The Quirimbas Archipelago

Just 45 min flight south of Dar es Salaam lies the undiscovered charms of the Quirimbas archipelago – a collection of small private islands offering stunning beaches and diving in an exclusive environment.
The small resort islands of Quilelea, Medjumbe and Matemo are the archetypal paradise desert islands and are highly recommended as a honeymoon retreat and an exclusive Indian Ocean beach holiday.

The best known of the Quirimbas Archipelago is Ibo Island. This island’s history has been richly coloured with Portuguese fortresses and by the Arab slave trade. Ibo is an intriguing place and had become the most important town in Mozambique by the late 18th century.
Half day excursions from the resort islands are offered to guests and can be combined with fishing or diving.

The islands which form the Quirimbas Archipelago National Park offer pristine habitats for divers to explore and enjoy, and with such a limited range of accommodation options in the archipelago there is a very real possibility you can be one of the first divers to explore new sites.

There is an abundance of marine life in the surrounding waters including Turtles, Dolphins, Potato Groupers, Moray eels and large pelagics. The corals are plentiful and healthy and are teeming with a variety of reef fishes and nudibranches. Green Turtles and Hawksbills are virtually guaranteed sightings when diving here. One hundred kilogram Groupers and Napoleon Wrasses. Massive schools of Batfish, Barracuda, Kingfish, Pompano, and virtually every other kind of game-fish you can think of are commonly seen.
Guided dives ranging from easy shallow reef dives for novices, and more challenging wall dives for those with greater experience are available from all the resorts. At Quilelea you can dive straight from the beach or different sites are accessible by boat.

From July to November humpback and sperm whales pass through the islands on their annual migration and whale watching trips can be organised in these months. Throughout the year spinner and humpback dolphins can be observed in the archipelago.

Big game fishing is another popular pursuit with Bonito, Barracuda, Yellow-fin Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Trevally and other game fish the main catches. Billfish such as Marlin and Sailfish are seasonal and are tagged and released whenever possible

The Quirimbas National Park is also home to a wide variety of Bird Species including martial, mangrove and fish eagles, flamingos, herons, plovers, coucals and kingfishers.

The islands can be enjoyed as an exclusive beach holiday or in combination with a safari in southern Tanzania.

Please ask for details of our suggested itineraries

Itinerary 1. Selous Game Reserve and Matemo island

Itinerary 2. Ruaha National Park and Medjumbe Island

Itinerary 3. Selous and Matemo and Medjumbe Islands

Itinerary 4. Ruaha or Selous and Quilelea Island

MOZAMBIQUE ACCOMMODATION

Pemba Beach Hotel

Matemo Island

Medjumbe Island

Quilelea Island