Quirimbas Island Hopping Safari

Ibo Island Lodge
Not your typical beach resort, Ibo Island Lodge consists of three stunning mansions, all of which date back to the mid-19th century. Though the mansions have been extensively renovated, they retain many of their original features, with thick stone walls and lofty ceilings. In places the lodge has been expanded, but as the island is now being considered as a potential World Heritage Site, the additional structures have been designed in such a way so as to sit easily with the architectural style of the old buildings.

Ibo Island Lodge is a small but charming lodge. It offers stylishly-furnished rooms and excellent amenities, including two swimming pools, open-air lounge, indoor dining room and roof terrace with bar and restaurant. The central mansion at Ibo Island Lodge is known as Bela Vista, and it certainly lives up to the name - the view of the ocean, which is just a few steps away from the lodge, is indeed beautiful.

Evening at leisure at Ibo Island Lodge.

Your destination is Matemo Island, where clear, turquoise waters and beautiful scenery await you. But first, you’ll have the chance to explore more of the archipelago in the company of a talented skipper!

Expect to arrive on Matemo Island early afternoon, in time for lunch on the beach while your crew set up your mobile campsite in a private spot on the southern tip of the island. The rest of the day will be at leisure – enjoy a stroll along the sandbank at sunset, before returning to camp for a campfire dinner.

In the afternoon, there’ll be time to take a tour through the island’s largest fishing village, allowing you to get to know the ways of these fisher folk as interpreted by your knowledgeable guide.

Late afternoon, return to your campsite. Evening at leisure on the beach.

Quirimba Island is rich in history owing to its place on the old spice route. Its villages show a clear Arabic influence, while its now dilapidated churches recall the Portuguese and wider European presence in this region. You’ll have the chance to explore the island this afternoon with your guide, before setting up camp on its shores for another night on the beach. If you prefer to simply relax this afternoon, let your guide know and they can arrange for camp to be set up early.

Mogundula is surely amongst the most beautiful islands in the Quirimbas archipelago. Known locally as “the island with the sacred lake”, it provides marvellous opportunities for bird watching, snorkelling and swimming off the pristine sandbank beach.

You’ll have a day at leisure to enjoy the beach and coast off Mogundula Island, with picnic lunch. Late afternoon, or whenever you’re ready, return to your campsite on Quirimba Island for dinner and overnight.

The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the lodge facilities. Ibo Island Lodge has two pools, a spa and beach bar in which to relax. And of course the beach is only a few steps away from your room.

Evening at leisure.

Probably the most compelling historical 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 tour will provide a chance for you to interact with the local people and observe their unique island culture and heritage. Wander around the mysterious ruins of old Portuguese & Arabic forts and centuries-old trade buildings with many fascinating stories waiting to be told.

Late afternoon, return to Ibo Island Lodge. Evening at leisure.