The Quirimbas Archipelago is host to some of the most beautiful and pristine tropical islands in the world. One can choose to visit one of the many luxurious lodges, or for the more adventurous, you can hop on a dhow boat and camp on a few of the islands, then chill out at Ibo Island Lodge afterwards.
Quirimbas Island Hopping – 7 nights / 8 days
Day 1 & 2 – The Arrival & Mogundula Island:
You arrive at Johannesburg International Airport and catch a connecting flight to Pemba Airport, where you will be met and shown to your transfer vehicle for the approximate 3 hour road transfer to Mucojo. Upon arrival in Mucojo you will take a dhow transfer to Mogundula Island. Mogundula Island is one of the best islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago which is why you will 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 beautiful bird watching opportunities, pristine swimming off the sandbank beach and excellent snorkelling.
Day 3 – Mogundula Island to Ulumbwa:
Sail into the clearest of blue water with pristine corals below to explore under snorkel. The Ulumbwa river mouth beckons and it is here where fascinating rural fishing villages dot the shore.
Day 4 – Day trip to Matemo Island:
Turquoise clear waters and beautiful scenery awaits you en route, but before enjoy an early morning sail up the Ulumbwa estuary viewing a variety of birds & mangroves that thrive in this area. In the afternoon, take a tour through this fishing village getting to know the ways of these fisher folk as interpreted by your knowledgeable guide. You will visit the southern tip of Matemo Island and explore this part of the island and return to camp at Ulumbwa.
Day 5 to 7 – Ulumbwa region to Ibo Island:
The Ibo Island guided Experience (included) provides a chance to interact with the amazingly friendly local people and observe their unique island culture and heritage and a way of life that has not changed for hundreds of years. Historic colonial mansions with high ceilings have been stylishly renovated to accommodate Ibo Island 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 this fascinating island.
Day 8 – The Return Journey:
An included beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you to Pemba Airport from Ibo Island Lodge, where you will catch a connecting flight to Johannesburg International Airport. Our service ends here, and we hope that you had an amazing time exploring the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Quirimbas Island Hopping journey idea includes:
Flights:
Johannesburg International -> Pemba Airport -> Johannesburg International
Light aircraft flight from Ibo Island to Pemba Airport
Transfer:
Road transfer from Pemba Airport to Mucojo
Accommodation:
4 nights camping on the islands, full board (drinks not included)
3 nights at Ibo Island Lodge in a double room, full board (drinks not included)
More about accommodation here.
See Tripadvisor reviews.
Activities:
All snorkelling and kayaking included, as well as guided tours of Ibo Island
Park fees included
Good to Know
– Architecture on Ibo dates back to the 1500’s. Forts once serving as military bastions, and slave houses, outline the interior of Ibo Island. Ibo Island is a melting pot of influences from around the world, creating a culture completely unique.
– Citizens of the European Union don’t need a Visa for South Africa.
– You can get your Visa for Mozambique at Pemba Airport. (85 USD$ to be paid on arrival)
Tel: +258 820 216250