Mozambique Mobile Island Hopping Safari – Eight Days

Overview

Countries visited: Mozambique

This once-in-a-lifetime tour takes guests on a trip through Mozambique’s tropical islands.

Exploring the coast with tours through the villages and expeditions into the natural surrounds. You will have the chance to see exotic bird, plant and fish life as well as learn about the cultures of the people that live on and around these islands.

Guests have the opportunity to take-in the breathtaking sights on the return flight to Pemba international.

This adventure is perfect for solo travellers, groups of friends, couples, wildlife and photographic enthusiasts.

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: Arrive Pemba – road transfer to Mucojo, dhow transfer to Mogundula Island

You will be met off your flight at Pemba airport by Oscar Soares and shown to the transfer vehicle for the approximate 3-hour road transfer to Mucojo through parts of the Quirimbas National Park and arriving at the little coastal village where you will board a traditional dhow bound for Mogundula Island.
The ancient art of traditional dhow travel has been practiced in this region for centuries. Today for the local population of the region it still remains the only way of travel between the islands. In our opinion, Mogundula Island is one of the prettiest and uninhabited fantastic base from which to explore the area.

On Mogundula we usually set up our mobile eco camp under the shade of the islands beautiful Chestnut trees. Your guide and crew will offer you cold drinks and settle you in to your tents and no doubt you will be keen to hit the beach for a swim and explore.

Meals: Overnight camp and exploring on Mogundula Island and surrounds.
Day trip by dhow to the Pangane Peninsula or similar and/or Macaloe Island from camp.
Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.

Day 3: Start of Dhow Safari – Mogundula Island to Ulumbwa:

Depart Mogundula for your exploration into the Quirimbas Archipelago! 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. Your chance to camp in the open Mozambique bush south of Ulumbwa.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.

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.
We will stop on the southern tip of Matemo Island and explore this part of the island. Returning to our camp at Ulumbwa.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.

Days 5, 6 & 7: Ulumbwa region to Ibo Island

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 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 this fascinating island.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.

Day 8: Ibo Island to Pemba for flight out

An included beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you to Pemba International Airport from Ibo Island Lodge.
Breakfast. All extra’s and drinks to clients own expense.

Accommodation

Island Slumber: 

Mobile safari style dome tents with fitted ground sheet, insect screen, safari style stretcher bedds with 2 inch hight density foam mattresses, shower & beach towerls, linen and sleeping bag. Mobile eco camp bathrooms include bush showers and bush toilets.

A dining tent accommodates guests for meals which are either served sit down table cloth style or more relaxed around the fire with your toes in the sand. Yours to decide each day. All meals are prepared by the chef with an accent on fresh seafood.

Ibo Island Lodge

Imagine a remote Mozambican island lost in time and almost forgotten to the outside world for nearly a century. Picture grand, majestic architecture, some lovingly restored to their former glory while others have fallen into crumbling, marvellous ruins.

Be whisked to an idyllic white sandbank beach and dive some of Africa’s richest coral reefs. Snorkel, sea kayak, swim, fish, massage and relax. Take a Quirimbas mobile island hopping dhow safari. Snack on cashew nuts and tropical fruit and feast on seafood of every description.

Recline high on our mesmerizing roof top terrace overlooking the ocean and track the slow and steady dhows that drift across the blue horizon. Refresh your senses with a massage and indulge yourself with a frosty cocktail at one of the pools.

Ibo Island Lodge is award nominated and has been described as one of the most magical, atmospheric and unique lodges in Africa. The island is also one of the oldest and most romantic settlements in Africa and is nominated for World Heritage Status.