A paradise of biodiversity, between mangroves and coral reefs
Pemba Bay is the third largest bay in the world. The city of the same name was founded by the Portuguese in 1857, as Porto Amélia, and is the starting point for the Quirimbas Islands.
The Quirimbas Archipelago stretches 200 km along the northern coast of Mozambique and is made up of 20 coral atolls and 12 islands, many of which are uninhabited and completely untouched.
The uninhabited islands have been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, while the southernmost islands of the archipelago are part of Quirimbas National Park. The park also includes a portion of terrestrial reserve and was established in 2002 with WWF support to protect the coastal forests and their wildlife, as well as of course the rich marine ecosystem of the islands and the coral reefs.
The Quirimbas Islands are a true paradise for biodiversity. The vegetation ranges from mangrove channels to tropical forests, to palms towering over the beaches. The sand is pure white and meets water of incredible transparency: snorkeling or diving are must-do activities to admire the coral reefs and seabeds full of life.
Among the inhabited islands, Ibo is undoubtedly the most interesting. Arab and Portuguese influence characterizes its culture but also its appearance, thanks to colonial buildings and ancient fortifications that give it a decadent and surreal charm.