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Quirimbas Archipelago

Quirimbas Archipelago is an isolated and remote area.

Quirimbas Archipelago

Quirimbas Archipelago

An isolated and remote area: probably the last stretch of East African coastline where the marine environments and beaches are ecologically pristine and largely unexplored.

The most spectacular jewels in Mozambique's marine crown rest in its Cabo Delgado Province, in the far north. The Quirimbas Archipelago (or 'Ilhas Quirimbas' as they're known in Portuguese) are a beautiful string of islands, often fringed by gorgeous beaches, which lie about 2,500km from Maputo.

Lying just offshore and stretching for 200km, the Quirimbas Archipelago consists of 12 major islands; about 20 smaller, coralline outcrops; and endless sand-bar beaches . As a safeguard for the future, The Quirimbas National Park protects a large part of the archipelago's southern side.

Development here is still in its infancy; the beach lodges (they're all smaller than what we'd normally think of as 'beach resorts') are all fairly new, and many of their staff are being trained up on the job. So if you want slick, first-world service and precise attention to detail - then these might not be for you. (Better look towards Zanzibar or the Bazaruto Archipelago, in Mozambique's south, both of which have had years of practice with visitors!)

STOP PRESS: Sadly, for some time now the FCDO has advised against all travel to all districts in Cabo Delgado Province, including the Quirimbas, due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism. As such we are not sending our travellers to any lodges located in this area at present. However if you are interested in visiting Mozambique for a beach break, then please do take a look at the Bazaruto Archipelago, which is a long way further south (over 1,800km!), thus well removed from the troubles in this area, and makes for a wonderful island holiday.

Quirimbas Archipelago

Our top beach holidays in Mozambique

Here are 3 great Mozambique holidays to inspire you.


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Azura Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

Stay in a stunning location on the western coastline of Benguerra Island. Elegant accommodation, a highly personalised level of care and a wide range of land and water-based activities make Azura a fantastic destination for travellers.

US$5,880 - US$6,880 per person

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Anantara Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

Enjoy a range of land and water-based activities from Anantara Bazaruto Beach Resort and Spa. A great destination for families, it offers something to keep all ages entertained as well as ample opportunity for utter relaxation.

US$2,940 - US$6,000 per person

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Benguerra Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

This luxurious lodge offers a fantastic blend of total relaxation and more active pursuits. Explore your idyllic surroundings with a range of land and water-based activities before unwinding with a massage and sundowner drinks on the beach.

US$6,910 - US$8,380 per person

Most recent reviews of our beach holidays to Quirimbas Archipelago

Click below to browse all 24 reviews from Quirimbas Archipelago. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


99%
24 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
24
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ms P & family from Belgium

Arrived 11 Sep 2018, 12 nights

"Unforgettable birthday trip to Mozambique"

"This trip to Mozambique was one of the most beautiful trips we've ever done. …" Read Ms P & family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs H from Middlesex

Arrived 30 Jun 2017, 20 nights

"Wonderful holiday"

"The trip was wonderful overall... …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr A from Washington DC

Arrived 8 Oct 2016, 20 nights

"Another Great Adventure through Expert Africa"

"A really extraordinary adventure...Just a wonderful experience all around. …" Read Mr A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Quirimbas Archipelago reviews

Where to stay in Quirimbas Archipelago

Our suggestions for beach lodges in Quirimbas Archipelago


Azura at Quilalea

Azura at Quilalea

Azura at Quilalea is a small, high-quality lodge on a very lovely and remote private island - which has no malaria, but great snorkelling and diving right off the beach.


98% (17 reviews)
Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Lodge offers an amazing insight into traditional Mozambique island life, plus relaxing dhow trips and canoe excursions.


97% (7 reviews)
Vamizi Lodge

Vamizi Lodge

Vamizi Island is the ultimate barefoot getaway, with stunning beaches, wonderful private villas and fantastic food.


92% (5 reviews)
Ibo Dhow Safari

Ibo Dhow Safari

Island hopping safaris offer swimming in turquoise waters, stunning snorkelling, camps on sandy islands and beaches, and exploration of the islands' history.


100% (2 reviews)

View all places

When to go to Quirimbas Archipelago

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Mozambique in January

January is one of the wettest, hottest and most humid months in Mozambique, with average daytime temperatures reaching the low 30s °C, dropping only to around 24°C at night. Although the rain falls mostly as tropical downpours in late afternoon/evening, with the rest of the time sunny, there are definitely better times to visit.

Diving is generally good, but visibility can be limited. Dolphins are abundant, but humpback whales have moved out and this is the last month with a reasonable chance of spotting whale sharks and manta rays. On beaches, turtles lay their eggs and by the end of the month some are beginning to hatch.

