Dhow Safari in the Quirimbas Archipelago
Our time here will be spent discovering the little known and little visited wilderness of the Quirimbas National Park, sailing the warm, blue waters of the Mozambique Channel on a dhow and camping on tropical islands before staying in an eco-lodge back on the mainland, surrounded by breathtaking coastal forest which shelters a huge diversity of bird life and primate species. Combining adventure with culture and history, this expedition offers something for everyone and will leave even the most experienced traveller in awe of this fantastic region.
We begin the expedition with a light aircraft flight to magical Ibo Island. Steeped in history and rich in culture, this World Heritage nominated site is the perfect place to acclimatise with a walk round the ancient town and opportunities to relax on the idyllic beaches or paddle through the mangroves in kayaks. We shall then set sail by dhow. This ancient tradition is the most practical means of travelling around the Quirimbas Archipelago and we will see beautiful scenery, grand towns and maybe even spot an extremely rare dugong. Camping on tropical islands and headlands, we get back to nature, enjoying spectacular views and amazing sunsets.
After enjoying the pace of life on the sea, we shall travel south to Guludo Beach Lodge in the Qurimbas National Park. Along the way we will pass through several villages in this sleepy, but colourful corner of Mozambique. We spend our last few nights soaking up the comfort of Guludo, a small, friendly eco-lodge, situated on a lovely beach. During our stay you will have the chance to pursue you own interests including guided bush walks, canoeing, scuba diving as well as people-based options around Guludo village
Mozambique is an extraordinary setting for this unique expedition and will leave us with an inspired view of this remarkable country, with its outstanding landscapes, fauna, flora and local communities.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
• Sailing in a traditional wooden dhow
• Exploring and camping on remote, tropical islands and headlands
• Snorkel over pristine reefs and sea grass beds
• Look out for humpback whales and the endangered dugong
• Bush walks, bird watching and elephent spotting in the Quirimbas National Park
• Travelling, working and staying with friendly, local people in a remote and relatively unspoilt corner of this warm-hearted country
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(MR-9874-P) |
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All meals whilst camping and hotel stays |
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All equipment and training |
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Guide Services / Tour leader |
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Transfers inc. Internal Flights |
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Park and Entrance fees |
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Most drinks (less those at the hotels) |
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Price Excludes |
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International Flights
Visa
Optional excursions
Personal expenses |
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Suitability / Level |
Moderate |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
(Click to Search All) |
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Max Group Size |
12 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Day 1 Arrive Pemba
This colourful town is the capital of the province of Cabo Delgado and we will meet our expedition leader and transfer from the airport to our accommodation.
We spend the afternoon at leisure to unwind, visit the beach, or go into town to explore on foot the atmospheric baixa (downtown area) of Pemba and the old, Muslim bairro (quarter) of Paquitequete, with its traditional boat yards and fish market. The people here are mostly Macua or Muani, and the women traditionally paint their faces with a striking, white, nciro paste to keep their skin looking young and healthy.
Overnight hotel with breakfast
Day 2 Light aircraft flight to Ibo Island
We leave Pemba after breakfast and fly by light aircraft to Ibo Island. This exhilarating flight will take thirty minutes before landing on the small, grass airstrip. We then transfer to the Ibo Island Lodge, our base for the next few days.
Ibo Island is the perfect place to acclimatise to the pace of life in northern Mozambique and to explore the Quirimbas Archipelago National Park. Ibo’s magic is overwhelming. Steeped in history, rich in culture and nominated as a potential World Heritage Site, the island dates back to the early 1600s, making it one of the most ancient settlements in Mozambique. Since its role as one of the country’s mighty trading centres, Ibo has remained all but forgotten to the outside world for almost a century. Today you can wander around the mysterious town amongst forts and ancient romantic buildings with many fascinating stories just waiting to be retold.
Ibo Island boasts much more than historical significance. This island is one of the most pristine destinations in Africa. The warm turquoise waters surrounding Ibo are inhabited by turtles and tropical fish; viewings of dolphins and whales are frequent whilst the bird life is abundant and varied. Here we will encounter idyllic beaches and explore rich coral reefs.
We can also take to the water to discover the Quirimbas National Park in sailing and motorised dhows or quietly paddle through the mangroves in kayaks.
The lodge has prime, spectacular views over the waterfront and we will stay in beautifully yet simple decorated 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.
Overnight at Ibo Island Lodge with all meals.
Day 3 Ibo Island Experience
On Ibo Island we will immerse ourselves in the unchanged, ancient culture of Ibo, interact with wonderfully gentle islanders and relax at one of the pools or refresh the senses with a massage soaking up the exotic atmosphere.
We will take a guided walk, aptly entitled the ‘Ibo Island Experience’, where we will observe the unique island culture, interact with the amazing local people and see the traditional silversmiths that still operate from the main fort.
