Pemba FAQ, Mozambique

Yes, there are fuel stations in Pemba

Click here to see our Pictorial Mozambique Map which indicates where you can find fuel stations. The "F" icon indicates a fuel station.

Fuel is cheaper in their local currency (meticais) compared to rands (or dollars). We suggest you fill up before entering Mozambique's borders and fuel is more expensive the further north you travel!

Yes, there are flights to Pemba via Johannesburg on the following Airliners: SA Airlink, LAM and Precision Air. Although LAM air tickets are cheaper, SA Airlink has proved to be the most popular airliner flying to Mozambique and your flight is guaranteed with SA Airlink. LAM airliners are known to be late and confirmation of your flight ticket 72 hours prior to departure is vital or else bookings can be cancelled.

Flights are approximately 3 hours long.
Book LAM air tickets here: www.lam.co.mz
Book SA Airlink air tickets here: www.flyairlink.com

Only citizens from Mozambique's neighbouring countries are exempt from visas to travel to Mozambique for leisure, however overseas visitors will have to obtain visas at the airport upon arrival (approximately US$ 50.00 per person - prices are subject to change - please contact the airport for more information regarding visa prices).

No, You can drive a regular 2WD vehicle without the need of high ground clearance to Pemba. Road improvements went underway at the end of 2010, so there will be much less potholes than normal.

We always recommend you enter Mozambique in a 4x4 because you won't be limited to where you can travel as well as the possibility of getting stuck. Note: Some borders require a 4x4 to cross. Read more about the border you are travelling through here: Mozambique Borders & Times.

For soft / loose sand driving, we recommend you deflate your tire pressures between 1 ➜ 1.4 bar.

Most of the beaches in Mozambique and Pemba are strictly forbidden to drive on and you can receive a hefty fine if caught doing so. You are only allowed to drive on beaches within designated areas to launch your boat or sea vessel. Depending on where you're travelling to, please ask authorities, the manager of the lodge or a knowledgeable local resident of the area before attempting to drive on any beach.

Only conservancy officials are given more freedom to drive on the beaches to perform routine checkups on the coast's fauna and flora. This doesn't mean you can drive where they can.

We also strongly advise when travelling along Mozambique's roads that you keep on the beaten track and not venture off-road.

It is perfectly fine if road conditions are good and you're familiar with the area and directions to your destination. However if the roads are sandy, muddy and challenging to drive with poor lighting, then we advise you not to drive at night.

Yes, There are companies that rent vehicles out in Pemba. Visitors can hire 2 wheel drives or 4x4's. Keep an eye out for the these car hire companies in Pemba:

Safi rent-a-car
Moti Rent A Car
AVIS Rent-a-Car
EUROPCAR
EXPRESSO Rent-a-Car
Imperial car rental
Tri-Star Car Rental
Kaskazini

Yes of course but that's if you are prepared to spend a long time travelling on the road. Self-drives from Johannesburg to Pemba will take 4+ days depending on the number & duration of stops, weather permitting and other cirmcumstances that could delay your journey.

You can save yourself a lot of time and about 400km if you enter Mozambique via Zimbabwe. Enter Zimbabwe at the Beitbridge border post at the most Northern part of South Africa and Limpopo. Travel through Masvingo and to Mutare border post going into Mozambique. Go past Chimoio and take the En1 North towards Pemba.

One-way bus trips from Maputo to Pemba are available. These journeys are around 3 - 4 days (again, this can depend) and are from about 4000+ mts (R1000+) excluding accommodation (rates are approximate and are subject to change).

Yes, There are 3 major banks in Vilanculos: Barclays, BCI (Banco Comercial e de Investimentos) and BIM (Banco Internacional de Mocambique) Millennium which all have ATM machines for Visa cards (not always Mastercard). Banks are open from 08h00 - 15h00 on weekdays. Barclays Bank is open on Saturdays from 9h00 - 12h00.

Be prepared and withdraw a sufficient amount of money either in the country you are travelling from and / or in large cities and towns in Mozambique to avoid inconveniences. Please remember to always keep your money in a safe and discreet place

We kindly advise you ask and confirm with the venue you're staying at or visiting if they offer credit card facilities prior to taking on their services. Otherwise cash is ONLY accepted in small shops and markets, so it's important to have cash on-hand.

Yes, you can find the common facilities cities usually provide such as: banks, exchange bureaus, restaurants, shops and supermarkets and if you are interested in either buying something or a bit of 'window-shopping', then do head off to the famous 2km long craft market that sells absolutely almost anything, including radios, cell phones, beds, clothes, fruits & veg and much more!

Yes, Mozambique as a whole is a malaria risk area / country. We recommend you take precautions and visit your nearest doctor (you need a prescription for anti-malaria medication) to prescribe you with what's recommended before you leave for Mozambique.

It is strongly advised that you take other prophylactics like insect repellent sprays, mosquito coils, light long sleeve tops and bottoms to further prevent bites (especially during late afternoons, evenings and mornings).