Pemba, located in the large Pemba Bay, is the capital of Cabo Delgado province bordering Tanzania to the north and the Indian Ocean to the east. Minimal industrial bustle makes this a city of natural beauty and unspoilt beaches.

Pemba is home to the Makonde people, characteristically fearless and renowned for their initiation rituals – in particular the male ‘mapico’ masks and the mapico dance. Other cultural characteristics are body tattoos and the sharpening of teeth – both regarded as enhancing attraction. The Makonde are also known for their striking woodcarvings.

Pemba is also the access point for the Quirimbas Archipelago, which is made up of some 30 islands, including Quirimba, Sencar and Ibo. This Archipelago is another pristine destination, and less frequented than Bazaruto Archipelago.