Sample Trip

Mobile Island Dhow Safari Mozambique

“Experience Ibo Island in northern Mozambique and set out on a dhow sailing trip to explore pristine and untouched islands”
Budget level: Mid-Range
Country
Mozambique
When to Go
All Year
Duration
7 Nights
Safari Type
Lodge, Mobile Safari
Location
Quirimbas Archipelago

There are 32 islands to explore, fantastic swimming and snorkelling in one of the last remote parts of the African coastline. Sailing the Quirimbas Archipelago in the most northern part of Mozambique is an opportunity not to be missed!


Itinerary in Brief

3 Nights Ibo Island Lodge

4 Nights on Mobile Island Dhow Safari

After your arrival at Pemba International Airport, a charter flight will take you to Ibo Island Lodge where you will be staying for your first night. Ibo Island lodge has spectacular views over the waterfront and tidal bay 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. Depart the next day on a traditional wooden dhow boat to explore the Quirimbas Archipelago. Sail into the clearest of blue water with pristine corals below to explore, turquoise clear waters and beautiful scenery awaits you en route. The following four nights will be spent on two remote and pristine islands, a beach camp will be set up under the palms on the shores. Enjoy day trips to remote islands including snorkelling and sailing. Return to Ibo Island Lodge for your last two nights before flying back to Pemba International Airport.

A Quirimbas Archipelago dhow safari is one of Mozambique’s major highlights for adventurous couples, honeymooners or small groups of friends who are seeking to explore remote and extraordinary places in Southern Africa. Explore the islands with an experienced skipper and personal chef, picnicking on empty sandbars and sleeping in mobile beach camps under the stars.

Detailed Itinerary

Night 1: IBO ISLAND LODGE

An included light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you from Pemba International Airport 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. 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. Wander around the mysterious ruins amongst forts and ancient trade buildings with many fascinating stories just waiting to be told.

Ibo Island lodge has spectacular views over the waterfront and tidal bay 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 a mix between guided activities and relaxation and a base from which to explore fascinating Ibo Island.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to guests own expense.

Night 2 to 3: IBO ISLAND TO MATEMO

Depart Ibo Island for your exploration north into the Quirimbas Archipelago! Sail into the clearest of blue water with pristine corals below to explore under snorkel. Turquoise clear waters and beautiful scenery awaits you en route.

DAY TRIP TO ULUMBWA ESTUARY: The beautiful Ulumbwa river mouth beckons and it is here where fascinating rural fishing villages dot the shore. Enjoy an early morning sail up the Ulumbwa estuary viewing a variety of birds & mangroves that thrive in this area. We return to our beautiful beach camp set up under the palms on the shores of Matemo Island with enough time to explore Matemo, take a walk or swim.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to guests own expense.

Night 4 to 5: MATEMO TO QUIRIMBA ISLAND

Depart Matemo Island for your exploration south into the Quirimbas Archipelago. Once you reach Quirimba Island you will explore the island that gave the Archipelago its name with its rural villages, culture and old church. Overnight camp and exploring on Quirimba Island and surroundings. Day trip by dhow to Quisiva Island or similar and/or Mefunvo Island from camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to guests own expense.

Night 6 to 7: QUIRIMBA ISLAND TO IBO ISLAND

Return to Ibo Island lodge, with its spectacular views over the waterfront and tidal bay 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 a mix between guided activities and relaxation and a base from which to explore fascinating Ibo Island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to guests own expense.

Day of Departure: IBO ISLAND TO PEMBA

An included beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you to Pemba International Airport from Ibo Island Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast. All extra’s and drinks to guests own expense.

When To Go

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The Accommodation

Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!

Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!