Ilha de Moçambique

Ilha de Moçambique

Ilha de Moçambique, a unique and popular destination, is 5.5 hours by road south of Pemba in Nampula Province. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island was the country's first capital and is approximately 3 kilometres in length and half a kilometre wide, with access to the mainland via a 3200 metre long bridge. The fascinating mix of African, Arab and European culture and history is displayed in the churches and mosques, beautiful colonial buildings with thick walls and small traditional houses, the imposing fort, the old Portuguese houses (some dating back to the sixteenth century), the well-maintained, interesting museums and above all in the local population, their culture and their incredibly varied faces. There is a colourful and vibrant feel to the island with all the hustle and bustle; yet you can still feel the charm, sophistication and culture.

The Fortaleza São Sebastião is the oldest non-indigenous building in the southern hemisphere. More and more guest houses and small hotels are being opened in restored buildings, offering comfortable and charming accommodation at varied but never expensive levels, and contributing to the slow restoration of the island's former splendours.

To & from Ilha de Moçambique

The quickest way to Ilha de Mozambique is from Nampula, a 2,5 hour journey on a reasonably good road. A private door-to-door transfer in air conditioned vehicle will cost $205 one way. If you are coming from Pemba it will take around 6 hours and you drive through some stunning countryside, with plenty opportunity to take pictures en-route. Such a transfer can cost from $420 each way. Otherwise you can get there by bus and chapa, but be prepared to spend most of the day on the road. The Mecula bus leaves from Pemba (behind Osman's supermarket) for Nacala daily at 5am. Make sure to be there no later than 4:30 am to secure a seat. Get off at Galp service station just after Monapo and take a chapa from there onwards. Private charter flights can be arranged to Lumbo airstrip near to Ilha. Enquire with Kaskazini for rates.

Hotel Escondidinho

This hotel is a lovely large old colonial house, tastefully restored in typical style, with a swimming pool in the internal garden. The hotel benefits from high ceilings, large windows and its position on a quiet street in the middle of the island. The hotel staff can organise dhow trips to the neighbouring islands and beaches and sunset cruises. There is an excellent restaurant in the hotel, run by a French couple. The restaurant is run as a separate business entity so ALL MEALS INCLUDING BREAKFAST has to be paid for directly to the restaurant.

Rooms from $70 with private bathroom, some en-suite, not including breakfast.

Casa Azul

Casa Azul is a lovely new small Greek-style blue and white guest house on Ilha de Moçambique. Zico, the Portuguese owner, has taken 4 years to restore the property and it has been worth waiting for...! Three houses have been merged to form the guest house, and there is a lovely garden you can sit in to relax. There are only 3 rooms at the moment, excellent hospitality, and is located in an alley close to Missanga curio shop.

Rooms from $70 with private bathroom, including sumptuous breakfast.

Patio dos Quintalinhos

Charming guest house owned and run by Gabriele (Italian), also known as Gabriele's, in an old beautifully restored house, where the rooms are arranged around an internal courtyard and garden. The house also has a swimming pool in an old water reservoir and meals can be prepared on demand by your hosts. Patio dos Quintalinhos is situated right opposite the large green mosque (First road to your left as you arrive on Ilha) Gabriele can also organise the excursions and transfers. Rooms from $30 with shared bathroom, or from $45 with bathroom en-suite, including breakfast.

Terraco das Quitandas

This lovely new guest house on the sea front is in a prime position, and is truly charming with exquisite decor.  There are six air-conditioned suites each with their own bathroom.  They also boast a reading room, a games room, two verandas and a terrace from where you can watch the dhows sail past into the sunset, an inner courtyard, and three recreation rooms.  You can arrange to have a relaxing massage, or choose from several tour options available.

Suites from $100 per person sharing with continental breakfast (sea view room), or $120 for a single. Suites from $150 per suite without the sea view.  Rates include breakfast.