Itinerary > Mozambique > Mozambique Beach Holidays
Mozambique: Quirimbas: Quilalea ****
Quilalea is one of the most bio diverse marine areas in the world. Diving with wild dolphins is just one of the spectacular activities available while fish eagles perch in tall mangroves, turtles nest on white beaches and humpback whales shelter their young in Quilalea's deep channel.
Fish abound. A wide variety of game fish species can be taken from the complex of habitats formed by the Quirimbas Archipelago itself.
Quilalea offers a full range of diving experiences. A reef just off the beach provides sheltered diving and snorkelling for the beginner. Lobsters abound and sightings of sea turtle are common. More experienced divers will want to explore the big walls of the Montepuez channel on the southern edge of the sanctuary. Caves and currents combine to create an underwater paradise, inhabited by reef and pelagic fish of every size and description.
Quilalea accommodates 18 guests in 9 "rock villas". Each villa is a comfortable 45 m2 in size with an antique stylized shower, vanity and fittings. Enormous windows let in the breeze and the view. Natural rock walls, makuti thatch, air-conditioning and colonial ceiling fans keep you cool by day. Furniture is crafted from indigenous teak and mahogany by local carpenters in the Creole Muani style. A king-size bed draped in a romantic net completes the African/Arabian luxury. A wooden safe box is provided, a mini-bar, hair dryer and bath robes. A corner settee is crafted in the Ibo style with a local marble coffee table. Each villa opens onto a private veranda with its own panoramic view. Traditional loungers and day beds are placed at each villa. Tea and coffee wake-up service, complimentary port and bottled water, butler trays, umbrella and picnic utility basket in wardrobe for use on the island, complimentary laundry service and a hammock on the veranda for extra relaxation!
The restaurant and lounge are no more than a two-minute's walk from the most distant villa. Set on a peninsula at the north end of the island, the restaurant offers beautiful ocean views to both the west and the east. Come and revel in the flavours and spices of Mozambican cuisine influenced by Portugal and Goa. The marine pavilion and bar with satellite TV overlook a plunge pool and faces west over the channel. The pavilion is a dive and sport fishing centre with a full range of Mares equipment and Shimano fishing tackle. Menus are based on fresh fish and seafood prepared in the traditional Mozambican style complemented with Portuguese wines. Alfresco lunches and dinners can be served on pristine beaches around the island.
DIVING & SNORKELLING
Introductory dives are available for beginners (there is a reef off the beach) plus a wide selection of PADI certifications for all levels of divers. Guided dives ranging from easy shallow reef dives for novices, and more challenging wall dives for those with greater experience. Sites are accessible both from shore and by boat. There is an abundance of marine life in the surrounding waters including turtles, dolphins, potato groupers, Moray eels and large pelagics to mention but a few. The corals are plentiful and healthy and are teeming with an astounding variety of colourful reef fishes and nudibranches. For non-divers wishing to view the underwater world, snorkelling equipment is supplied at no extra charge.
SAILING
Quilalea has a 38ft sailing yacht available for charter use by guests. "KIRAKU" can normally take 2 couples, but can take up to 6 passengers on island hopping trips or sunset cruises.
FISHING
Big game fishing is conducted from our 30ft Bertram's Express using Shimano, Daiwa and Penn International rods and reels and a wide range of lures. Expect to catch Bonito, Barracuda, Yellow-fin Tuna, Trevally, Wahoo, Dorado and other game fish. Bill fish such as Marlin and Sailfish are seasonal and are tagged and released whenever possible. Traditional hand line fishing with local fishermen outside the reserve can be arranged. Salt water fly fishing - strictly catch and release - can be organised for those wanting to give this art a try. Fishing at Quilalea is a year round activity and is rarely affected by weather conditions. Half day and Full Day charters are available.
WHALE WATCHING
Humpback whales pass through the islands on their annual migration and can be seen during the months of July to November. Spinner and Humpback Dolphins can be observed year round. Whale watching trips can be organized for guests.
CANOEING / KAYAKING
Two-person canoes and single person Kayaks are available at no extra charge to explore the coastal bays and beaches around Quilalea. They are a great way to discover the secret channels through the mangroves on the neighbouring island of Sencar.
EXCURSION TO IBO
The best known of the Quirimbas Archipelago is Ibo Island. This island's history has been richly coloured with Portuguese fortresses and by the Arab slave trade. Ibo is an intriguing place and had become the most important town in Mozambique by the late 18th century.
EXCURSION TO SENCAR
The uninhabited island of Sencar is just a stone's throw from the island of Quilalea. Guests can enjoy the islands walks and coastal trails or explore the mangrove channels by canoe. Visits to Sencar are at no additional cost.
EXCURSION TO QUIRIMBA
A short visit to this nearby island introduces you to the local island lifestyle and gives you a closer view of the age-old method of hut building and an insight to traditional village life. Quirimba was an important Muslim trade centre before the arrival of the Portuguese and later served as a missionary centre.
DHOW CRUISES
The traditional sailing dhow, locally built by hand in the time honoured method and comfortably furnished is the idyllic way to watch the sun setting over the sea, whilst sailing often yields a sporting King fish, a fishing must.
PICNICS
Guests can choose to have private picnics at one of our beaches or a romantic candlelit supper overlooking the sea. Picnics can also be organized on the neighbouring island of Sencar. This service is complimentary.
MASSAGES
Karma Salaama massage. Described as “the best massage bed in the world', the shelter is built into the natural rock and above the beach with high tide water lapping one to relaxation. The Mozambican massage is an essential ingredient of the Quilalea experience.
HEALTH FACILITIES
There is a privately run clinic/mini surgery in Pemba which has excellent facilities for emergencies, and a well stocked pharmacy.
