the Rovuma from Tanzania?

The vehicle ferry across the Rovuma ONLY operates when the tide is 3.7 metres or higher, so check the tide table before you leave. You can call Mbawala, the ferry operator on +255 754 869 357 to check if it is working.

How much should we pay for a taxi from Wimbe beach to town?

A taxi from Wimbe Beach to town should not cost you more than 125 Meticais (±USD 5).