Ibo Island
Dhow Sailing Safari, Mozambique
Ibo Island Dhow Safari
This is the ultimate Mozambique adventure! The pristine islands of the Quirimbas archipelago stretch along the far north coast of Mozambique and are one of the last undeveloped places in Africa.
Under the expert leadership of a pro guide and a friendly local crew you will explore this remote coastline aboard a traditional Arab dhow in the slow, ancient way of ocean traders. Snorkel off deserted white sandbanks in the turquoise sea and sail up wide coastal river mouths teeming with red-listed bird species and pristine mangrove forests. Each evening the crew conjures up traditional cuisine over an open fire under a blanket of stars, before you fall asleep in a comfortable bed in an eco-friendly tent pitched on a sandy beach.
After your chosen number of nights of island hopping by dhow or kayak you will arrive at Ibo Island Lodge – an old Portuguese mansion with high ceilings that has been stylishly renovated to accommodate the lodge with elegant rooms, verandas, tropical gardens and a spectacular roof top restaurant that provides the ideal venue to watch the sun go down. Ibo Island Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore Ibo’s fascinating 200-year-old town and 16th Century forts.
You have the option of joining a scheduled departure or tailor making an adventure to suit. This sailing safari is ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a beach holiday that offers so much more than a ‘fly and flop’ (although there’s plenty of time to do that too!)
You will love
- Tropical bliss!
- Sea kayaking, paddleboarding & dhow sailing
- Expert guide & friendly crew
- Unequalled island & cultural exploration
- Fresh seafood under star studded skies
- Fantastic for families & friends
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
6, 8 OR ANY NUMBER OF UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
PLEASE NOTE:
Set 5-night and 7-night itineraries are available as set departures, or tailormake your own private adventure! The following is an example itinerary only. Please contact us for alternative options.
DAY 1 | PEMBA TO IBO ISLAND
A beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you from Pemba International Airport
to Ibo Island Lodge. Probably the most compelling attraction in the Quirimbas, Ibo’s 200-year-old ghost town and 16th Century forts make for a fascinating journey to an era long forgotten. The Ibo Island Guided Experience (included) provides a chance to interact with the amazingly friendly local people and observe their unique island culture and heritage and a way of life that has not changed for hundreds of years. Wander around the mysterious ruins amongst forts and ancient trade buildings with many fascinating stories just waiting to be told. Ibo Island lodge has spectacular views over the waterfront and tidal bay and accommodates guests in beautifully simple, yet elegant rooms. Historic colonial mansions with high ceilings have been stylishly renovated to accommodate the lodge with various verandas, tropical gardens and a spectacular roof top restaurant that provides the ideal venue to watch the sun go down. Guests will have ample time at magical Ibo to explore after the dhow safari as the safari returns to Ibo for days 6 and 7 of the itinerary.
DAYS 2 & 3 | IBO ISLAND TO MATEMO
Depart Ibo Island for your exploration north into the Quirimbas Archipelago! Sail into the clearest of blue water with pristine corals below to explore under snorkel. Turquoise clear waters and beautiful scenery awaits you enroute. The beautiful Ulumbwa river mouth beckons and it is here where fascinating rural fishing villages dot the shore.
DAYS 2 & 3 CONTINUED
Enjoy an early morning sail up the Ulumbwa estuary viewing a variety of birds & mangroves that thrive in this area. We return to our beautiful beach camp set up under the palms on the shores of Matemo Island with enough time to explore Matemo, take a walk or swim.
DAYS 4 & 5 | QUIRIMBA ISLAND
Depart Matemo Island for your exploration south into the Quirimbas Archipelago! Once you reach Quirimba Island you will explore the island that gave the Archipelago its name with its rural villages, culture and old church. Overnight camp and exploring on Quirimba Island and surrounds. Day trip by dhow to Quisiva Island or similar and/or Mefunvo Island from camp.
DAYS 6 & 7 | QUIRIMBA ISLAND TO IBO ISLAND
Ibo Island lodge has spectacular views over the waterfront and tidal bay and accommodates guests in beautifully simple yet elegant rooms. Historic colonial mansions with high ceilings have been stylishly renovated to accommodate the lodge with various verandas, tropical gardens and a spectacular roof top restaurant that provides the ideal venue to watch the sun go down. The emphasis at Ibo Island Lodge is a mix between guided activities and relaxation and a base from which to explore fascinating Ibo Island.
DAY 8 | IBO ISLAND TO DEPART PEMBA
An included beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you to Pemba International Airport from Ibo Island Lodge.
NEED TO KNOW
5- or 7-night set departures and/or private tailormade adventures available
Starts and ends: Pemba International Airport, Mozambique
Please enquire for all inclusions, exclusions and pricing
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It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
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Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
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