Mozambique: Quirimbas - Vamizi *****
Stay Longer Special: valid 15 Jan – 14 Mar & 15 Apr – 14 Jul & 15 Sep – 14 Dec 2010: Stay at Vamizi for 6 nights or more and receive 1 free night. Stay at Vamizi for 12 nights or more and receive 2 free nights.
Free nights ‘Winter Blues’: valid 15 Jan – 14 Mar 2010
Pay for 4 nights and stay for 6.
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 birdlife. 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 (Hawksbill 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.
Accommodation
Vamizi Island has 13 spacious, ocean-facing beach villas (165 square metres in size and spaced 70 metres apart). Each of the palm-thatched villas, with king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms, looks out over its own stretch of beach. A private sitting room, with cane sofas and colonial-style planters chairs, leads from the bedroom. On the outside deck and on the beach, there are sun chairs and Swahili daybeds, perfect for an afternoon of lazy beach bliss.
Two of the villas are Double Villas , with two sea facing spacious bedrooms per villa divided by a large common area.
Three of the villas are Family Villas, each accommodating a twin or double plus a triple, total five persons, two rooms. In each of the rooms there is a large paddle fan above the bed, and also one in the lounge. There is no air-conditioning.
A room safe, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, and a small selection of complimentary drinks are available in the rooms.
Ocean-front dining
The main dining room is open and expansive, with a sunset bar located close to the water’s edge. Fresh local ingredients spice up the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean flavours, with fresh fish, prawns in season, calamari, lobster, crab and crayfish cooked to perfection.
Diving & snorkelling
A marine survey has identified 350 species of fish and a great diversity of unbleached coral reefs around Vamizi Island. 12 different dive sites have been identified, from shallow dives for beginners to vertical (wall) dives for the more experienced diver. There are 9 different snorkelling sites. All diving and snorkelling equipment is available at Vamizi Island.
Deep sea fishing
For keen blue-water fishermen, the vertical drop-off beyond the reef teams with predator fish including sailfish, marlin, tuna, giant trevelly and wahoo. For fly-fishermen, 12 different species of fish have been caught on fly to date (fly-fishing equipment is currently not available, please bring your own).
Walking & wildlife
A myriad of trails will take guests through the coastal forest, stopping off in deserted sandy coves for a quick swim to cool off. The island is home to a great variety of incredible birdlife: Samango monkeys and Giant Coconut crabs, plus the turtles who choose Vamizi’s protected beaches for their nesting grounds.
Sea kayaking, private dhows & secret coves
Guided or solo kayaking adventures are available through the mangroves and shallow reefs. Vamizi Island also has 1 shaded dhow which can take you close to some of the best snorkelling spots. There are also a number of secluded coves waiting to be discovered and explored.
Communications at Vamizi Island
There is internet access at the main lodge office, and cell phone coverage is available. We would ask that you use discretion using your cell phone in public areas in and around the lodge, so as not to disturb other guests.
What to bring
During the summer months, from October to April, the temperatures are 30 degrees plus. From May to September daytime temperatures are still hot, but a light sweater might be required in the evening. Lightweight cotton shirts/t-shirts - Swimwear and Kikoy (sarong) – Smart casual wear for evenings – Beach shoes/sandals – hat and sunglasses – strong sun block – long sleeved shirts for fly fisherman –binoculars for bird watchers.
Please note that there is a luggage limit of 15kgs for flights to/from Vamizi, and soft bags are preferred as they fit more easily into the storage compartment of the aircraft. If additional luggage allowance is required, an additional “seat” will need to be purchased. Please note that there is a daily laundry service at Vamizi.
Community & conservation
The island of Vamizi is an important and significant wildlife refuge, with 112 different bird species recorded, Samango monkeys, 4 species of turtle, and Giant Coconut crabs. But what really sets the island apart is its untouched underwater landscape, which features some of the world’s last remaining unbleached coral reefs in all their natural beauty. The Cabo Delgado Biodiversity Project was set up to help protect the area and runs in partnership with the Zoological Society of London and the island’s fishermen. The project will help to conserve the 33,000 hectares of savannah on the mainland as well as the marine and island habitats of Vamizi and the two neighbouring isles of Rongui and Macaloe.
