8 DAYS

Pemba ♥  Ibo ♥ Quirimbas Islands

♥ 3 Nights @ Ibo Island Lodge ♥

Ibo Island Lodge complimentary activities include: Guided historical Tour; Daily transfer to the beautiful sandbank beach off Ibo Island.

IBO Island Lodge

 

♥ 4 Nights @ Mobile Island Safari ♥

Mobile Island Hopping Safari complimentary activities include: guided Island Tours; Use of kayak; Non participation Mobile camp.

QUIRIMBAS Islands

 

Your scheduled departure expedition leaves under the expert leadership of a pro guide and a local crew and you get to explore remote coastlines and new island destinations.

Combine a dhow safari with sea kayaking and go sailing up wide coastal river mouths teeming with red listed bird species and pristine mangrove forests, throughout the Quirimbas Archipelago.  This is the ultimate Mozambique safari package for adventurous travelers.  Snorkel off deserted white sandbanks into turquoise waters and sleep in mobile eco fly camps on uninhabited tropical islands.

The crew conjures up fresh seafood and traditional cuisine over an open fire under island stars, leaving you free to soak up the starry night skies.  Ibo Island Lodge has been actively involved in northern Mozambique and Ibo Island for the last 19 years.  With this knowledge the lodge offers a truly unique island hopping experience for those seeking an un-equalled island and cultural exploration in one of the last undeveloped places in Africa.

This is adventure safari travel at its best!

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Guests on a quest have the option of joining scheduled departures or tailor making their own adventures.  The standard itinerary includes 4 nights island hopping by dhow or kayak and 3 nights at Ibo Island Lodge.  These trips are ideal for families or groups of friends and make the most spectacular honeymoon!

ITINERARY

DAY 1: IBO ISLAND

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.

Lunch and Dinner.  All drinks to clients own expense.

 

DAY 2: 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 en route, in the afternoon, take a tour through this fishing village getting to know the ways of these fisher folk as interpreted by your knowledgeable guide.  A stop is made on the southern tip of Matemo Island in order to explore this part of the island.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.

DAY 3: DAY TRIP TO ULUMBWA ESTUARY:

The beautiful Ulumbwa river mouth beckons and it is here where fascinating rural fishing villages dot the shore.  Enjoy an early morning sail up the Ulumbwa estuary viewing a variety of birds & mangroves that thrive in this area.  Return to the 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.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.

DAYS 4 & 5: MOGUNDULA ISLAND OR SIMILAR

Mogundula Island and her surrounds is one of the best islands in the archipelago which is why 2 nights are spent here giving you a fantastic base from which to explore.  Known by the locals as the island with the sacred lake it provides beautiful bird watching, pristine swimming off the sandbank beach and excellent snorkelling.  The mobile camp is set under the shade of trees and you usually have this magical uninhabited island to yourself! Overnight camp and exploring on Mogundula Island and surrounds.  Day trip by dhow to the Pangane Peninsula or similar and/or Macaloe Island from camp.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. All drinks to clients own expense.

DAYS 6: IBO ISLAND

The emphasis at Ibo Island Lodge is a mix between guided activities and relaxation and a base from which to explore fascinating Ibo Island.  Partake in guided historical and cultural tours offering outstanding photographic opportunities, wander around the stone town and ruins and wonder how did this all come to be here so far away from the outside world.  Relax at one of the pools and order ones of Kissingers cocktails, and book a massage for the ultimate island pamper.  Marine based optional activities are also available at Ibo – a full PADI dive centre, sea kayaking, snorkeling and the most popular of all – the dolphin encounter safaris.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  All drinks to clients own expense.

DAYS 7: IBO ISLAND

A beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you to Pemba International Airport from Ibo Island Lodge.

Breakfast. All extra’s and drinks to clients own expense.

