This is Quirimbas Archipelago; Hotels, And Beach holidays
This is Quirimbas Archipelago; Hotels, And Beach holidays. A memorable island getaway, the Quirimbas Archipelago is home to stunning reefs, soft sand, sunny skies, and delectable cuisine. These private islands, which are dispersed off the northern Mozambican coast, are easily reachable by light aircraft or helicopter flights. They are quickly gaining popularity as a beach and safari destination that combines the world-famous large game reserves of East and Southern Africa.
For inspiration and ideas, look through our carefully chosen Quirimbas tours: Spend a few days at Pemba on the mainland of Mozambique to begin your beach vacation or island hop; other attractions include the ruins of Ibo, the small island haven of Medjumbe, and the pristine waters of Matemo, which are ideal for diving, fishing, sailing, and water skiing.
Just get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts, who will be happy to put together the ideal trip for you if you are unable to discover what you are searching for among our carefully chosen Quirimbas tours and vacations.
Quirimbas Island Holiday
The globe seldom discovers a new area to visit, but the little-known Quirimbas Archipelago is quickly emerging as Africa’s most popular beach vacation. A vacation on Quirimbas Island offers several attractions, including seclusion, a relaxed pace of life, a vibrant marine environment, and crystal-clear water.
The 27 coral islands that make up the archipelago are arranged from Pemba to the Tanzanian border along the northern coast of Mozambique. It’s simple to locate a secluded section of beach to oneself because many of them are deserted and Quirimbas’ lodging options are restricted to a few opulent resorts and charming beach huts.
Small private islands like Vamizi, Quilalea, and tiny Medjumbe Private Island are surrounded by coconut palms and white sand beaches. Combine this abundance of luxury with an amazing array of activities, such as tranquil dhow cruises and exhilarating scuba diving, and you have the ideal off-the-beaten-path getaway. We would also strongly suggest a trip to Ibo Island, which is home to historic forts, deteriorating old Portuguese palaces, and silversmiths who create exquisite jewellery.
The advent of frequent flights has opened up this amazing world and made it possible to enjoy a wonderful safari and beach vacation that combines the Quirimbas with premier reserves in either East or Southern Africa. Previously, this area was unreachable. Look through our selection of well-liked itineraries or get in touch with one of our knowledgeable Africa Safari Experts to have a vacation to Quirimbas Island customised specifically for you.
Where to go in Quirimbas Archipelago
Where to Go in the Quirimbas. The 27 outlying islands that make up the vast Quirimbas Archipelago are arranged parallel to Pemba along the coast. While other private islands just feature one luxurious lodge perched directly on the water’s edge, Ibo Island is the most well-known of the islands, boasting lavish architecture and an intriguing past.
Learn more about Quirimbas destinations to help you pick the ideal island getaway.
1. Pemba
In northern Mozambique, the vibrant beach town of Pemba serves as the entry point to the enchanted Quirimbas Archipelago. The village itself is somewhat rundown, with a combination of wooden cottages situated beneath massive baobab trees and lovely but outdated architecture. A cultural tour of Pemba is what we would suggest, and you should definitely stop by the market, which is almost 2 kilometres long and has thousands of shops selling anything from bicycle parts to spices.
With pristine coral reefs, a bewildering array of tropical fish, and a reasonable chance of spotting turtles or dolphins, diving around Pemba is fantastic. But keep in mind that Pemba isn’t really a beach vacation spot. Before travelling to the Quirimbas Islands for a genuine tropical getaway, most tourists stay for one or two nights at the Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa to experience mainland culture.
2. Medjumbe Island
The ideal romantic getaway is Medjumbe, a small castaway island that is barely 800 meters long. While the island is teeming with birds above the waves, the clear sea is alive with a stunning display of fish and coral. For individuals seeking seclusion and seclusion in a secluded tropical setting, this island is truly a dream come true. You can plan a private picnic on the nearby island of Quissanga and spend leisurely days exploring the many coves.
Medjumbe Island Retreat offers accommodations in opulent beach huts and a tiny airstrip.
3. Quilalea Island
Quilalea Island is a little, tropical paradise that is entirely uninhabited and located directly south of Ibo Island. When you stay here, you may feel as though you had the entire island to yourself.
The first marine protected area in the Quirimbas was the Quilalea Sanctuary. A coral reef is only five meters from the main beach, and the surrounding ocean is teeming with an amazing variety of marine life. Go fishing, scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling, or take long, slow walks.
Take a helicopter from Pemba to the island and stay in a villa at Azura at Quilalea Private Island if this seems like your kind of vacation.
3. Vamizi Island
With samango monkeys playing in the trees and a wealth of tropical greenery, Vimizi Island boasts amazing biodiversity. Over 300 turtle nest sites have been safeguarded to date, and you may stroll endlessly along empty beaches where you can spot hawksbill and green turtle footprints. Unbleached coral reefs offer perfect conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling, and all six of Vamizi’s beaches gently slope into the ocean, allowing you to wade out into the warm tropical water without risk.