Overnight at Ibo Island Lodge with all meals
Day 4 Ibo Island
Today we will meet the crew for our dhow safari and plan with them for the forthcoming voyage.
We will also have the opportunity to do some sea trials in the dhow prior to setting off up the coast, so we all feel confident with the craft, how she sails and all the safety procedures.
Tandem sea kayaking can also be arranged around Ibo Island. (All sea based activities on Ibo are weather and tide dependent.)
Overnight at Ibo Island Lodge with all meals.
Days 5 - 6 Dhow sailing - First Sea Leg
Ibo to Pangane
Supported by our trusty crew and traditional dhow, with all camping equipment and supplies stowed aboard, we will set off from Ibo for our exploration into the Quirimbas Archipelago.
The ancient art of traditional dhow travel has been practised in this region for centuries. The last recorded trading sailing dhow came to Ibo from India in 1969! Today it still remains only practical means of travelling from island to island.
Turquoise clear waters and beautiful scenery awaits us, as well as a host of local fishermen to meet and interact with along the way.
Dependent on weather and local conditions we will camp overnight on Matemo or Mogundula Island.
The following morning we will continue sailing to Pangane on the mainland, where there should be time to explore this breathtakingly beautiful peninsula.
Overnight camping with all meals
Days 7 - 11 Second and third sea legs - Pangane to Moçimboa de Praia then exploring the islands north of Moçimboa including: Vumba, Metondo and Rongui.
The islands are well spaced and allow for excellent dhow cruising, snorkelling, swimming and exploring. The entire archipelago is tide dependent and so the routing will have to be carefully worked out based on local knowledge and weather conditions.
Please note whilst on expedition all camping will be bush or island camping with no formal facilities. All fresh water will have to be carried with us, so this will be limited. (There will be adequate supplies for drinking and cooking). Meals will be simple and based on dry supplies brought with us, plus the availability of fish and seafood. The itinerary will need to be totally flexible and is obviously weather and tide dependent.
Moçimboa da Praia is the last major town before the Tanzanian border, over which it does much trade. Originally a slave-port, in colonial times it was obviously quite a place, with wide, tree-lined avenues, leafy parks, sport clubs and beach front, but now has a somewhat faded grandeur. Up the estuary, we will have one night at the simple, but comfortable chalets of Chez Natalie (French-owned).
The third sea leg is perhaps the ‘wildest’ stretch of coastline in Mozambique, and perhaps our best chance of spotting a dugong. However, due to hunting in the past, these creatures are now extremely rare – we shall have to keep a good lookout. Sightings of humpback whales are more common, but still not guaranteed, and dependent on sea conditions. They come up from the Southern Ocean to give birth and nurse their young in these relatively sheltered waters.
Overnight camping with all meals
Day 12 Road transfer to Guludo Beach Lodge, Quirimbas National Park
Finally leaving the sea and our dhow, we travel south again by 4x4. Along the ‘main’ road, we will pass through several villages in this sleepy, but colourful corner of Mozambique. Dramatic granite inselbergs rise up sharply to pepper the vibrant, red-earthed landscape, and the journey is further punctuated by sightings of the odd, but majestic baobab tree. This is a fairly long day by car, but it gives us a flavour of the ‘real Mozambique’, with ordinary people going about their business along the roadside.
We spend our last three nights in Mozambique, soaking up the relative comfort of Guludo, a small, friendly eco-lodge, situated on a lovely beach in the north of the new Quirimbas National Park.
Days13 & 14 Activities around Guludo
Staying at Guludo will gives us the chance to pursue our own interests....
Wildlife-focussed activities include: scuba diving on the reef (at extra cost), guided walks from an elephant view-point and picnic in the bush, bird watching, canoeing through the mangroves, or a sail to the nomadic fishing island of Rolas, one of the few places left which is home to the spectacular, tree-climbing coconut crab - the world’s largest land crab.
People-based options include a visit to Guludo village to see some of the benefits arising from the community development project, football on the beach against a local team, archery with traditional bows and arrows (taught by an ex-poacher), basket-weaving, traditional fishing with the local fishermen, or dancing at the local village disco.
For those that want something more relaxing, there’s trying out the local beauty treatment
(nciro paste face mask), or simply flopping with a good book in a hammock under a palm tree.
Eco-lodge accommodation with all meals.
Day 15 Road transfer to Pemba
Setting off after breakfast, we take a leisurely, scenic drive back to Pemba. This takes approximately 3 1/2 hours, arriving in good time if you are looking to catch the overnight flight back to London.
Note: While our intention is to adhere to the day to day route as printed, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary and night stops may vary from those suggested. The day to day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. We cannot accept responsibility for changing the proposed itinerary or any inaccuracies or errors. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions and difficulties with transportation, can lead to enforced changes. The expedition leader will make any changes where necessary. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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