Tropical islands in East Africa such as Zanzibar and Pemba Island belonging to Tanzania and the Island of Lamu off the coast of Kenya are well known. Meanwhile the islands in the Quirimbas and Bazaruto archipelagos of Mozambique and many other small islands yet to be "discovered" by tourism wait to share their secrets with you...

Quirimbas Archipelago: Northern Mozambique

For a luxurious island holiday there is no better location the the Quirimbas in northern Mozambique.

The islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago provide a tranquil and exotic location for a holiday, usually accessed by light aircraft from the city of Pemba (Northern Mozambique). Among others island resorts can be found on Matemo Island, Quilalea Island and Medjumbe Island.

The most well known island in the Quirimbas is the historic Ibo Island which can be visited as a day trip from some of the closet island resorts.


 

Mozambique Island (Ilha de Moçambique)

In the past Mozambique Island was used as a commercial settlement by Arab merchants, to trading along the coastline of East Africa making it the singularly most important town in Mozambique.

Today the island is easily accessible from the mainland by vehicle via a 2km concrete bridge and makes a good weekend excursion from Nampula or Nacala. Cruise ships from Durban also dock here on a regular basis.


 

Bazaruto Archipelago: Southern Mozambique

The Bazaruto Archipelago was the chosen destination for Prince Harry in December 2004 bringing Mozambique and its islands to the attantion of many.

The islands of Bazaruto lie offshore from Vilankulo (previously Vilanculos) in the Inhambane province, southern Mozambique, with the main islands forming the Bazaruto National Park.

Sailing Dhow in the Bazaruto ArchipelagoThe largest of the islands is Bazaruto Island to the north of Vilankulo, with the smaller Benguerra Island situated south of here but still north of Vilankulo. There are a number of other small islands in the park which have little or no facilities, these include Santa Carolina (offshore from Inhassoro) Pansy Island, Magaruque and Bangue.

More information and photos can be found by clicking on the following links:


 

Inhaca Island: Maputo Bay

Inhaca Island is situated on the fringe of the tropics just south of the Tropic of Capricorn so is not officially a "tropical island" but you would never believe this from the cocunut palms and exotic gardens which litter the island. It was chosen as a research station due to its sheltered tropical location home to a diverse range of animal and sea life, both in the ocean and on land. If you want to get out and see for yourself day trips to the biological research centre, ocean, snorkelling and diving trips can be arranged. Nearby Portuguese Island is part of a marine reserve and only a short hop away by boat for day trips. Inhaca Island is easily accessible from the capital city of Maputo by a 10 minute flight or at weekends by boat for day trips.