What dive gear do I need to bring?
We have all the hard SCUBA gear you will need for the trip. You are welcome to bring your own soft gear, 5mm or below wetsuit, dive computer and a torch if you would like to take part in any night dives (we advise you to bring spare batteries as you will not be able to get replacement batteries here). We do recommend bringing a rash vest, since you may find the water warm enough to dive without a full wetsuit, and it will also help to prevent sunburn when snorkelling, etc. It is essential that you bring your own SMB (surface marker buoy) preferably with a reel. Also make sure you bring any diving-related medication (for sinuses, ears, nausea etc).

What cylinders will I be using?
12l steel cylinder, that can adapt to yoke or DIN regulators.

Do you have medical oxygen?
Yes

Do you have nitrox?
No

What rental gear is available?
BCDs, regulators, fins, full 5mm back-zip wetsuits, masks.

What else do I need to pack?
Lightweight clothing for our high humidity climate, sunhats, sunglasses, reef-safe sun protection lotion (SPF 50), malaria medication, and insect repellent.

What can I do for seasickness?
If you are prone to motion sickness, or if you are not sure if you are, please take the precaution of getting anti-sickness medication from your chemist or doctor. If you are not accustomed to boats, this is advisable to ensure motion sickness does not spoil your experience. Furthermore, if you do require to take this medication, it should be administered at least 45 minutes prior to departure, to ensure it takes effect first.

What accommodation will I be staying in?
Our lodgings are exceptionally comfortable, en-suite, tented accommodation located within the natural clearings of our island’s small forest. There is electricity, running water, furniture, plush bedding, and a shower.

Is there WiFi?
Due to the remoteness of the island, there is no cellphone reception. Limited WiFi is available, but we urge guests to unplug and slow down during their time on the island.

How far in advance should I book?
As it is limited to eight divers per trip, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible, to avoid disappointment.

When is the best time to go?
Northern Mozambique has a warm climate year-round. We usually don’t offer trips during January and February, our cyclone season. Although it is rare that cyclones hit the island, we still experience torrential rain. The rest of the year offers beautiful weather.

Do I need travel and diving insurance?
Travel insurance is essential and diving insurance is optional, but highly recommended.

Can I travel solo?
Absolutely. We understand that many divers like to plan solo trips, and will take steps to ensure you have an easy journey and comfortable stay.

I am only open-water certified. Can I still go?
For Ilha do Fogo diving trips, we only accept Advance divers and above. However, we have ties to a highly recommended SCUBA school in Ponta do Ouro, where you can complete an Advanced Diver course, before travelling to the island.

Where is the nearest decompression chamber?
The nearest medically trained diving professional and decompression chamber is in Richard’s Bay. Safety is our highest priority on every dive, and you will always be diving with highly qualified divers who know the area.

Should I worry about malaria-carrying mosquitos?
Since we have no bodies of freshwater, mosquitoes are thankfully a rarity. However, we recommend you bring eco-friendly insect repellent, or we can supply some, should you require it.

Are their medical facilities?
We have an onsite medical practitioner for minor injuries and ailments. Major emergencies will require an airlift to the nearest hospital. We insist that all guests must have travel insurance, for this purpose.

Are their dangerous animals?
There are no dangerous animals on land that we have come across. We have never seen any snakes on the island and very few spiders. You will see golden orb-web spiders high in the trees, however, although these spiders look formidable, they avoid people, are non-aggressive, and are relatively harmless. If severely provoked, it might deliver a painful bite, but the venom is not lethal. Since we still know very little about the extent of the marine life around our island, we always err on the side of caution during dives and stay on the lookout. So far, we have come across lionfish, scorpionfish, sharks and the occasional jellyfish.

Do I require a visa?
There is visa-free entry into Mozambique for citizens of the following countries:

• Angola
• Botswana
• Eswatini
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Visa-free entry into Mozambique for citizens of the following new countries added to the nation’s visa waiver list officially came into effect on 1 May 2023, after the recent signing of a Ministerial decree approving the additions:

• Belgium
• Canada
• China
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Ghana
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Ivory Coast
• Japan
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

The exemption allows citizens of the included countries to enter the country for a period of 30 days, eligible for an extension of another 30 days. Citizens covered by the exemption are still required to register on the country’s eVisa site at least 48 hours prior to departure at a cost of MZN650 (US$10).

Citizens of all other countries, please visit the following page https://evisa.gov.mz/ to apply for your visa before travel (advised).

Alternatively, visas can be purchased on arrival at customs (Quelimane, Beira, Vilanculos, Pemba or Maputo)

Visas cost US$50 per person (please note that cash is preferred as card facilities are not always working)

Are children allowed on the island?
Children over the age of 12, with an advanced diver qualification, are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

How do I get to Ilha do Fogo?
Guests can fly to Maputo International Airport and then onto Quelimane or Beira, from where they will be transfered by road (362km) or by private aircraft. Groups of four or less will be collected from Quelimane with a vehicle and trailer, while larger groups will be transferred by air-conditioned minibus. Road transfers will take approximately 8 hours, depending on the condition of the dirt road.

By road: At present, there is one flight a day from Maputo, which lands either late afternoon or early evening, leaving too little daylight for a journey to Pebane. We will organise a layover, allowing visitors to acclimatise, and shop for luxuries that are not available in Pebane, or on Ilha do Fogo.

By air: we successfully restored the disused Pebane Airfield in 2023 and this is available for the transfer of our guests via a private aircraft. We also have an airstrip directly on Ilha do Fogo.

By boat: if arriving in Pebane by road or air, you will travel to Ilha do Fogo by boat. The journey is approximately 2-3 hours and departure will depend on sea conditions. Pebane Beach Lodge is available for layovers if the sea conditions are not favourable for the boat transfer.