PEMBA - EAST AFRICA – following the dhows south continued. We reached Pemba late that evening and with a little help from another boat that we are able to contact by VHF, we managed to find a good anchorage in front of a small marina called Clube Nautico. This is a new complex which forms part of the Pemba Beach hotel – a 5 star resort run by a wealthy Arab fellow. Actually we were to find out that he is expanding his resort empire and to add to his resorts at Pemba and Bazaruto Island , is constructing further lodges on Matemo and Medjumbi Islands which are further north of Ibo in the Quirimbas. Pemba town is relatively uninteresting and although our guide book sang its praises I could not find any resemblance to what they described. The town was dirty and run down and had little going for it. Our general experience was no doubt worsened by the discovery that our water tank and diesel tank where leaking significantly and that we needed to find an alternative solution to store diesel and water. The final solution was relatively easy to implement although the process to establish it took more time and was somewhat frustrated by limited resources and materials. The Pemba Beach hotel however did have an excellent buffet for a reasonable 18 dollars which appeased our frustrations in the evening. Pemba more than anything serves as a gateway to the Quirimbas and as such basks in the reflected glory of these beautiful islands. Excellent fishing and diving at the St. Lazarus banks – 65 miles away are bringing international visitors and charter guests too. |
