From Wikitravel

Matemo Island is in Mozambique in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, and is one of the up to 30 islands of the Quirimbas archipelago. These islands stretch from Pemba in the south to the town of Palma in the north. They are one of the world’s best fishing and diving destinations, with phenomenal vertical drop-offs, some up to 400 meters. The southern islands, including Matemo, fall within the Quirimbas National Park.

Contents 1 Understand 2 Get in 3 Get around 4 See 5 Do 6 Buy 7 Eat 8 Drink 9 Sleep 10 Get out

Understand

The island is 100km north of Pemba, 6km from the mainland and approximately 2400 hectares in size. It has palm groves, palm vegetation and pristine beaches and well as a number of small indigenous villages. The islanders live mainly from fishing.

The island features the Matemo Island Resort, which opened late in 2004. The resort solved the problem of lack of fresh water by installing a desalination plant, which also provides fresh water to islanders.

The resort provides the only job opportunities on the island for the community, other than subsistence fishing. The community is said to be given first option for jobs and encouraged to learn new skills.

Get in

Matemo Island can be reached by plane from Pemba; see the article on that town for details on how to reach the area from further afield. Alternatively by boat, mainly from surrounding islands.

• By plane: 30 minute flight from Pemba. Fare included in the cost of accommodation at the resort.
• By speed boat, to or from either Ibo / Quilaléa / Guludo.

Get around

See

Do

• Treat yourself to an underwater wonderland with captivating diving and snorkelling where you can experience some of the world's richest coral reefs. Diving: US$ 40/50/60 pp for near / central / far reefs (min 3 pax). Scuba refresher for divers who have not dived in last six months: US$ 40 pp. PADI resort course (incl an open water dive): US$ 99 pp. Prices inclusive of scuba equipment.
• Take a walk through the local villages, stop for a friendly chat (if you can speak Portuguese), or take a village tour offered by the resort for US$29.50 pp.
• Take a fishing charter, at US$ 440/715 per trip (max 3 pax) for half day / full day.
• Dhow Sunset Cruise for US$27.50 pp.

Buy

Eat

• At the Matemo Island Resort's main restaurant, or at its Zanzi-bar.

Drink

• See under 'Eat'.

Sleep

The only accommodation is the upmarket Matemo Island Resort, offering 24 chalets, a restaurant, bar, a pool and kilometers of beaches. Each chalet within 10 meters of the beach and has a verandah with a hammock. The resort offers flights to and from Pemba, included in the price of accommodation. Prices for bed in a standard double room and breakfast, per person sharing, range from US$288 to US$346 (info: 2006). Contact details

Get out

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!