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Islands of the Quirimbas ArchipelagoQuirimbas Archipelago, Cabo Delgardo, Mozambique |
Mozambique Accommodation |
The Quirimbas Island Archipelago is recognised by Cognoscenti as the world's best diving and fishing destination. This exotic and beautiful location stretches from Pemba Bay to the city of Palma in the far north of Mozambique, and some of the islands in the south are included in the Quirimbas National Park. 
Plane charters are available from Pemba, or some of lodges on the islands provide boat access from Quissanga (you will need your own transpoprt to get to Quissanga). Many of the islands have little or no facilities so make sure you take water with you if you are at all unsure. Large Populated IslandsThe best known island in the Quirimbas Archipelago is Ibo Island. Other populated islands include Matemo, with a luxury island resort at the unpopulated end of the island. Ibo IslandIbo is an intriguing place to explore, with architecture heavily influenced by the Portuguese including a pentaganol fortress and a fascinating history coloured by the Arab slave trade. In the late 18th centuary Ibo was the most important town in Mozambique, today it has a quiet, relaxed and hassle free atmosphere. 
Accommodation wise there are a couple of budget places to stay on the island, with the Bela Vista currently undergoing renovation and due to open as a 4 star hotel in August 2006. Matemo Island
Matemo Island is populated at one end of the island, seperated from the luxury island resort at the other by large palm groves and lush vegetation. The quiet beach at the resort provides an idyllic setting for the perfect Quirimbas island holiday. Private IslandsQuirimba Island is now a privately owned coconut plantation. Other privately owned islands include Quilalea and Medjumbe Island, both of which have private island resort lodges. Quirimba IslandQuirimba Island was an important Muslim trade centre before the arrival of the Portuguese and later served as a missionary centre. Today Quirimba is a private island and forms a coconut plantation with palm trees as far as the eye can see. Quilálea Luxury Private IslandQuilálea Island has been leading the way for private island resorts in the Quirimbas archipelago since it opened a few years ago described by the London Evening Standard as "a jewel in Africa, upliftingly well done". Quilálea was nominated as one of 5 best islands and top 101 detinations in the world by Tattler Travel: "Where life is suite and the rooms are va-va-voom!" Unpopulated IslandsThere are a large number of other tiny islands including Sencar near Quilalea and Rolas near Matemo Island and offshore from Guludo. Some have "caretaker" families living on them. |
Specialist Mozambique HolidaysMozambique Useful Info |