ACTIVITIES & CHARTERS: subject to change
Big Game Fishing - Full Day USD 660.00 (or pro-rata per hour).
Excursions to Ibo, other islands or mainland USD 400
Ski Boats - Full Day USD 85.00 / hour
Dive Package per person (5 dives) USD 125
Yacht charter - Full day (6hrs.) USD 360.00 (or pro-rata per hour)
Single Dive per person USD 30
Important:
- Children: No children under 16 years unless the whole island is booked by a group. Exceptions during the following seasons: 15DEC-10JAN, 21MAR-14APR AND 10AUG-31AUG.
- Transfers from Pemba are done by air charters. By plane 4 passengers takes 20 minutes to Quilalea followed by a 10 minute road trip to the boat that will take you to Quilalea . By helicopter takes 4 passengers and takes 25 minutes to Quilalea helipad (there is a surcharge for the helicopter transfer)
- Only Visa and MasterCard are accepted on the island. Payment by credit card is subject to a 5% processing fee. NO Travellers' Cheques accepted.
- Maximum 15kg luggage allowance including hand luggage and please bring soft luggage because of the helicopter transfer to Quilalea . Excess luggage will be left behind and sent on the next available flight.
- Minimum stay is 3 nights throughout the year
- Minimum stay is 4 nights during peak season 15DEC-10JAN.
- No check outs on 25DEC and 01JAN (no air transfers)
Itinerary: 7 nights
- DAY 1: Flight from Johannesburg International airport to Pemba (via Maputo) with Mozambique airlines (LAM). On arrival at Pemba the Quilalea representative will meet you. Check in for your charter flight to Quilalea where you will be staying on a fully inclusive basis for 7 nights. (Excluding imported drinks and cocktails)
- DAY 8: Charter flight to Pemba and check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.
This includes
International flights (departure from Johannesburg), accommodation in luxury villas with en-suite facilities, all meals, snacks, picnics, on board catering for activities. House wines, locals beers, bottled water and soft drinks. Fly-fishing & surf casting equipment, snorkelling, use of non-motorised boats/canoes and dhow excursions within the sanctuary. Return charter flight from Pemba to Quilalea . 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 and alcoholic beverages not specified above, visa fee, airport taxes, tips, personal expenses and travel insurance. All motorised activities, yachting and diving.
Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):
- USD 4930; EUR 3397
Specials:
- Partner special : valid 01-29FEB & 01MAY-30JUN2008
50% Partner reduction on the accommodation rate. Special is applicable to all rates (Honeymoon packages and standard packages). - All Honeymooners receive:
The most private villa, complimentary full body massage for the couple, complimentary bottle of Bruto Marques De Marialva, fresh flowered romantic netting draped around a king size bed
Itinerary Quilalea for South African Residents only - 4 nights
- DAY 1: Flight from Johannesburg International airport to Pemba (via Maputo) with Mozambique airlines (LAM). On arrival at Pemba the Quilalea representative will meet you. Check in for your charter flight to Quilalea where you will be staying on a fully inclusive basis for 4 nights. (Excluding imported drinks and cocktails)
- DAY 5: Charter flight back to Pemba and fly back to Johannesburg.
This includes:
International flights (departure from Johannesburg), accommodation in luxury villas with en-suite facilities, all meals, snacks, picnics, on board catering for activities. House wines, locals beers, bottled water and soft drinks. Fly-fishing & surf casting equipment, snorkelling, use of non-motorised boats/canoes and dhow excursions within the sanctuary. Return charter flight from Pemba to Quilalea . 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 and alcoholic beverages not specified above, visa fee, airport taxes, tips, personal expenses and travel insurance. All motorised activities and yachting.
Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):
- ZAR 16 876
Special:
- Partner special on RSA rates: valid 01MAY-30JUN2008
25% Partner reduction on the accommodation rate. Special is applicable to all rates (Honeymoon packages and standard packages). - All Honeymooners receive:
The most private villa, complimentary full body massage for the couple, complimentary bottle of Bruto Marques De Marialva, fresh flowered romantic netting draped around a king size bed
Quilalea Honeymoon package: 7 nights:
- DAY 1: Flight from Johannesburg International airport to Pemba with Mozambique Airlines (LAM). On arrival at Pemba you will be met by the Quilalea representative. Check in for your charter flight to Quilalea where you will be staying on a fully inclusive basis for 7 nights. (Excluding imported drinks and cocktails)
- DAY 8: Charter flight back to Pemba and fly back to Johannesburg.
The Honeymoon package includes:
International flights (departure from Johannesburg), the most private villa, all meals and picnics, teas and coffees, complimentary air transfer to/from Quilalea from Pemba airport, complimentary full body massage for the couple, complimentary bottle of Bruto Marques De Marialva, complimentary Deja vu Chocolate box and fruit bowl, complimentary sunset cruise by dhow, fresh flowered romantic netting draped around a king size bed, romantic secluded candlelit dinners on the beach and picnics, diving with use of diving boat, dive, fly fishing and surf casting equipment, snorkelling, use of non motorised boats/canoes and dhow excursions within the sanctuary, laundry, executive lounge facilities in Maputo with immigration, customs and check-in assistance, marine sanctuary fees, medical evacuation insurance from Pemba airport. Diving.
Not included:
Drinks and alcoholic beverages not specified above, visa fee, airport taxes, tips, personal expenses and travel insurance. All motorised activities outside the sanctuary. Big game fishing & Padi diving courses.
Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):
- USD 4530; EUR 3121
Special:
- Partner special: valid 01MAY-30JUN 2008
50% partner reduction on the accommodation rate.
- Related News:
Mozambique: Quirimbas: Ibo Island Lodge **** - 17-04-08 21:12
International based travel agents, tour operators and residents click here for an accurate online quote.