There are approximately 1,000 people living in two villages on the eastern tip of the island. During the civil war – from 1976 to 1992 – they moved here to escape the fighting. Small local communities, especially in one of the poorest countries in the world, rarely have the resources to preserve the natural environment unless they are able to gain direct benefit. Vamizi Island is committed to the community conservation projects that will provide these benefits. Vamizi Island lodge was built by the villagers and all building materials were sourced from local sustainable sources. We are also building a local school and clinic and employ people from the nearby village. Fish is bought from the local boats, wherever possible, and sustainable fishing practices are encouraged. The local fishermen have been trained to monitor the green and hawksbill turtles, dugongs and humpback whales populations. As a result, the area is turning into a marine reserve. Today, turtle populations, including the endangered hawksbill, have been counted, tagged and protected and this is now the biggest turtle conservation operation in East Africa. US$20 per Vamizi Island bed night will be set aside for community and conservation efforts.
Climate conditions
Rainy season – January to March. However, as Vamizi is a low-lying, off-shore island it will not get the rain that hits the mainland. Winds – Predominantly SW, S & SE from April to November. From December to March the winds are predominantly NE & E and in December they can be strong. Water temperature max - January to March: 26 - 28 degrees C. Water temperature min - July to September: 21 - 25 degrees C. Warmest months - October to April (monthly average 27 - 30 degrees C). Coldest months - June to August (monthly average 21- 25 degrees C).
Health - Malaria
Vamizi Island is malaria free but it is recommended that anti-malarial prophylactics be taken for travel in Mozambique and surrounding areas. All guests are advised to check with their own doctor or travel clinic for advice before.
Prices at Vamizi include
Accommodation in ocean facing beach villas, all meals, soft drinks, local beer, house wine, basic spirits, cocktails and bottled water. Daily laundry service, guided activities (shore based snorkelling, shore based fishing, sea kayaking and birding), walking trails, beach picnics, dhow sailing, windsurfing, and Hobie Cat sailing.
Not included
Champagnes, premium wines and imported premium spirits, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance, use of boat for snorkelling deep sea & fly fishing and scuba diving courses.
Shared charter information
All arrival and departure times are local. Actual flying time from Pemba to Vamizi is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Pemba to Vamizi*
Wednesday 14:00/16:00 (via Ibo Island)
Friday 14:00/16:00 (via Ibo Island)
Sunday 14:00/16:00 (via Ibo Island)
*Vamizi to Pemba
Wednesday 11:15/11:15 (via Ibo Island)
Friday 11:15/11:15 (via Ibo Island)
Sunday 11:15/11:15 (via Ibo Island)
- *Vamizi Island local time is GMT +3 and Pemba is one hour behind (GMT +2).
- Private charters (at an extra cost) can be arranged for any other day of the week.
- Regular flight connections from Dar es Salaam to Vamizi, connecting with British Airways flights out of London Heathrow Mon, Thu and Saturday and leaving Dar es Salaam Tue, Fri and Sun.
Please note
- There is a luggage restriction of 15kg per person and soft luggage is compulsory. Any luggage above this limit might be left behind by the pilot. Transfer costs by alternative means will be borne by the client.
- To secure a booking a 30% deposit is required within 2 weeks of confirmation.
- Cancellation policy: Confirmed booking cancelled 60+ days prior to arrival, the full deposit is forfeited!! 30 to 60 days prior to arrival – 50% of full cost is payable. Less than 30 days prior to arrival – 100% of full cost is payable.
- If the arrival/departure times are delayed due to adverse weather conditions, or if there are delays to incoming international flight arrivals, Vamizi cannot be held responsible for missed onward connections.
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.
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.
Prices include
International flights (departure from Johannesburg) with either LAM or 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, 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 2010)
±USD7346 with LAMSpecials
- Stay Longer Special: valid15 Jan – 14 Mar & 15 Apr – 14 Jul & 15 Sep – 14 Dec 2010
Stay at Vamizi for 6 nights or more and receive 1 free night. Stay at Vamizi for 12 nights or more and receive 2 free nights. - Free nights ‘Winter Blues’: valid 15 Jan – 14 Mar 2010
Pay for 4 nights and stay for 6. - Best wedding present (valid 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2010)
25% discount for the bride on the accommodation. - Specials cannot be combined.
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