Quirimbas ArchipelagoThe Quirimbas Archipelago is in our view Africa's finest beach destination. Logistically this area is somewhat of a nightmare to get to (unless you stay at Vamizi) but the rewards of the pilgrimage are simply outstanding; the area's remoteness has protected some beautiful islands. Whereas Bazaruto in the South is also world class, the Quirimbas islands are virtually uninhabited and home to only one lodge each. The result is exclusivity and a privacy that’s unheard of in Africa nowadays; the beaches and reefs are completely untouched. We cannot speak in terms of praise high enough!
The archipelago consists of a chain of 32 islands rising up from the depths of the Indian Ocean and stretching from the coastal town of Pemba almost 400km up to Mozambique’s northern border with Tanzania.
The diversity of this marine sanctuary is quite amazing. Whales abound in the deep diving channels, turtles breed on isolated sand banks and African Fish Eagles constantly scan the mangrove swamps. Unlike the Southern islands of Bazaruto, many of the islands are formed from harsh rugged coral with stretches of golden beach scattered between. This untamed harshness is dramatic and fascinating. The Maluane Project which oversees the region, is potentially one of the most exciting tourism and environmental projects in the world today. So far they have concentrated on their flagship, Vamizi with its miles of immaculate sand. But in the next 10 years they plan to develop the neighbouring islands and mainland coast. Quirimbas: Accommodation choices
There are only a few lodges on these islands, but there are a couple that are truly sublime. The most famous lodge is a stunning barefoot luxury of Vamizi which is certainly in the top two beach lodges in the whole of Africa. Ten rooms are located on an untouched pristine beach surrounded by some of the worlds best dive sites. Further South is an eco-friendly, simple, lodge called Guludo. At a third of the price of Vamizi, Guludo caters for a different market with emphasis being on the local community and the responsibility to eco-tourism. Diving here is great and although the beach is good we do not regard Guludo as a beach destination - it feels like a safari camp on the beach! Rani Resorts run two lodges, Matemo and Medjumbe, the former being superb for families and the latter being a great honeymoon destination. The last beach lodge to mention is Londo, a privately run lodge on the mainland coast. Londo offers great value for money and has a welcoming, homely feel. With only six rooms it is the smallest lodge in the area. Finally we have Ibo Island Lodge, a colonised fort around whose village the lodge is based. It is a cultural option and should be booked in conjunction with a beach lodge, not as a stand alone beach destination.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Quirimbas Archipelago
Set on a vast beach that competes with anywhere in the world, Vamizi consists of 13 extravagant rooms spread at one end of a 7km long beach. Rooms are huge with massive four poster beds, open lounge areas and huge bathrooms
Quirimbas Archipelago
The newest lodge to open in Mozambique. Guludo is actually on the mainland just south of Pemba and within the Quirimbas National Park. Set on a stunning and unspoilt stretch of the Indian Ocean the 9 spacious tented bandas give panoramic views through the netted walls, creating a feeling of being outside while inside.
Quirimbas Archipelago
It is a new lodge that in our view is still to really prove itself, However it is set in an idyllic and romantic location offering the perfect start.
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