Escape to the Quirimbas Archipelago, a magical marine wilderness off the northeastern coast of Mozambique. Only recently making it onto the adventure-travel map, this remote chain of pristine tropical islands is just waiting to be explored.
The Quirimbas National Park, 30 nautical miles north of Pemba, protects 750 639 hectares of coastal forest and mangroves, rich coral reefs and abundant marine life, including sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins and 375 fish species, including threatened pipefish and seahorses. Habitats include mountains, forests, woodland, savannah, mangroves, beaches, coral reefs and sea-grass beds.
Dive into this underwater wilderness at remote and beautiful Ibo Island, where you can snorkel from isolated sandbanks, kayak through mangrove swamps, scuba dive both shallow sites and dramatic drops, and explore underwater landscapes teeming with rainbow-bright fish. On land, explore the fascinating heritage and culture of Ibo, once an important post on the ancient trade route between Europe and the East. Visit the silversmiths who still ply their trade in villages where centuries of colonisation by cultures ranging from Chinese, Indian and Arabic to Portuguese the have left their architectural and cultural imprint.
Move on to the exclusive paradise of Quilalea Island, a totally private island sanctuary in the heart of the Quirimbas Archipelago National Park. This nature-lover’s paradise offers an island idyll with a distinctly African flavour: statuesque ancient baobab trees add to the greenery of tropical palms on 85 acres of indigenous vegetation that hosts incredible birdlife. Quilalea an important nursery for olive ridley, green and hawksbill turtles, and its situation in the marine sanctuary guarantees spectacular snorkelling and diving.
