More of the nitty gritty...

Getting here & away – overland routes

Overland routes to Pemba come through Nampula from the south, Mocimboa da Praia from Tanzania and the north, Mutare border crossing from Zimbabwe, and Milange border crossing from Malawi.

To cross to and from Tanzania by car, take the ferry over the Rovuma river at Namoto. It only runs when the high tide exceeds 3.5 metres so check tide charts if possible. Management of the ferry has recently been taken over by the Tanroads, a government agency, and should be more reliable than in the past. We do recommend that you check whether it is operating before embarking on your journey by calling Mbawala in Tanzania on +255 754 869 357. The road from this side of the border to Palma is just a track, and you will need a 4x4 with high clearance to pass this section. From Mocimboa da Praia to Pemba, the road is tarmac most of the way.

For foot passengers, there is a passenger ferry service between Dar es Salaam and Mtwara, close to the Mozambican border. From Mtwara, public transport will take you to the border ferry, and from there to Mocimboa da Praia. It is also sometimes possible to hitch a lift with a dhow from Tanzania to Mocimboa, where there are immigration facilities.

Motorcare

Petrol stations: Petrol ("gasolina"), diesel ("gasoleo") and parafin ("petroleo") are available at Galp and Exito as you come into town, and Petromoc on the main road into town. Galp has a small supermarket for foodstuffs, wines, spirits and beers (closed between 12 and 3), a tyre repair shop and air, and a shop selling lubricants. Exito also has a nice little shop which sells alcohol, foodstuffs (fresh imported produce usually arrives on Fridays).
Garages: Herculano Faria's workshop on the main road into town is perhaps the best place for general repairs and maintenance. Trak Auto, behind Osman Yacob's supermarket specialises in John Deere, Land Rover and Mazda, has a good tyre service.
Parts shops: There are many parts shops in Pemba, mostly selling expensive fakes. Amongst the better options are Toyota, on the main road into town, Abu Bakar, on the same road, inside the compound opposite BP, and Top Peças, behind Recol hardware shop on the road up to town from the beach road.

Car hire & getting around

There are three official car rental companies in Pemba and several private operators: Moti Rent a Car and Imperial Car Hire at the airport, and Omar Rent a Car in town. Rates are generally high and make sure to check whether insurance is included. All the car rental companies have 4x4s and 4x2s for rent within or outside the town.
Kaskazini has access to a fleet of 4x4 Suzukis available at good prices!

Public transport mainly consists of chapas, which can be anything from a Honda Hiace minibus to a beaten-up pick-up. There are also three public buses which run from Pemba town to Maringanha and Pemba Muxara regularly. There are taxis with meters, with the main taxi rank located next to the mCel building.
Pemba town is small enough to explore on foot, but be aware that this can be very tiring in hot weather. Hitching a lift is a generally safe option and many drivers will help out foreigners in need.
The Mecula buses depart early in the morning from the Mecula Bus depot in town (behind Osman Yacob Supermarket, next to Trak Auto) for destinations such as Mueda, Mocimboa da Praia, Nampula and Nacala (Ilha de Moçambique). Make sure to be there at 04h30 or before to get a seat.

There are also several Tanzanian buses (around 30 seats) which operate the same routes as well as in and around town.

Shopping – supplies & services

Bakery: There are several good bakeries, one – KK ("kapa kapa") – next door to the Pastelaria; another, Padaria Bessa, on the main road into town, selling Portuguese style rolls, loaves, dairy products and juice. Yet another good bakery is located oppostie Top Pecas, just around the corner from Recol.
Gas: Bottled gas is available from Galp and Exito petrol stations, at Ceconur on the main avenue in town, the Vida Gas Shop at Abu Bakar and at small sales points all over.
For refilling camping bottles you have brought with you, you will need to do this at the Vidagas main depot near the Port.
Groceries/supermarkets: There are groceries all over town, selling pretty much the same selection of foodstuffs and toiletries. For imported Western and South African treats, try Osman Yacob's supermarket on the way into town or Casa Nilsa (look out for the purple shop front) in the old part of town, one road back from the port. KK ("kapa kapa") recently opened a supermarket next to the bakery on Eduardo Mondlane in town. Here you can find a good selection of foodstuffs, as well as hair care and cosmetics and toys upstairs.
Photo shops: There is a Konika shop for developing, printing and films, in the Red Cross building at the top of Av. Eduardo Mondlane, and a Kodak shop next to the MCel building.
There is a vegetable market on Eduardo Mondlane as well – further down towards the sea. It is quite well organized, with fair prices. The later on in the day you go, the cheaper the produce!

Public holidays

1 January: New Years Day
3 February: Heroes Day
7 April: Women’s Day
1 May: Workers Day
25 June: Independence Day
7 September: Victory Day
25 September: Armed Forces Day
4 October: Peace Day
18 October: Pemba Day
25 December: Christmas Day