We suggest resting in one of the opulent beach homes at Vamizi Island Lodge, where a variety of loungers, swinging beds, and “Swahili day beds” offer ideal places to cool off throughout the day while looking out at the transparent ocean through dog-eared pages.
When to go to Quirimbas Archipelago
The optimal period to visit the Quirimbas Archipelago is during the winter months from May to September, when both precipitation and temperatures are at their minimum. The islands of Mozambique possess a tropical environment, characterised by average temperatures of approximately 30°C/86°F, rendering them a perennial tropical, sun-drenched vacation locale.
A multitude of individuals opt for a Quirimbas vacation during Mozambique’s warmer and more humid summer season. The wettest months are January and February, characterised by short yet strong downpours, followed by the reemergence of sunlight. Monsoons mostly impact the southern parts of Mozambique, except the Quirimbas.
Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Quirimbas Archipelago:
Travelling to the Quirimbas Archipelago from January to April
January is the warmest, most precipitation-laden, and most humid month. Precipitation predominantly occurs as tropical downpours throughout the late afternoon and early evening, while the remainder of the day is characterised by sunshine. Diving in January often offers excellent visibility and is normally a quieter month following the bustling Christmas and New Year festivities.
February persists with hot and humid weather. Despite the ocean’s pleasant warmth, beaches experience increased windiness this month, making diving difficult due to rougher waters.
March is an exhilarating period off the coast of Mozambique, since it marks the nesting season for sea turtles. The northern shore serves as a crucial feeding and breeding habitat for the Green Hawksbill turtle, with the Quirimbas hosting a significant population of these turtles. The optimal period to visit the Quirimbas Archipelago is during the nesting season, when hatchlings embark on their frantic journey to the ocean.
April is the optimal period to explore the Quirimbas Archipelago for scuba diving, kayaking, and basking on the beach in the sun. The summer rains have concluded, resulting in bright skies and optimal underwater conditions.
Visiting Quirimbas Archipelago from May to August
May is the optimal period to visit the Quirimbas Archipelago for ideal tropical island weather. The days are characterised by sunshine and warmth, accompanied by clear skies and gentle breezes. Diving conditions are enhancing due to favourable visibility and tranquil waves.
Favourable weather persists through June and July, resulting in nearly ideal diving conditions. Southern right whales begin to manifest along the shoreline, accompanied by dhow races and an atmosphere enriched with traditional music and dance. Additionally, humpback whales commence their extensive annual voyage from Antarctica to give birth in the milder seas.
August is a predominantly bright month, rendering it an optimal period to explore the Quirimbas Archipelago. Whale populations are rising, and whale sharks may begin to emerge this month, but such occurrences are infrequent. August features somewhat cooler evenings and may experience increased windiness.
Travelling to the Quirimbas Archipelago in September & October
The refreshing breezes of August gradually dissipate, and temperatures significantly rise in September. Diving conditions remain optimal during this season, and this month is considered the prime time for snorkelling in the Quirimbas Archipelago, as well as for exceptional dolphin sightings.
October is the warmest of the arid months, and as temperatures rise, precipitation commences towards the month’s conclusion. October offers exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for larger game species such as marlin.
Visiting Quirimbas Archipelago in November & December
With the conclusion of the dry season and the onset of the rainy season, meteorological conditions become increasingly erratic. The days are characterised by high temperatures and humidity, however precipitation is relatively scarce. November marks the period when turtles ascend the shore to nest and deposit their eggs, and there still an opportunity to observe humpback whales before to their migration at the month’s conclusion. The peak season has concluded, resulting in a decline in pricing.
Accommodation in Mozambique, including the Archipelago, tends to be fully booked in advance throughout the Christmas period. It is advisable to make reservations well ahead of December; despite being the wettest month, one can anticipate brief, intense thunderstorms rather than prolonged rains.
Quirimbas Archipelago Travel Advice
For comprehensive information regarding travel to Mozambique, please see our Mozambique travel advice page.
Flights & Getting Around
Pemba Airport: access the archipelago’s mainland airport by flights from Johannesburg’s O R Tambo, Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam, or Kenya’s Nairobi International, facilitating excellent safari combinations in South or East Africa.
Flights often arrive in Pemba about midday, providing ample opportunity to board a light aircraft or helicopter to your selected Quirimbas Island. The islands are little and may be traversed with ease.
Top Travel Tips for the Quirimbas
- Remember to purchase exquisite silver jewellery crafted by local silversmiths while on Ibo.
- The Quirimbas, being more secluded and less suitable for families than Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, are an ideal option for a romantic retreat.
- Experience the sunset: It would be imprudent to visit the Quirimbas Archipelago without embarking on a day trip or a sunset cruise aboard a traditional sailing dhow.