Ibo lies in the heart of the Quirimbas Archipelago, about 45 minutes by boat from the mainland. The nearest international airport is Pemba.
Travel conditions in Cabo Delgado province can change. Before you book flights, please check your government's current travel advice and contact us: we will tell you how guests are reaching Ibo at the moment.
1. Fly to Pemba
Pemba airport (POL) is served by domestic and regional flights, usually via Maputo, Johannesburg, Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. Schedules change often, so please check directly with the airlines (for example LAM and Airlink) or your travel agent.
2. From Pemba to Ibo
By light aircraft
The easiest way. The flight takes about 20 minutes and offers wonderful views of the archipelago's turquoise water and white beaches; between August and September you may even see whales. Ask us or a local travel agency who is operating flights at the time of your trip.
Our private transfer (4x4 and boat)
We can collect you in Pemba by 4x4 and drive you to the village of Tandanhangue, where all boats and dhows leave for Ibo. The drive takes about 2½ to 3 hours via Metuge, or 4½ to 5 hours via Bilibiza (the route used in the rainy season). Our boat then takes you to Ibo in about 45 minutes. The transfer is for up to 4 people; please ask us for the current price when you book.
By public transport
Every day at about 4:30 am, trucks and minibuses leave Pemba for Quissanga and Tandanhangue, from where a dhow crosses to Ibo. The journey can take six to twelve hours depending on stops and road conditions. Hard, but rewarding if you want to see how local people travel.
With your own car
Via Metuge (about 125 km, roughly 3 hours) is the shortest route and is recommended in the dry season: from Pemba, turn right at the Metuge sign, continue on the dirt road through Metuge and Mahate to Quissanga, then follow the sign to Tandanhangue on the left at the top of the hill (about 10 minutes down to the bay).
Via Bilibiza (about 250 km, 4½ to 5 hours) is longer but in better condition, and recommended in the rainy season: from Pemba drive to the Silva Macua junction (about 80 km), turn towards Mocímboa da Praia/Mueda, turn right at the village of 29 de Outubro (large red ADPP sign) towards Bilibiza, continue to Mahate, then left to Quissanga and Tandanhangue. You can leave your car in Tandanhangue; ask us where.
GPS: Ibo Island -13° 39' 44.6", 40° 35' 56.9" · Tandanhangue -13° 36' 21.0", 40° 31' 15.9"
Coming from further away
Travellers also reach Pemba overland from Nampula (about 400 km of tarred road), from Malawi via Mandimba or Milange, or from Tanzania across the Rovuma river. These routes are long and conditions vary; please write to us and we will share our latest advice.