The Quirimbas Archipelago is one of the most unspoilt destinations left on the planet. Start your adventure by exploring ancient Ibo island from the comfort of beautiful Ibo Island Lodge; history, culture, birding, mangrove forests, sumptuous seafood, intrigue and tranquillity. Explore a coastline fringed by tropical islands on an ancient Arab dhow with friendly guides. Discover idyllic island beaches with pristine turquoise waters. Snorkel some of Mozambique's richest coral reefs and maybe catch sight of turtles, dolphins, and amazing species of fish. Snack on cashew nuts, tropical fruit and fresh seafood cooked over an open fire under the stars. Dazzling bird life abounds with storks, egrets and herons roosting in thick mangrove branches. Mobile beach camps set up on pristine islands offer wonderful swimming, peace and exploration.
Quirimbas Archipelago offers an incredible experience for adventurers, seeking an unequalled island and cultural experience in one of the last undeveloped places in Africa. This is adventure travel at its best!
- Meet and greet in Pemba and light aircraft transfer over the Quirimbas Archipelago to Ibo Island
- 2 nights at Ibo Island Lodge on full board basis (excluding drinks)
- Guided tour of Ibo Island
- 6 days pristine island hopping kayaking - exploring and overnight island or beach camps
- Experienced English and Portuguese speaking crew
- NON participation mobile camp. (crew assembles the camp and handles all camp duties allowing you to relax and enjoy)
- All camping and catering equipment included for island camps
You will be met at Pemba airport. An included beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you to Ibo Island Lodge.
Probably the most compelling attraction in the Quirimbas, Ibo's 200-year-old ghost town and 16th Century forts make for a fascinating journey to an era long forgotten. Today you can wander around the mysterious ruins amongst forts and ancient trade buildings with many fascinating stories just waiting to be retold.
The lodge has spectacular views over the waterfront and accommodates guests in beautifully simple yet elegant rooms. Historic colonial mansions with high ceilings have been stylishly renovated to accommodate the lodge with various verandas, tropical gardens and a spectacular roof top restaurant that provides the ideal venue to watch the sun go down. The emphasis at Ibo Island Lodge is on complete relaxation and a base from which to explore the Quirimbas Archipelago. More about Ibo Island Lodge...
Included Meals: Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.
The Ibo Island guided Experience (included) provides a chance to interact with the amazingly friendly local people and observe their unique island culture and a way of life that hasn't changed for hundreds of years.
For those active souls your afternoon on Ibo can also be used to become acclimatized to the kayaking conditions. Alternatively you can chill at one of the pools with a refreshing cold Mozambique beer or watch the sun set from ring side seats at the roof top bar.
Included Meals: Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.
Day 3: Start of dhow safari: Ibo to Darumba
Today will have you climbing aboard your kayak with trusty crew, equipment and supplies and departing ancient Ibo Island for your exploration into the Quirimbas Archipelago. Turquoise clear waters and beautiful scenery awaits you - as well as a host of local fishermen to meet and interact with along the way. The Darumba river mouth beckons and here you to paddle up this wide river where rural fishing villages dot the shore.
Your first chance to camp in the open Mozambique bush south of Darumba.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All drinks to own expense.
Day 4: Southern tip of Matemo Island
Paddle into the clearest of blue water with pristine corals below to dive off and snorkel. We will stop on the southern tip of Matemo Island.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All drinks to own expense.
Day 5: Matemo Island to Rolas
We continue onwards to Rolas Island and its clear waters with excellent reefs to snorkel and a stunning white sandy peninsular to swim from. Local legend says the island is owned by the sacred, resident coconut crabs, the largest species of land crabs. If you dare, go with "old man coconut crab" into the Rolas Coral Rock Forest to see some of the infamous crabs for yourself.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All drinks including bottled water to clients own expense.
Days 6 and 7: Rolas to uninhabited Mogundula Island
In our opinion Mogundula Island is one of the best in the archipelago which is why we spend 2 nights here giving you a fantastic base from which to explore. Known by the locals as the island with the sacred lake it provides you with beautiful bird watching, pristine swimming off the sandbank beach and excellent snorkeling en-route. We will set up our camp under the shade of tree's and you have this magical uninhabited island to yourself!
Overnight camp and exploring on Mogundula Island and surrounds. Day trip to the Pangane Peninsula and/or Makaloe Island from your base camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All drinks including bottled water to clients own expense.
Day 8: Mocojo to Pemba for flight out
Early morning of day 8 we turn south again and hugging the coastline bound for Mocojo on the mainland where you will transferred by vehicle to Pemba for your flight out.
Meals: Breakfast, All drinks including bottled water to clients own expense.
Group size minimum 4 maximum 10
* Please also note whilst on dhow safari all camping will be bush or island camping with limited facilities. Washing water will be limited, and meals simple and nutritious based on the dry stocks able to be carried and the availability of fresh fish and seafood. The itinerary will need to be totally flexible and is weather and tide dependent. You are however assured of an adventure against a backdrop of varied and pristine scenery.
