Ibo Island, Quirimbas, Mozambique

Quirimbas Archipelago

The remote Quirimbas Archipelago lies off the coast of northern Mozambique, spread across the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

Renowned for their exceptional diving and unspoilt charm, these pocket-sized islands are fringed with white, coralline beaches that dissolve into clear seas.

The archipelago is accessible via Pemba, located on the coast, but it remains largely untouched. The southern islands became a national park in 2002. These protected waters are rich with coral species, whilst the islands themselves are surrounded by mangroves and seagrasses.

Snorkel, Ibo Island, Quirimbas, Mozambique
Mozambique

Why visit the Quirimbas Archipelago

Marine life fills the seas that surround these idyllic islands, with the isolated beaches providing nesting sites for various turtle species. Tropical fish dart through the warm waters, which also attract whales, dolphins and migratory birds.

It is not just wildlife and desert-island landscapes that make these islands remarkable. Once simply scattered with forgotten fishing settlements, the Quirimbas Archipelago flourished during medieval times. Trading posts dotted the islands, which were visited by both Portuguese and Arab traders.

Eventually, the islands – along with the rest of Mozambique – were colonised by the Portuguese, and colonial architecture still litters the region. In particular, Ibo Island is renowned for its crumbling colonial buildings.

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Entertainment, Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Benguerra Island, Mozambique

A little more about the Quirimbas Archipelago

It is not just wildlife and desert-island landscapes that make these islands remarkable. Once simply scattered with forgotten fishing settlements, the Quirimbas Archipelago flourished during medieval times. Trading posts dotted the islands, which were visited by both Portuguese and Arab traders.

Eventually, the islands – along with the rest of Mozambique – were colonised by the Portuguese, and colonial architecture still litters the region. In particular, Ibo Island is renowned for its crumbling colonial buildings.

Yacht charter, Ibo Island, Mozambique
Ibo Island, Mozambique

Why visit the Quirimbas Archipelago

  • Explore this beautiful group of islands that now form a marine national park
  • Dive and snorkel off colourful corals that are alive with tropical fish
  • Discover the forgotten colonial buildings that litter Ibo Island
  • Take a dhow safari between the islands, camping beneath palm trees on white sands
  • Charter a beautiful catamaran and dive the rich waters that surround St. Lazarus Bank

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Yacht charter, Ibo Island, Mozambique

Charter a Catamaran

Spend several days diving and fishing off St. Lazarus Bank on your private catamaran.

Fish by reef, Mozambique

Underwater Adventures

Dive and snorkel off colourful corals that are alive with tropical fish.

Ibo Island dhow safari, arimba dhow, mozambique

Dhow Safari

Take a dhow safari between the islands, camping beneath palm trees on white sands.

Fort, Ibo Island, Mozambique

Ibo Island

Discover the old colonial Portuguese town and fort on Ibo Island.

Suggested lodge

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Azura Quilalea Private Island £££££

  • Mozambique
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Exclusively located on a private island within the Quirimbas Archipelago, its nine seafront villas are open plan and spacious with natural furnishings and pure African elegance. There are three categories to choose from: four Kaskazi Villas with fantastic views across the turquoise sea to Quirimba Island beyond, four Kusi Villas with an extra outdoor bush shower, and hammocks for relaxing and Villa Quilalea, an exceptional villa on a clifftop with an alluring plunge pool and breath-taking views over the Indian Ocean.

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Ibo Island Lodge £££££

  • Mozambique
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Ibo Island Lodge is in the Quirimbas Archipelago of northern Mozambique, reached from Pemba via a scenic 30-minute flight over the Quirimbas National Park. This community-built lodge resembles the original ruins of the ancient Ibo mansions with metre-thick coral and lime walls, wide verandas, and oversized rooms. There are nine rooms with air-conditioning and large en suites featuring walk-in showers. Meals are served either indoors, on the rooftop terrace, or at the water’s edge with seafood being particularly good.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

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