Mozambique: Quirimbas: Ibo Island Lodge ****

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Mozambique: Quirimbas: Ibo Island Lodge ****

Virtually unknown to the outside world and undisturbed for centuries there is a place where time has stood still. This is Ibo Island, or as the locals call it, Ilha do Ibo. Nestled in the awesome Quirimbas Archipelago of northern Mozambique, and nominated for World Heritage status, Ibo is an island that is beautiful, remote and untouched by commercial developments and one of the most intriguing, idyllic and romantic islands you could dream of visiting. For the last 500 years Ibo Island was a prosperous trading post along the stunning coast of East Africa. Three forts, a beautiful old catholic church and numerous ancient trading buildings stand guard over the sea. Pirates, ivory, intrigue and the never to be forgotten slave trade are a part of this tiny palm-fringed coral island's history. Boundless secrets, history and culture are still contained amongst the marvellous ruins, which date back to the early 1500s. Ibo Island boasts much more than just historical importance. Easily one of the most unspoilt destinations on the planet, Ibo also falls within the newly created Quirimbas National Park. Beyond the warm turquoise waters inhabited by turtles and tropical fish, the ocean around Ibo is also home to dolphins, whales and the shy and mysterious dugong.

Ibo Island Lodge is situated on the Indian Ocean paradise of Ibo Island, just north of the mainland city of Pemba in pristine northern Mozambique. Ibo is just one of a string of 27 tropical islands that make up the breathtakingly beautiful Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique.

Encounter vast stretches of idyllic beaches and explore some of the world's richest coral reefs. Discover a coastline fringed by tropical islands on an ancient Arab Dhow - still built to the same design as the vessels which a thousand years ago sailed from India. Snack on cashew nuts and tropical fruit and dine on the freshest of seafood of every description.

Ibo Island Lodge
Guests partake in a multitude of experiences: dive, sail, swim or fish. Become immersed in the unchanged, ancient culture of Ibo and the rare chance to interact with wonderfully hospitable islanders, or simply relax, refresh the senses and soak up the romantic atmosphere. Ibo Island offers all the ingredients of paradise, and a journey to an era quite forgotten.

Ibo Island lodge encompasses three magnificent mansions each over a century old with walls a metre thick and high lofty ceilings. Located right on the prime waterfront site, where romantic dhows sail out to sea on each high tide, the lodge offers a classic island experience, and with just twelve luxury rooms assures guests of exceptional service and flexibility.

The large, en-suite, air conditioned luxurious rooms are individually designed, and boast antiques and hand crafted furniture, with magnificent carved wooden doors and shutters that evoke the building's original design. The wide verandas are adorned with mahogany and teak day beds, carved by some of the islands most skilled artists and decorated with the softest of cushions covered in vibrant local fabrics. Ibo Island Lodge is stylish, elegant and unique.

Meals feature freshly grown organic vegetables, herbs and fruits and combine traditional specialities with seafood: giant tiger prawns, game fish and Ibo's speciality: crab with fragrant soft, fluffy coconut rice. Romantic dinners are served on the tranquil verandas or on the rooftop terraces all with awesome views over the sea. The lodge will cater for all dietary requirements and requests.

Please note:

Ibo Island Lodge does not accept Credit Cards.
Children under the age of 12 are accommodated by prior arrangement only. There are some rooms that are suitable for children to be accommodated on a sharing basis, but this is based on availability. Children sharing with parents (maximum 2 children) shall be charged 50% of the adult sharing rate - subject to availability of a suitable room.

Activities:

Beach: Close to the island is one of Ibo's best kept secrets - the most beautiful and pristine beach in the Quirimbas Archipelago! A 15 minute motorised boat trip takes you to the most perfect powder white beach surrounded by sea and totally luxurious in seclusion. Here you are free to enjoy the dazzling aquamarine clear waters perfect for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing. Transfers to this beach are included each day for guests, with dolphins and turtles regularly spotted en-route. Guests will be ferried to the beach daily. All guides will have access to 2 way radios and guests can either be accompanied, or picked up as and when required.
Ibo Island: The island is possessed of a magical, mysterious spirit that makes it utterly unlike anywhere else on Earth - The Globe and Mail, 2004 : The Ibo Island guided historical experience a remarkable, often emotional journey recounting the history of Ibo. Guided historical and cultural activities enable guests to immerse themselves in the unchanged, ancient culture of Ibo and the rare chance to interact with the wonderfully hospitable islanders.
Unique guided mangrove excursion: Fully guided, guests will be taken into Ibo's lush, fertile mangrove channels to understand more about this precious ecosystem and the outstanding bird and marine life it supports.
Sea kayaking in calm flat waters: A chance to navigate winding channels with breathtaking scenery or island hop safely under the expert leadership of your guide. With an abundance of bird life Ibo is also an ornithological paradise.
Humpback whales: Humpback whales protect their calves in the calm waters surrounding Ibo. Excellent sightings are possible in season from August to early November before they migrate.
Ibo massage treatments: Ibo inspires complete tranquillity and no stay at Ibo Island Lodge could be quite complete without experiencing our soothing Ibo-inspired massage treatments. Let the healing qualities of Ibo lull you to total rest. Relax and de-stress. On Ibo you can be as active or relaxed as you wish: unwind at the pool, on the rooftop terrace, in a hammock or take a gentle stroll around the island and immerse yourself in the idyllic scenes of Ibo.
Traditional sailing dhow safaris and cruises: Take a sunset cruise or day trip on a magnificent teak sailing dhow.
Scuba diving and fishing: The marine area of the Quirimbas National park includes 11 islands and is one of the richest, most biologically diverse marine environments on earth. An underwater playground with illuminating and phenomenal drop-offs, walls and coral caves, you can expect to see all coral species typical of the Indian Ocean region. Game fish are the feature, with sightings of yellow fin tuna, dogtooth tuna, marlin, manta rays, eight species of shark (to date), huge schools of feeding barracuda, kingfish of many species, red snappers, green and hawksbill turtles, not to mention the hump backed whales in season.
Fishing: The waters surrounding Ibo boast legendary fishing with dogtooth tuna, numerous species of kingfish, marlin, sailfish, mackerel and the famous bonefish, while St. Lazarus Banks ranks amongst the best fishing destinations in the world.
Cultural and community interactive experiences: Several community projects are operated by Ibo Island Lodge. Our central aim is to achieve long term, sustainable means of generating income and benefits to the local communities, and to implement and manage programs that provide training, mentorship and education. These projects work in conjunction with various organisations to ensure that the region's sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity are protected.
Projects identified and funded are:
Tourism training project:
To provide an ongoing program dedicated to tourism and environmental education and training with employment opportunities at the lodge.
The marine turtle's research and conservation: In conjunction with the Sindisa Foundation this project aims to support international research efforts into turtle biology and ecology and to protect marine turtles, and turtle eggs, from illegal and inadvertent harvesting on Ibo. We aim to create a sustainable economic alternative to turtle harvesting for coastal and island communities through tourism.
The market garden agriculture project: Ancient Arab coffee plantations still exist on Ibo Island and our hand-ground, open fire roasted coffee is world-class. The agricultural project will focus on this product as well as a market garden producing fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits.
The silversmiths' jewellers program: Traditional silversmiths handcraft exquisite intricate jewellery using ancient Arab techniques and tools. This jewellery is found nowhere else in the world and guests can observe the art and commission pieces from the lodges' resident silversmiths' project.

