To Ibo from Pemba
Just a few years ago, getting to Ibo Island seemed an adventure for only few people. More recently the situation has considerably improved, so that Ibo is now opened to tourism.
Miti Miwiri produced a comprehensive PDF document, which you can view on the left. This is available for online viewing as well as for download (we recommend that you download the file for further later reading). We also put the information on this page. Just select the tab below which applies to you and see how you can come to visit us on the the charming Ibo Island and beautiful Quirimbas Archipelago.
By Public Transport
For those who choose to travel by local means; you may take in Pemba, every day at 4:30 in the morning, in front of the central store Mcel (Mozambican mobile phone company) near the hotel Cabo Delgado, public transport (truck or minivan) going to Quissanga / Tandanhangue. Once in Tandanhangue, you will need to take a dhow (local boat) to reach Ibo Island. In theory the boat waits for the truck from Pemba to arrive before pursuing to Ibo. The journey departing from Pemba to Ibo lasts six to twelve hours, depending on the number of stops and the road condition. Although very hard, it can be quite rewarding for those who would like to experience the local means of transport to better understand how the local population lives.
By Private Transfer
Miti Miwiri offers guests a transfer service on a 4x4 car from Pemba directly to the village of Tandanhangue, place of departure of all boats and local dhows to get to Ibo Island. The duration of the journey is approximately 2h30/3h via Metuge and about 4h30/5h via Bilibiza (This is normally only used during the rainy season).
Once in Tandanhangue, our boat will be waiting to take you to Ibo (about 45 minutes journey), where you will finally be able to relax and enjoy your holidays!
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By Plane
Flying to Ibo Island is without any doubts the easiest and seem-less way to travel to the Island. You will be able to observe and appreciate the beauty of the Quirimbas Archipelago seen from the sky. The turquoise water, the white sand beaches will look to you as if you were in dream. And if coming during the months of August or September, you might be able to see whales coming from the cold Antarctica waters. The flight lasts 20 minutes and combines ease with pleasing comfort. Although more expensive than other medium of transports it is undoubtedly worth the money you will paying for. Currently you can either contact directly the flying operators:
Coastal Aviation (www.coastal.co.tz)
CFA Air Charter (www.cfa.co.za)
However based on our experience we would recommend going through a travel agency such as Kaskazini, which possesses a thorough knowledge of the area and its constraints. The cost will be the same as going straight to the airline companies.
By Own Transport
If you travel with your own car, there are two routes that may be taken (See Maps at the top of the page):
Via METUGE (Going through the points A, B, C, D on map Via Metuge): This is the shortest route that we normally recommend during the dry season (Approximately 125km, 2h50/3h Journey). Leaving from Pemba, continue on the main road until you reach a Junction where a road sign indicates Metuge. There, turn right following the dirt road and continuing straight ahead towards Quissanga. You will pass through Metuge and Mahate (Point B on the Map).
Once in Quissanga (Point C on the Map) still at the top of the hill find a road sign indicating Tandanhangue (Point D on the Map) on the left. follow the road until you get to the bottom of the bay, it is about 10 minutes away.
Via BILIBIZA (Going through the points A, F, B, C, D, E on map via Bilibiza): This road is in better condition than Metuge's road but the route is much longer (about 250km, 4h30/5h travel). We recommend taking this route during the rainy season, because of the road conditions via Metuge. Leaving Pemba, continue on the main road, until you reach the “T” junction Silva Macua (Point F on the Map), which is about 80Km away from Pemba. There turn to the right in the direction of “Mocimboa da Praia” / Mueda. Continue until reaching the village named 29 de Outubro (Point B on the Map), where you will see a large sign with a red background and white letters written “ADPP”. There turn right on the dirt road towards Bilibiza. Once in Bilibiza continue on the same road, you will reach the village of Mahate (Point C on the Map) after 30Km. There you will find another “T” junction: Turn the to left in direction of Quissanga (Point D on the Map).
Once in Quissanga still at the top of the hill find a road sign indicating Tandanhangue (Point E on the Map) on the left. Follow the road until you get to the bottom of the bay.
