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MOZAMBIQUE
Geographically and historically Mozambique has a long and unsettled past that is plagued by civil war, floods and drought. However the rate at which this country has turned itself around is staggering and stands testimony to the resilience and determination of its people.
Mozambique is now enjoying a taste of the success that it deserves as much of its wildlife, including big game such as elephants and rhinos are making an impressive comeback; and with the wildlife comes tourism. Stunning in every dimension Mozambique is a rediscovered hot spot. Among the things to see are World Heritage sites, funky colonial architecture and colorful local culture not to mention some absolutely amazing beaches. The coastline and islands are breathtaking, classic white sand lapped by Aquamarine Ocean set the scene for the ultimate beach chill out. This beautiful coast and its numerous paradise islands are home to some of the most secret and romantic hideaways in Africa.
Mozambique is located in south-eastern Africa and shares borders with Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The climate is tropical to sub-tropical and the terrain varies from coastal lowlands through high plateaus to mountains.
Quirimbas Archipelago
For years the Quirimbas Archipelago just off the coast of Mozambique's northern-most province, the Cabo Delgado, has remained untouched by tourists. Too far off the beaten track to enable easy access, the archipelago has stayed unspoiled, visited by the lucky few.
The archipelago itself 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. Home to a mosaic of wildlife both onshore and surrounding its pristine coral reefs, the archipelago has been known as a conservational jewel throughout Africa; whales fill the deeper channels in season, turtles breed on isolated sand banks and African Fish eagles scan the mangrove swamps. The diversity of this marine sanctuary is exemplary.
Today Quirimbas offers tourists some of the most pioneering tourism investments throughout the continent. Children here speak no English, they simply have not had the chance to before; it is truly the last untouched place on the East African Coast and what's more, it is entirely beautiful. How Quirimbas has stayed this unspoiled for so long begs belief; there is no doubt in our view that now is the time to visit.
Unlike the Southern islands of Bazaruto, many of the islands are formed from harsh rugged coral with stretches of gold sandy beach scattered between. This untamed harshness is dramatic and fascinating, offering a sense of private seclusion away from the outside world. The Maluane Project is one of the most exciting tourism and environmental projects in the world today. Its flagship Vamizi has the best beaches, miles of immaculate sand, not dissimilar to North Island in the Seychelles.....very much the face of things to come.
It is no wonder that travelers have talked of Mozambique as a mystical and magical place; this region is simply mesmerizing and a real privilege to be able to visit and with an increasing number of visitors now really is the time to go!
How to get there
LAM fly from Jo'Burg to Pemba 3 times a week, on a Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The flights depart at 08:40 and arrive at 13:40.
From Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, LAM flies every day of the week apart from Friday and Sunday. Flights depart at 16:00 arriving 16:45.
There is also an indirect route that flies from Maputo to Pemba twice a week.
Quilalea
Resting in a marine sanctuary, mercifully free of mosquitoes, Quilalea lies off the shores of Pemba. Without doubt one of the finest lodges in Northern Mozambique the island is uninhabited apart from nine beautifully crafted villas (all made from local materials) Covering an area of 34 hectares and taking approximately 45 minutes to walk around this is one of the most romantic islands on the African coast; rugged and formed largely from rough, ragged coral Quilalea's charm is undeniable; something very special indeed.
Vamizi
Ecotourism is a word too often misused and exploited however the Maluane Project in Northern Mozambique sets new boundaries and guidelines for how this specific type of sustainable, low impact tourism should be run. Research and planning started in the area in 1998 and today the project aims at creating some of some of the worlds finest beach hideaways and safari retreats whilst observing strict environmental and conservational guidelines; without doubt, this is one of the most pioneering tourism projects around today.
Medjumbe
Located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Medjumbe is a wonderful small island covering an area of 100km by 500m. Medjumbe Island lodge itself that spreads its way down one side of the island Accommodates a maximum of 24 guests in 12 separate and intimate chalets.
MOZAMBIQUE - Itineraries
As a tailor making holiday company the very word package sends shivers down our spines. Below however, you will ironically find a number of tailor made 'packages' for you to have a look at.
These itineraries are without doubt fantastic holidays but they should be used in conjunction with this website as a basis to start designing your trip. The lodges on this site and on these itineraries are the best on offer but they are very different in their own individual way, in character and atmosphere. It is important to remember that some clients like lodges that others do not find so appealing.
Below you will find three itineraries. The first, 'Mozambique's beaches on bear foots' is purely an itinerary designed for a beach lover. The second, 'Two countries, two different experiences' is an itinerary that shows how easy it is to link up safari in Tanzania with the Quirimbas Archipelago. The final itinerary, 'Okavango and Azure Blue Seas' is an itinerary that pulls in Botswana and the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
If you have any questions regarding any of these itineraries please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our consultants.
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