Things to do in Pemba
Discover the best attractions and experiences Pemba has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore Pemba's coastal history through remnants of Swahili trade and Portuguese-era influence along the harbor and surrounding streets.
Fortaleza de Pemba
A coastal fortress from the Portuguese era, offering sea views and a peek into the city’s military past.
Ibo Island Fort (Fortaleza de São João)
Historic fortress on Ibo Island linking Swahili and Portuguese maritime heritage.
Pemba Old Town
Historic streets around the harbor with traditional Swahili-influenced architecture.
Museums
Delve into Cabo Delgado’s culture and maritime life through small but informative museums.
Museu Provincial de Cabo Delgado
Exhibits on regional history, culture, and coastal livelihoods.
Ibo Island Museum
A compact museum on Ibo Island showcasing Swahili heritage and local artifacts.
Quirimbas National Park Visitors Center
Educational displays about the park’s ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Religious Monuments
Sites that reflect the spiritual fabric of Pemba and its Swahili Muslim influences.
Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Pemba Cathedral)
A central place of worship with colonial-era architecture and city views.
Pemba Mosque
A community mosque showcasing local Islamic heritage and daily life.
Harborside Chapel (local waterfront chapel)
A small, peaceful place of reflection near the fishing harbor.
National & Theme Parks
Some of Mozambique’s best reef and island scenery lies off Pemba’s coast in protected areas.
Quirimbas National Park
Marine and island park protecting coral reefs and diverse wildlife.
Misali Island Marine Reserve
Protected island known for pristine snorkelling and clear turquoise water.
Matemo Island
A tranquil island with palm-fringed beaches within the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Neighborhoods
Walk through Pemba’s lively districts to catch daily life, markets, and waterfront views.
Pemba Old Town (Harbor District)
Historic lanes, market stalls, and casual eateries near the waterfront.
Harborfront District
Vibrant area with fishing boats, small cafes, and sunset views over the bay.
Beachside Quarters (Wimbi/Pemba coast edge)
Relaxed neighborhoods along the coast with easy access to beaches.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy Pemba’s natural beauty with low-cost experiences that don’t require planning.
Sunrise and sunset beach strolls
Walk along the coast to take in the colors of dawn or dusk.
Harborfront watching traditional fishing boats
Observe daily life and the rhythms of the sea from the quay.
Snorkeling from public beaches near Misali Island (shore access)
Limited gear required for a peek at shallow reef life.
Gastronomy
Fresh seafood is the hallmark of Pemba’s cuisine, with bold coastal flavors.
Seafood platter at the waterfront
A sampler of grilled fish, prawns, and calamari by the sea.
Peri-peri prawns and grilled fish
Spicy and smoky coastal specialties popular in restaurants.
Matapa with cassava leaves and coconut
A traditional Mozambican dish showcasing local greens and flavors.
Nightlife
Evenings along the coast blend laid-back bars with Swahili-influenced music.
Seaside bars with live Swahili music
Relaxed venues offering local beats and ocean breezes.
Sunset dhow cruises
Calm boat rides as the sun sinks over the water.
Local taarab-inspired evenings
Folk-infused performances blending rhythm and storytelling.
Entertainment
Cultural encounters and island adventures add depth to a coastal itinerary.
Ibo Island day trip with guided tour
Explore Swahili architecture and historic sites on Ibo Island.
Cultural performances in Pemba
Short shows featuring local music and dance traditions.
Dhow sailing and island-hopping
Traditional sailing along the coast with scenic stops.
Sports
Water-based activities let you explore Pemba’s reefs and seas up close.
Scuba diving around Misali Island
Calm, clear waters with vibrant coral and marine life.
Snorkeling along reef edges
Witness tropical fish and colorful coral without deep dives.
Kayaking along the coast
Paddle past mangroves and beaches for a close-to-nature experience.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the obvious to meet local communities and pristine offshore scenery.
Boat trip to Ibo Island for a day
Explore historic streets, forts, and island beaches.
Visit remote villages in Cabo Delgado
Experience daily life and traditional crafts with a local guide.
Private reef snorkeling safari by boat
Custom trip to see lesser-visited coral gardens and fish schools.