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Montepuez, Pemba & the Quirimbas National ParkWhat to see in Montepuez, Pemba & the Quirimbas National Park |
Mozambique Accommodation |
The exotic Quirimbas Archipelago is recognised by Cognoscenti as the world's best diving and fishing destination. This exotic and beautiful location stretches from Pemba Bay to the city of Palma in the far north of Mozambique. The beachs are idylic, particularly on the islands and on the mainland north of Pemba bay. Pemba Bay is the third largest in the world and the city of Pemba has grown here since becoming an administrative centre at the end of the 19th centuary. Fishermen will recognise the world famous name of Lazarus Banks situated some 42 nautical miles from the mainland.  The Quirimbas National Park and islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago are accessible from Pemba city where flights arrive and depart regularly from South Africa, Tanzania and other locations in Mozambique. The Quirimbas National ParkThe Quirimbas National Park covers 500 000 hectares including a large section of coastal mainland and islets and a dozen or so islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago. The Quirimbas park protects some of the worlds best coral reefs and is home to numerous exotic birds and marine mammals. The Quirimbas marine sanctuary is a nursery for nesting green and hawk beak turtles and humpback whales shelter their young here before migrating south. The biggest attraction to tourists are the white sandy beaches and warm azul waters of the Indian Ocean, particularly at the exclusive island resorts. On the mainland north of Pemba the scenery is magnificent, low bushy vegitation, mangrove swamps along estuaries and islets and long stretches of white sand beaches covered with palm trees. Of particular interest are the beaches at Pangane and Guludo. The area is not easily accessible to tourists and unless you are driving your own 4x4 vehicle organise trips in advance. Even if you are driving your own 4x4 you will need to organise accommodation for anything other than the basic campsite at Pangane in advance. 
The best way to see the reserve is to stay at one or more of the luxury lodges on the mainland or islands. Plane charters are available from Pemba to various islands with tourist facilities, or some of lodges on the islands provide boat access from Quissanga (you will need your own transpoprt to get to Quissanga). Many of the smaller islands have little or no facilities so make sure you take water with you if you are at all unsure. National Park fees are US$10 per person, usually collected by the lodges in the reserve and endorsed by the WWF. More information about the islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago...PembaThe city of Pemba, is built on the meridian peninsula in the worlds third largest natural bay (Pemba Bay). It is an historical city established in 1904 by the Niassa Company when they moved their administrative headquarters here from Ibo Island. During Portuguese colonial times the city was known as Porto Amelia, before returning to the original name of Pemba after independence in 1975. There is much Arabic influence in the city which can be openly seen. As tourism develops the city is changing in character from that of a laid back sleepy town to more of a hustle & bustle feel. Many teenagers come to Pemba from the islands to complete their schooling and fewer are returning to their childhood homes to live. |
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