Quirimbas Archipelago

Best are the winter months, between May and September, although the summer season brings only brief, intense showers. Diving and snorkelling are good year-round, as is game fishing. Humpback whale sightings are most common between August and October. Bird watching is best in November and December during the hot, rainy season.

OVERVIEW

Ibo, the best known of the Quirimbas islands, is a one-of-a-kind place that rivals Mozambique Island as one of the nation’s historical highlights. Its quiet streets are lined with dilapidated villas and crumbling, moss-covered buildings, and they echo with the footsteps of bygone centuries. Architecturally Ibo is relatively open, with wide streets rather than narrow medieval lanes, although its ambience is strangely insulated; the population of around 3000 is concentrated on the island’s northern tip. The best time to visit is during a clear, moonlit night, when the old colonial houses take on a haunting, almost surreal aspect. Ibo doesn’t have many beaches, but as compensation there are magical sunset views over the mudflats just north of the tiny port. With some time, you can also take day excursions to a nearby sandbank or to a lovely patch of beach on the other side of the island.

Activities

Water sports are popular on Ibo; diving heads the bill, closely followed by dolphin safaris and kayaking. The birdwatching is also good, while a historical tour of Ibo’s Stone Town is practically obligatory for anyone with an interest in the island’s past.

Flights & Getting there

Air – Charter flights from Pemba land at Ibo’s tiny airstrip about 15 minutes’ walk from the town.

OVERVIEW

Situated in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the coast of northern Mozambique. The island of Medjumbe lies about 130km north of Pemba, and about 40km north of Matemo. Medjumbe is stunning, small Private Island and its size gives you a feeling of exclusivity and it boasts pristine powdery beaches

Activities

Non-motorized activities cover sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. Other activities are scuba-diving, snorkelling, fishing and water-skiing.

Flights & Getting there

45 minute scenic helicopter transfer from Pemba Airport to Medjumbe Island treats guests to a spectacular bird’s view of the paradise that awaits them.

OVERVIEW

Surrounded by white sandy beaches and the deep blue ocean, Matemo Island is located in the beautiful Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique. Situated only a few metres away from the warm Indian Ocean it offers spectacular sunsets, unspoilt beaches as well as the incredible world of marine life that inhabits the Quirimbas National Park. At Matemo Island guests can discover the beauty of Mozambique from dawn ’til dusk combined with unsurpassed hospitality.

Activities

Watersports – Fishing, Diving, Snorkeling, Waterskiing, Hobie Cat, Sea Kayaks, Sunset Cruises, Cultural Island Tours (Ibo Island excursion), Island Dhow Tours, Volleyball and beach games,

Flights & Getting there

Fly into Pemba International Airport and transfer to Matemo via light aircraft (transfer duration +/- 20 min)

OVERVIEW

A slender coral island just off Mozambique’s remote northern coast, Vamizi Island is part of the Quirimbas Archipelago. Vamizi and the surrounding islands represent one of the world’s most important regions of bio-diversity and a sanctuary for some of the most significant and threatened wildlife habitats in the western Indian Ocean. Over 180 different species of coral and more than 300 species of reef fish have been recorded.

Activities

Activities include snorkelling, kayaking, nature walks, and sailing. Ample viewing opportunities of samango monkeys, coconut crabs, and various bird species. Diving opportunities are plenty.

Flights & Getting there

Fly into Pemba International Airport and transfer to Matemo via light aircraft (transfer duration +/- 20 min).

OVERVIEW

Until recently, tiny Quilaluia, just south of Quirimba Island, was inhabited only by seasonal fishing communities. Now it’s a protected marine sanctuary and home to Azura Quilálea Private Island, a low-key, high-quality small resort with nine sea-facing villas.

Activities

The surrounding waters offer prime diving and snorkelling immediately offshore

Flights & Getting there

Air – The recommended way to get to Quilaluia is by helicopter transfer from Pemba.

Which Island Is the largest?

Ibo is the largest Island forms part of the Quirimbas National Park and is linked by dhows to the mainland at Tandanhangue. The small town of Ibo ranks among Mozambique’s most ancient settlements.

Which Islands Are protected within the National Park?

The 11 southernmost islands and part of the mainland are protected under the Quirimbas Marine National Park.

How to get to the Quirimbas Archipelago?

Quirimbas Archipelago is most easily reached from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Approaching from the south is usually more expensive and time-consuming, and it can involves flying via Maputo and other towns. Currently Air Mozambique flies between Dar and Pemba daily. Other airlines are promising new routes the future, including a direct flight between Dar and the archipelago.

Who manages the conservation of the Quirimbas National Park?

The Mozambican Department of the Environment and the Mozambican Department of Fisheries, and to a great extent the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

What currency should we bring and are credit card facilities available?

In Mozambique, the Official Currency is the Metical. US Dollars notes are accepted. Local currency is preferable and must be purchased before you travel. Remember: traveler’s cheques cannot be changed in Pemba, there are no ATM’s at Pemba airport and ATM’s in Pemba town are often off line. Some places to stay accept credit cards but bring plenty of cash just in case.

Which island has the best house reef?

The house reef of Quilalea Island and Vamizi Island are the top contenders.