Latest Itineraries
Itinerary > Mozambique > Mozambique Beach Holidays
Mozambique: Quirimbas: Vamizi *****
Dhows with billowing white sails move like ghosts against the blue expanse of the Indian Ocean. This is the northern reach of Mozambique's 2 000 mile coast line, where you will find the Quirimbas Archipelago. Consisting of 32 tropical coral islands, it stretches 100 kilometres along the coast from Pemba to the Rovuma River, the natural border between Mozambique and Tanzania.
The island of Vamizi, with its clear waters, abundant marine life, and thick, untouched coral reefs, is a tourist paradise. Uncultivated, Vamizi's 12 km long, forested narrow island is covered with acacias, hibiscus and casuarinas trees and is rich in bird life. There are six different beaches on the island. The beach house is situated on an 8 km long beach. All beaches are gently shelving and are perfect for swimming at low and at high tide. Tropical vegetation is abundant on the island with over 40 species of trees recorded including 5 species of Mangroves; 132 species of birds including Western Reef Heron, Dark-backed Weaver, Madagascar Bee-eater, Green Malkoha and Mangrove Kingfisher. The island is home to an endemic species of dwarf python, Samango Monkeys and Coconut crabs. Two different species of turtles (Hawks bill and Green) nest on the island's beaches; 300 nest sites have been protected to date. On the western side of the island there is a traditional fishing village with 300 residents.
The Rooms
There are 10 luxurious en-suite beach houses stylishly appointed with private lounges and sun deck. Each beach house is 175m² and spaced approximately 70 metres apart, all facing their own stretch of beach to allow for maximum privacy. Numbers 3 and 9 are family beach houses comprising two en-suite bedrooms with a shared sitting area. The rooms are 25 metres apart and connected by an elevated deck. These beach houses are suitable for families, two couples or two singles. The rooms are spacious and open plan; there is a large paddle fan above the bed and one in the lounge. No air-conditioning! A room safe, hair dryer and a selection of drinks are available in the rooms.
Dining
Contemporary international cuisine, the chef will prepare a variety of dishes with the emphasis on fresh seafood including lobster, prawns, calamari, crab and assorted fish. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notification.
Electricity is supplied by generator 24/7. Dress code is informal, however guests are asked to dress appropriately for dinner. A satellite phone is available to the island manager for emergency use only. Vamizi is malaria-free but it is recommended that anti-malaria prophylactics be taken for travel in Mozambique and surrounding areas. All guests are required to have their own medical and evacuation insurance.
Excursions
- Diving - with pristine, unbleached corals there are a multitude of sites available do divers of different skill levels. Most dive sites are only 10-15 minutes from Vamizi by boat. The wall dive drops from 15 to 190 metres. Guest are asked to bring their diving log book and card. One 8 metre dive boat available as well as one smaller multi purpose boat. Fully equipped dive centre. Currently there are in excess of 10 dive sites.
- Scuba Dives from USD 40 per dive
- Deep sea / blue water fishing with experienced skipper in 33ft custom built boat. Maximum 6 guests per trip. Species at Vamizi are Blue Water: Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo & Sailfish.
- Fly Fishing and lighter tackle angling - Giant Travelli (Kingfish), Job Fish, Spanish Mackerel, Grouper, Blue Fin Travelli, Barracuda.
- All fishing equipment is supplied on the island and is included in the price.
- ½ day boat hire exclusive use deep sea fishing- USD 475
- Full day boat hire exclusive use deep sea fishing- USD 995
- ½ boat hire fly fishing exclusive- USD 150
- Guided snorkelling trips
- Shore based fishing
- Sea kayaking
- Dhow sailing
- Beach picnics and private dining
- Guided bird watching/walking trails
Important
Maximum 12kg luggage allowance including hand luggage and please bring soft luggage.
Honeymoon specials
- Sunset Dhow Cruise
- Full day on a private beach including a picnic lunch
- Private Sundowners with cheese and wine at Lighthouse beach, followed by a prawn braai under the stars
- Snorkelling trip (includes a 5 minute boat ride out to a magnificent coral reef, and snorkelling for 1 hour with a qualified instructor)
- Full day trip to Rongui Island including a picnic lunch
- Turtle conservation walk (usually depart at dawn, and walk for 3 hours along the beachfront looking for turtles laying their eggs, or hatching)
- Full body massage and spa treatment in the comfort of the guest's villa
- Private candle light dinner for two in the guest's villa
Itinerary Vamizi: 7 nights
- DAY 1: Depart from Johannesburg International Airport for your flight to Pemba (with either LAM or Airlink) in economy class. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way into the arrivals hall. The Vamizi representative will meet and assist you with your private charter flight to Vamizi (1 hour 10 minutes). On arrival check into Vamizi where you are confirmed for 7 nights on fully inclusive basis (excluding champagnes, cocktails, premium wines and spirits)
- DAY 8: Check out of Vamizi and fly back to Pemba with the private charter. On arrival check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.
This includes
International flights (ex Johannesburg) with either LAM in Y class or V class with Airlink, return flight from Pemba to Vamizi, accommodation in luxury villas, all meals, soft drinks, local beer, house wine and bottled water. Daily laundry service, guided activities (shore based snorkelling, shore based fishing, sea kayaking and birding), walking trails, beach picnics, dhow sailing, turtle & whale watching monitoring (seasonal).
Not included
Visa fee, airport taxes (USD2.50 border tax paid on arrival, USD8 domestic air tax paid at transfer, USD20 departure tax paid on departure), champagnes, cocktails, premium wines and spirits), tips, personal expenses and travel insurance. Use of boat for deep sea & fly fishing, scuba diving courses.
Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):
- USD 6645; EUR 4579; ZAR 43 198 with LAM
- USD 6525; EUR 4496; ZAR 43 948 with Airlink
International based travel agents, tour operators and residents click here for an accurate online quote.