ITINERARY Ibo Island & Matemo Island Resort - 7 nights

DAY 1: Flight from Johannesburg International airport to Pemba (via Maputo) with Mozambique airlines (LAM) or with Airlink. On arrival Ibo Island lodge representative will meet you. Check in for your charter flight Ibo Island and transfer to Ibo Island Lodge where you will be staying on a full board basis.
DAY 2: Activities on Ibo island. Overnight stay at Ibo Island Lodge (full board)
DAY 3: Transfer by boat to Matemo Island where you will be staying at Matemo Island Resort for 5 nights on a full board basis.
DAY 8: Charter flight to Pemba and check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.

This includes:

International flights (departure from Johannesburg), accommodation and meals as indicated and all return transfers. Ibo Island: hotel accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner OR early morning continental, full brunch, high tea, late dinner - subject to the days activities, teas and coffees, water in the room and mineral water on activities, 1 guided island historical tour, non-motorised water sports, one transfer daily to private beach (return). Matemo Island Reserve: hotel accommodation on a full board basis, with bottled water in room, tea/coffee, non-motorised water sport activities and Marine Reserve fee.

Not included:

Drinks, visa fee, airport taxes, tips, personal expenses and travel insurance. Big game fishing & PADI diving courses.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):

with LAM (Mozambique airlines) USD 3780; EUR 2571; ZAR 26 603

ITINERARY Ibo Island & Quilalea - 7 nights

DAY 1: Flight from Johannesburg International airport to Pemba (via Maputo) with Mozambique airlines (LAM) or with Airlink. On arrival Ibo Island lodge representative will meet you. Check in for your charter flight Ibo Island and transfer to Ibo Island Lodge where you will be staying on a full board basis.
DAY 2: Activities on Ibo island. Overnight stay at Ibo Island Lodge (full board)
DAY 3: Transfer by boat to Quilalea Island where you will be staying at Quilalea for 5 nights on a full board basis.
DAY 8: Charter flight to Pemba and check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.

This includes:

International flights (ex Johannesburg), accommodation and meals as indicated and all return transfers. Ibo Island: hotel accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner OR early morning continental, full brunch, high tea, late dinner - subject to the days activities, teas and coffees, water in the room and mineral water on activities, 1 guided island historical tour, non-motorised water sports, one transfer daily to private beach (return). Quilalea: accommodation in luxury villas with en-suite facilities, all meals, snacks, picnics, on board catering for activities, teas & coffees. Diving with use of dive boats. Dive, fly-fishing & surf casting equipment, snorkelling, use of non-motorised boats/canoes and dhow excursions within the sanctuary. Executive lounge facilities in Maputo with immigration, custom and check-in facilities. Marine sanctuary fees, laundry and medical evacuation insurance cover from Pemba airport.

Not included:

Drinks, visa fee, airport taxes, tips, personal expenses and travel insurance. Big game fishing & PADI diving courses.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):

with LAM (Mozambique airlines) USD 4602; EUR 3129; ZAR 25 990

ITINERARY Ibo Island & Londo Lodge - 7 nights

DAY 1: Flight from Johannesburg International airport to Pemba (via Maputo) with Mozambique airlines (LAM) or with Airlink. On arrival Ibo Island lodge representative will meet you. Check in for your charter flight Ibo Island and transfer to Ibo Island Lodge where you will be staying on a full board basis.
DAY 2: Activities on Ibo island. Overnight stay at Ibo Island Lodge (full board)
DAY 3: Transfer back to Pemba and transfer by boat to Londo Lodge where you will be staying at Londo Lodge for 5 nights on a full board basis.
DAY 8: Boat transfer back to Pemba airport and check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.