Ibo Island Lodge is a lovely unique property in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago. Set in the midst of the old town of Ibo, an ancient trading centre for the region, the lodge looks directly out over the bay and has the best location in town. The accommodation is of a high standard and for clients wanting to explore the town and history of the area then this is a great little lodge. However, we believe Ibo does not give clients access to the areas best beaches and for that reason we tend to recommend clients only stay here for a couple of days to explore the town, but then leave to relax at other lodges where beaches are substantially better.
Ibo Island - The Details
Ibo Island Lodge is located on the prime waterfront site, overlooking the sunset views and where dhows sail out to sea on each high tide. The lodge contains three magnificent mansions each over one hundred years old with walls over a meter thick and high ceilings.
Ibo Island is a potential World Heritage Site and therefore the rooms have been designed to incorporate the original architecture and style of the old buildings. The lodge has great views over the bay and into the National Park and accommodates guests in simple, yet elegant rooms with teak and mahogany furniture handcrafted by the people of Ibo.
All bedrooms are individually designed and unique featuring a king size 4 poster, or twin hand crafted bed made from local craftsman as part of the lodges community workshop. Wide verandas, with comfy hand furniture and soft cushions covered in local fabrics. All rooms are en-suite with twin basins and large marble showers (some also have baths and outside showers) and all rooms have air-conditioning powered at certain times and ceiling fans.
The lodge has two swimming pools in tropical gardens. An air-conditioned lounge is perfect for reading or having tea in the afternoons and there is a private dining room as well as the roof terrace restaurant with a stunning open-air lounge area for after dinner drinks.
Cuisine combines Mozambican influences with the freshest of seafood: giant tiger prawns, game fish and Ibo's specialty: fresh crab with fluffy coconut rice. Romantic private dinners are served in a number of locations, or on the rooftop terrace with awesome views over the sea.
Ibo’s secret is private sand spit beach just 30 minutes by boat from the lodge and included daily in the rate. 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.
