Pemba sits on a peninsula on Mozambique's northern coast, with the town on one side and the bay curving round to beaches and mangroves. It is a place where the water and the coastline set the rhythm of a visit, and where most travellers end up spending their days on or near the beach.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between basing yourself in or near Pemba town, or staying out along the beach and peninsula areas where the lodges and camps are spread. This guide covers the areas the sources describe, who each one suits, and what kind of place you will find there, so you can decide where to book.
Best areas to stay in Pemba
1. Wimbi Beach (Wimbe Beach)
Wimbi Beach is the main beach area and the most straightforward base for a first visit. It is where you find an eco-friendly coastal resort with beach front chalets, sea view backpacker units and camping, plus a backpacker shop, games and activity room, and a restaurant. Activities based here include diving, dolphin and whale watching, kayaking through the mangroves, archery, bird watching and nature walks.
It suits first-time visitors, divers and anyone who wants beach and activities in one place. Namibi Village, home to the main meeting spot in Pemba, is 3km from Wimbi Beach, so if you base yourself at Wimbi you are close to both the beach and that social hub.
2. Londo (the peninsula closing the bay)
Londo is the peninsula that closes the bay of Pemba. It is a quieter, more spread-out base, with an eco-friendly lodge offering beach front bungalows and backpackers' rooms, self catering, and a restaurant and bar hut. Activities available from here include diving, water skiing, kayaking through the mangroves, archery, French bowling, bird watching and nature walks.
It suits travellers who want a beach base away from the main beach strip, including those who prefer self catering or a mix of bungalow and backpacker options. Note that the north of Pemba town, bordering the Quirimbas National Park, is where the exclusive end of the market sits.
3. Namibi Village
Namibi Village is 3km from Wimbi Beach and is home to what the source calls the main meeting spot in Pemba, a campsite and bar with bungalows with en suite bathrooms, plus the option to bring or rent a tent. This makes it the obvious base for budget travellers and campers who want a social centre rather than a beach front location.
It suits backpackers, campers and anyone travelling on a tight budget who values a communal atmosphere. The trade-off is that you are a short distance from the beach rather than on it, so plan for that when choosing between here and Wimbi Beach.
4. Outside Pemba town, near Nautilus
Just outside Pemba town, about 1km from Nautilus, is a large sea-facing resort area with rooms and serviced two-bedroom villas that suit families, including interconnected rooms. This is the base to consider if you want a full-service stay with family-friendly accommodation and easy access to diving and water sports.
It suits families and travellers who prefer a resort setting with restaurants and organised activities over a backpacker or self-catering base. Being outside town means you are away from the town centre, so factor in transport if you want to spend time in Pemba itself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: camping and backpacker-style options, including the option to bring or rent a tent, bungalows with en suite bathrooms, and sea view backpacker units. Self catering is often possible, and communal facilities and a bar are part of the appeal.
- Mid-range: thatched seaside bungalows, some with two bedrooms and air conditioning, with a restaurant and diving and water sports on site.
- Splurge: exclusive and private beach resorts, including boutique options with diving, game fishing, spa facilities, bush walks and dolphin watching, and large sea-facing hotels with suites and serviced villas.
Best area for a first visit
Wimbi Beach is the best base for a first visit. It puts you on the main beach with the widest choice of accommodation levels and activities, from diving and dolphin watching to kayaking and nature walks. It is also close to Namibi Village, so you are within reach of the main meeting spot in Pemba without giving up a beach front location.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to dive?
Wimbi Beach and Londo both have diving operations based at their lodges, and the area outside Pemba town near Nautilus also has a diving and water sports operation. Any of these three gives you easy access to diving without a long transfer.
Which area is best for families?
The area outside Pemba town near Nautilus is the most family-oriented, with interconnected rooms and serviced two-bedroom villas that accommodate up to six guests. Wimbi Beach is also workable for families who want beach and activities on the doorstep.
Where do budget travellers and campers stay?
Namibi Village is the main base for campers and budget travellers, with bungalows, tent pitches and a bar. Wimbi Beach and Londo also offer backpacker units if you prefer to be closer to the beach.
Do I need to be near Pemba town?
Not necessarily. The beach and peninsula areas are where most accommodation sits, and the areas described here are a short drive from town. If you want to spend time in Pemba town itself, the area just outside it near Nautilus keeps you closest.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.