After the busy Christmas/New Year period lodges are almost empty, so it’s a good time to avoid the “crowds”.

  • One of the wettest & hottest months, with high humidity
  • Diving is fair but visibility can be poor
  • Great for dolphin viewing
  • Turtles laying eggs, which begin to hatch by end of month
  • The low season so lodges much quieter, but for a reason

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in January

Quirimbas Archipelago: In detail

Quirimbas Archipelago

Quirimbas Archipelago is most easily reached from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Approaching from the south is usually more expensive and time-consuming, and it involves flying via Maputo and other towns. But if you like the idea of visiting an almost pioneering area, with lodges on often pristine islands, where you're one of the first visitors, then read on...


Quilálea Island

Quilálea is a coral island with a handful of small, secluded, sandy beach coves.

The most established luxury island lodge in the Quirimbas Archipelago is Quilálea Island Resort. Certainly the most consistent, the small, luxury lodge on Quilalea and has set the pace in terms of quality. The lodge has nine en-suite villas and, protected within the national park, its surrounding reefs are superb for snorkelling and diving.

Vamizi Island

In the far north of the Quirimbas Archipelago, Vamizi Island is probably the most stunning island in the archipelago. It is long, thin and lined by two lovely golden beaches, with amazing snorkeling and diving close to the shore. Vamizi Lodge is one of the archipelago's most remote island lodges, and with just 12 vast, luxury beach villas – it aims to be Mozambique's best beach lodge.

Matemo Island

Run by Rani Resorts (the company that owns Anantaro Bazaruto, in Mozambique's southerly Bazaruto Archipelago), Matemo Island Resort and Medjumbe Private Island are sister-properties. Both are a relatively short flight from Pemba, and Matemo is the larger island by far – with a village on one side of it. Matemo Island Resort itself has 24 modern chalets, all built in a line along a lovely golden beach.

Medjumbe Private Island

Medjumbe Private Island is the slightly smaller, smarter sister-lodge of Matemo Island Resort, and is also run by Rani Resorts. Medjumbe is one of the smallest islands in use in the Quiribas Archipelago: it is just 800m long by 350m wide and is little more than a large sand bar surrounded by beach! Here the small beach lodge has just 13 thatched chalets.

Ibo Island and Ibo Island Lodge

Within the Quirimbas National Park, close to the mainland, Ibo Island is unlike any other island here. From the 1500s, Ibo was a prosperous trading post. It's had a turbulent history, but now its streets stand quiet with just a few people going about their ordinary business. The fading colonial buildings remain: some crumbling, others lived in, and a couple being restored. There's a large church and three forts.

Wander around one and you'll see where the slaves were kept, find cannons on the battlements, and watch local artisans painstakingly make silver filigree jewellery to sell. It's been nominated to be a 'World Heritage Site' and is a fascinating place to visit. Whilst on the island stay at the stunnning Ibo Island Lodge.

Map of Quirimbas Archipelago

Choices for where to stay in Quirimbas Archipelago


Reference map

Top 7 beach lodges and resorts on Quirimbas Archipelago

Listed below are our recommendations for nice places to stay on Quirimbas Archipelago. Ask us for more details of what's where, and what's likely to suit you best!


Showing 1-7 of 7
Name
Traveller's rating
No. of reviews
Azura at Quilalea

Azura at Quilalea

Azura at Quilalea is a small, high-quality lodge on a very lovely and remote private island - which has no malaria, but great snorkelling and diving right off the beach.


98% (17 reviews)
Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Lodge offers an amazing insight into traditional Mozambique island life, plus relaxing dhow trips and canoe excursions.


97% (7 reviews)
Vamizi Lodge

Vamizi Lodge

Vamizi Island is the ultimate barefoot getaway, with stunning beaches, wonderful private villas and fantastic food.


92% (5 reviews)
Ibo Dhow Safari

Ibo Dhow Safari

Island hopping safaris offer swimming in turquoise waters, stunning snorkelling, camps on sandy islands and beaches, and exploration of the islands' history.


100% (2 reviews)
Medjumbe Private Island

Medjumbe Private Island

Medjumbe Lodge stands on a tiny and fairly remote private island, in the middle of the Quirimbas. It's the flagship lodge of a small chain and the snorkeling and diving in this area is excellent.


No reviews yet
Vamizi Island Villas

Vamizi Villas

Vamizi Island Villas offers an exclusive beach getaway. The individual Villas are hosted by a dedicated hospitality team.


No reviews yet
Mogundula Private Island

Mogundula Private Island

Brand new to the Quirimbas Archipelago, Mogundula Private Island looks set to be a superb luxury option.


No reviews yet
Showing 1-0 of 7
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