Mozambique: Ibo Island Dhow Safari

8 days
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Private Guided
Sail into a land outside of time, where fish in dazzling hues dart among the fragile fronds of untouched coral reefs, and wooden dhows ply pristine, sapphire waters to uninhabited islands ringed with white-sand beaches. Where the crumbling remains of Portuguese forts share space with bustling fishing villages of woven-palm-leaf houses. Where half-submerged ma...

Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Fall asleep to lapping waves and brilliant stars in your tropical island eco-camp
    • Snorkel through kaleidoscopic schools of fish in the Quirimbas’ coral-rich waters
    • Swim with wild dolphins or dive among ancient Indian Ocean shipwrecks
    • Feel the time-honored rhythms of island life, strolling through untrammeled coastal villages or cutting through turquoise waters in a traditional dhow
    • Feast on fresh-caught seafood, with your toes in the sand of your own private beach

What's this trip about?

    Sail into a land outside of time, where fish in dazzling hues dart among the fragile fronds of untouched coral reefs, and wooden dhows ply pristine, sapphire waters to uninhabited islands ringed with white-sand beaches. Where the crumbling remains of Portuguese forts share space with bustling fishing villages of woven-palm-leaf houses. Where half-submerged mangroves play host to green-backed herons and crab plovers. Here, you’ll experience an eco-adventure like no other, island-hopping by dhow through the Quirimbas Islands, kayaking the mangroves and estuaries of clear rivers, and staying in leave-no-trace eco-camps that combine beachside repose with safari sophistication. Enjoy locally caught seafood roasted on an open fire beneath the island stars. Connect with friendly locals at mainland fishing markets. Finish your stay at the deluxe Ibo Island Lodge, a spectacular waterfront eco-lodge you’ll never forget.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityPemba
End CityPemba

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Safari

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Mozambique

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Kayaking
  • Land expedition
  • Nature
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Safari
  • Sailing
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable guide(s) All meals; drinks not included Basic tents while island-hopping, deluxe villa on Ibo Island All safari activities as outlined Airport meet-and-greet service Transportation from the meeting to the departure point including internal flight All park fees and special events as noted in the itinerary The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the CW Safaris staff.

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Days 1 & 2: Mogundula Island

Welcome to paradise. The first day of your private safari gets you directly into the heart of the magical Quirimbas Archipelago, an area marked by stunning turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and snow-white coral.

You will be met at Pemba Airport by our represe...

Day 3: Rolas Island & Ulumbwa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Climb aboard your dhow accompanied by your trusty guide and crew, and depart Mogundula Island to continue your exploration of the Quirimbas Archipelago. The nearly two-million-acre Quirimbas National Park is a conservation jew...

Day 4: Matemo Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Rise early with the tropical sun to enjoy a fortifying cup of tea or coffee, followed by an early morning sail up the Ulumbwa River estuary. This is a river mouth seen by very few travelers, and you’ll be treated to a variety of bird species.

The mangrove forest borde...

Day 5: Ibo Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, embark on a fascinating journey to Ibo Island. Described as one of the most unique and magical islands in the world, Ibo is the perfect place to explore the culture and heritage of the Quirimbas. Pirates, slaves, ivory,...

Days 6 & 7: Ibo Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

These next days can be as active or as relaxed as you desire. Partake in the lodge’s famous cultural activities and guided bird walks, or simply settle in and soak up the island’s tranquility, history, and ambience, surrounded...

Day 8: Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Following a final breakfast, bid farewell to this extraordinary place. An included light-aircraft flight providing stunning views over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you back to Pemba International Airport.

Included: Internal flight

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,898
Price per day$362
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Country Walkers.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Visas and related costs; see the “At a Glance” section for more information
    • All drinks, gratuities, telephone calls, and items of a personal nature
    • Trip cancellation and personal accident insurance
    • Scuba diving and spa treatments

Accommodation

: Mobile Island Camping - Day 1 & 2

On Mogundula, we usually set up our mobile eco-camp under the shade of the island’s beautiful chestnut trees. The very essence of our mobile safaris is that we carry everything we need, allowing us to make ourselves at home in special spots throughout the archipelago. Camps are deliberately eco-friendly and rustic, and all the necessary equipment is on board to make things comfortable. The emphasis is on barefoot luxury and responsible tourism, and the thrill of sitting around a campfire under the stars with your feet in the sand on your very own tropical island.

Central charging available, no power outlet in room. Laundry service is not available. No credit cards accepted. No hair dryer provided. No Internet available.

Accommodation: Mobile Island Camping

Your mobile eco-camp at Ulumbwa is rustic, but definitely a hearty step up from bare-bones camping. Your two-person tent will be decked with cots, cushioned with a two-inch memory-foam pad and bed linens; plus you’ll have access to gravity-fed hot bush showers and long drop toilets. The luxury in this experience is the rare opportunity to sleep out on your own beach in peace and tranquility under the stars. At dinnertime, the accent is on freshly caught seafood, served on cloth-laid tables in the dining tent, or around the fire, where you can relax with your toes in the sand.

Central charging available, no power outlet in room. Laundry service is not available. No credit cards accepted. No hair dryer provided. No Internet available.

Accommodation: Ibo Island Lodge

After four nights camping out, prepare yourself for pure luxury at Ibo Island Lodge. Located on a prime waterfront site, this breezy beach retreat encompasses old mansions with thick, coral-insulated walls and lofty ceilings, spacious rooms cooled by air-conditioning and ceiling fans, and wide verandas equipped with handcrafted furniture and soft cushions. Kick back at the two swimming pools set in tropical gardens, gaze at the romantic dhows that sail out to sea with each high tide, or watch the sunset from the roof terrace as you sip a sundowner. The cuisine is another standout: salads served in giant seashells, scones for breakfast, and homemade gnocchi. The lodge was built and developed by over 120 men and women from the Ibo community, all of whom received intensive training and mentorship.

Credit cards accepted. Hair dryer provided in room. Laundry service available. Wireless Internet sometimes available.

Guides
Our Guides Throughout this safari, you will be in the care of your experienced local dhow sailboat crew and welcoming lodge hosts. As the safari progresses from beachfront eco-camps to an island lodge, you’ll be accompanied by a variety of local experts, all of whom enjoy sharing their in-depth knowledge of coastal Mozambique’s land, wildlife, culture, and ecology. These resident professionals will provide exceptional local guidance during kayaking, bird-watching, snorkeling, and historical and cultural excursions, while anticipating and attending to your every need along the way.
Cancellation policy

Cancellations must be made in writing and fees are applied as noted. Cancellation refunds will be calculated as of the date we receive your written cancellation. All payments for travel services not provided to the guest will be refunded in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and in accordance with CW Safaris’ cancellation policy. Exceptions to this cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including personal emergencies, illness, or weather.

Cancellations received 91 days prior to the start of the trip: full 20 percent deposit for all Private/Custom Safaris (and any additional services booked, including special permits and flights)

Cancellations received 91 days prior to the start of the trip: full $500 deposit for all Scheduled Group Safaris (and any additional services booked, including special permits and flights)

Cancellations received 90 to 61 days prior to the start of the trip: 50 percent loss of trip price (and any additional services booked, including special permits and flights)

Cancellations received 60 or fewer days prior to the start of the trip: 100 percent of trip price

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

8 Breakfast, 8 Lunches and  7 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
countr-MozIboCou

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