Validity:  07 Jan – 31 July 2016, 01 September – 10 Dec 2016 Not applicable over peak season (August, 11 December – 06 January 2017) T’s & C’s apply

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INFORMATION

The ancient art of traditional dhow travel has been practiced in this region for centuries with fathers passing on the craft of skippering dhows to their sons through the generations. It is important for guests and agents to understand the culture surrounding dhow travel.  It is a relaxed, simple and unhurried affair and you will be in the company of many other traditional dhows out on the sea and usually always within distant sight of an island or mainland coast to retreat to in the case of sudden bad weather.

Do not expect luxury and comfort on board! Dhows are basic wooden structures allowing you to experience the beauty and art of traditional dhow travel under sail.  An outboard motor is used on occasions, but for the most part it is adventure dhow sailing at its best.    All dhows are hand crafted and corked using ‘allegoun’ – the traditional practice of hammering cotton into the tiny gaps between the hand hewn planks.  The cotton expands to soak up water and dries out at low tide.  Maintenance is an ongoing traditional affair. All dhows leak!  Do not be alarmed, it is entirely normal for the crew to bail out water as you travel.   Please note that there is one shared simple toilet facility on board the dhow. Plenty of drinking water supply is carried on-board.

All guests will need to ensure that their belongings are packed and left either at the front office (Ibo Island Lodge) for safe keeping upon your arrival if not taken along with you. Your room will not be kept open for the duration that you are on dhow safari.

Camp life is eco-friendly, simple and rustic featuring walk in safari tents with built in ground sheets and mosquito nets. For groups with over 6 clients, separate bush ablutions are provided for men and women (long drop toilet and bush shower).

Camp stretchers, foam mattresses and pillows are provided. For scheduled departures sleeping bags are supplied and for private departures cotton linen is provided.

The aim is to leave little trace of the camp upon departure, so do not expect luxury or fixed facilities.  The luxury in this experience is the experience of sleeping out on your own beach or special place amidst the peace, stars and tranquility.  With global warming many coastlines and islands are going to become a mere memory.

Go soon whilst you still can!

Food will be prepared for you by your crew on an open fire.  The crew make use of fresh seafood and fish caught en-route and dry stocks that are carried on board. All meals are provided as per the itinerary – with teas and coffees.  Alcoholic drinks and mineral water can be purchased on safari.  Mineral water on safari is priced approx. at $2.00 for a 1,5 litre bottle. (Please verify all costs stated in this document with O’Live To Travel reservations – prices quoted accurate at time of compiling this document)

Please note that drinks are stocked according to what has been requested.  All drink requirements need to be ordered at least one month in advance of travel with O’Live To Travel reservations and preferably at the time of booking and always in writing.

With enough written warning we will do our best to cater for special requests but please understand that these safaris are operated in extremely remote regions and not all options are readily available.

Where possible control burn all toilet paper and watch it until the flame is dead.  All litter including cigarette butts must be thrown into dustbins/ bag provided.  Not even fruit peals or pips may be thrown anyplace other than the dustbin.

These safaris attract people from all walks of life, of all ages and nationalities.  Some people book individually, some as couples and others as part of a group of friends.  On the mobile island hopping safaris, destinations are explored that are way off the beaten track, showing the real essence of ‘life’ in northern Mozambique without compromising on experience.

Due to the nature of the scheduled safaris no persons under the age of 8 (eight) years can be accommodated without prior agreement from reservations.  An adult must accompany younger travelers between the ages of 8 and 18 years old.  The safari does not impose an upper age limit providing the client is fit and suitable to undertake an Adventurer style mobile island hopping Safari.

*Please note that the tailor made island hopping dhow safaris or customized trips are often planned to accommodate much younger children and family groups.  Please enquire with O’Live To Travel reservations.

These trips make for unique and incredible family holidays!

Validity:  07 Jan – 31 July 2016, 01 September – 10 Dec 2016

Not applicable over peak season (August, 11 December – 06 January 2017)

T’s & C’s apply

 

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ENQUIRE HERE

For booking and enquirie’s please contact:

O’Live To Travel PTY Ltd

E-mail:- olive2travelinfo@gmail.com

Mobile +27 (0)734 35 2520