Quirimba Archipelago Islands Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the questions visitors often ask when travelling to the Quirimba Archipelago Islands.
= Very important advice / information

Are there flights from Johannesburg to Pemba?
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

Great, do I need a visa to fly to Pemba?
South African passport holders do not require a visa to travel to Mozambique for leisure, though overseas visitors can obtain visas at the airports for approximately R200 (US$ 29.00) per person (prices are subject to change - please contact the airport for more information regarding visa prices).

Can I hire a car or 4x4 in Pemba?
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: Safi rent-a-car ; Moti Rent A Car

Can I drive to Pemba and How long will it take?
Yes, thats 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 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.

1 way bus trips from Maputo to Pemba are available.
These journeys are around 3 - 4 days (again, this can depend) and are from about 3000 mts (R800) excluding Accommodation (rates are approximate and are subject to change).

Is it okay to drive at night?
We advise you not to drive at night.

Are there Banks or ATMS in Pemba?
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.

Are there credit card facilities in Pemba?
You will have to check with the lodge that you are staying at, if they have credit card facilities. Best to check first to avoid dissapointment.

Is there a shopping mall or can I buy groceries in Pemba?
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 absolutley almost anything, including radios, cell phones, beds, cloths, fruits & veg and much more!

Is Pemba a Malaria area? Do I need to take Malaria Tablets?
Yes, Mozambique as a whole is a Malaria risk Area / Country. We recommend you take precautions and visit your nearest Doctor (you now need a prescription for Malaria Tablets) to prescribe you with whats recommended. Be prepared and take other Prophylactics like Insect Repellent sprays, Mosquito Coils, light long sleeve tops and bottoms to further prevent bites.

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