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Our Tour Experts
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Quirimbas Archipelago
Snorkel, swim, kayak, walk and explore the Quirimbas Archipelago.
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Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Dhow Safari through the Quirimbas Archipelago
Snorkel off deserted white sandbanks, swim in clear warm waters and sleep in mobile fly camps on the beaches of the Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique. This fantastic island-hopping dhow adventure takes you to the wildest parts of this unspoilt marine reserve.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Local Culture
Meet local communities and learn about Ibo Island’s fascinating history.
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Tropical Islands
Explore a pristine archipelago, cruising azure seas and snorkelling over coral reefs.
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Luxury Eco Camps
Sleep in pre-set camps on remote, uninhabited islands.
Why we like it
This trip is the perfect antidote to Mozambique’s more polished beach hotels. Whilst they definitely have their place, this dhow safari takes you to the heart of a pristine coastal ecosystem, forgoing luxury for a far more natural and immersive experience.
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Day 1
Pemba - Ibo Island
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Day 2
Ibo Island - Matemo Island
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Day 3
Matemo Island
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Day 4
Matemo Island - Mogundula Island
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Day 5
Mogundula Island
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Day 6
Mogundula Island - Ibo Island
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Day 7
Ibo Island
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Day 8
Ibo Island - Pemba
Day 1
Pemba - Ibo Island
Day 2
Ibo Island - Matemo Island
Tropical Islands
Explore a pristine archipelago, cruising azure seas and snorkelling over coral reefs.
Day 3
Matemo Island
Quirimbas Archipelago
Snorkel, swim, kayak, walk and explore the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Day 4
Matemo Island - Mogundula Island
Day 5
Mogundula Island
Luxury Eco Camps
Sleep in pre-set camps on remote, uninhabited islands.
Day 6
Mogundula Island - Ibo Island
Day 7
Ibo Island
Local Culture
Meet local communities and learn about Ibo Island’s fascinating history.
Day 8
Ibo Island - Pemba
More details
The 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 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 sea grasses.
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.
Explore by Dhow
Led by an expert guide, this trip is a rare opportunity to connect with your surroundings. Explore the coastline fringed by tropical islands on a sturdy, motorised 11-metre Arab dhow.
This traditional boat is perfect for cruising the shallow waters of the Quirimbas Archipelago. It acts a base for adventures throughout the trip, with nights spent on land, camping on remote islands.
Activities on Sea and Land
This dhow safari focuses on exploration, both on land and sea. Sea kayak or sail up wide coastal river mouths, teeming with endemic bird species and pristine mangrove forests. Stop at remote islands and step ashore to visit isolated villages or wander into forgotten colonial churches.
Of course, the riches of the Quirimbas also extend below the waves; have the chance to snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters, spotting colourful fish and sea turtles. The safari takes you past various coral reefs, where the marine life is particularly spectacular.
Camp on Desert Islands
A full support crew sets up camp as you explore, relax, fish and snorkel. For dinner, chefs conjure up fresh seafood and traditional cuisine over an open fire, with the night’s sky above filled with starts.
Your tent is pitched on a private campsite, on an uninhabited island. Inside, a camp bed and sleeping bag complete the minimalist setup. Fall asleep to the soothing sound of the calm waters lapping at the shoreline.
Ibo Island Lodge
This sea safari ends with a stay on the mystical and ancient Ibo Island, at the beautiful Ibo Island Lodge – a perfect end to a unique adventure.
Finish with a dose of comfort after the nights spent camping and also have the opportunity to explore the island. This island – once a Portuguese trading post – is littered with crumbling colonial buildings.
Accommodation
Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.
Ibo Island Lodge £££££
- Mozambique
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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.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $3,885 Per person
When to travel
Mozambique in January
January is the start of the rainy season in Mozambique. Cyclones do at times affect the coastlines which pass rather quickly. Temperatures can reach into the 30s and sea temperatures are in the mid-20s
Mozambique in February
Still falling within the rainy season, expect afternoon showers or the occasional cyclone.
Mozambique in March
March is the end of the rains and although the temperatures are still high the humidity is easing off.
Mozambique in April
Heading into April it becomes one of the better times to visit Mozambique. Day time temperatures are still high, with at times a wonderful sea breeze.
Mozambique in May
In May temperatures start to drop slightly but still a fabulous time to visit. The skies are clear and the waters are calm which will make it the perfect time to enjoy snorkelling and diving.
Mozambique in June
June brings warm sunny days. The waters along the coastline are much calmer and will be a great time for diving and snorkelling. The annual Humpback Whale migration starts in June along the coast with the whales making their way up from the waters of Antarctica up north along the Mozambique coastline. This time of year will be the perfect time to visit the national parks for Gorongosa and Niassa.
Mozambique in July
During July it is the mid-winter and the middle of the dry season. Days will be beautifully warm and mild with a cool ocean breeze in the evenings. Along with great weather for diving and snorkelling, it will be the perfect time to explore the lively capital, Maputo or the World Heritage Site of Ilha de Mozambique.
Mozambique in August
August is another beautiful month in Mozambique. Days are still mild and sunny which is just perfect for spending time on the beach or set out exploring the smaller islands by dhow or catamaran from Ibo Island.
Mozambique in September
September is the start of Spring and temperatures start to rise. With the higher temperatures, September is one of the best times to dive or snorkel. The migration of the humpback whales continues as they start to head back down to Antarctica over the next few months. In the reserves of Niassa and Gorongosa the animals are giving birth and due to the lack of rain tend to keep close to the waterholes.
Mozambique in October
Alone the coast the temperatures continue to climb and the humidity starts to increase. Day time temperatures are hot and dry but in the evenings it will cool down. October will be one of the last opportunities to see the humpback whales before they head off.
Mozambique in November
The temperature continues to climb, as does the humidity. With the increase in humidity expect thundershowers and rainstorms during the day and early evening.
Mozambique in December
During the course of the month, temperatures start to reach their peak and although your days will be beautifully sunny you can expect the odd thunderstorm. Keep a lookout along the shoreline as it is the perfect time of year to see turtles come ashore to nest.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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