Culture and Coast

Culture and Coast is a perfect blend of relaxation and activity in idyllic settings in the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique. You spend 3 nights at Ibo Island Lodge and 4 nights at Guludo Lodge, to enjoy fully all this region has to offer.

Ibo Island Lodge has a prime waterfront location. This island is a World Heritage Site and is an ideal place in which to explore. The lodge offers guided historical and cultural tours of the island, excursions to the mangroves and dhow cruises. Guests can also go swimming, snorkelling, diving and kayaking, or relax around the 2 swimming pools set in the lodge's tropical gardens.

Guludo Beach Lodge is set on one of the finest beaches in Mozambique. As well as watersports, guests can try beach archery, take evening dhow cruises and visit the local village. Situated in Quirimbas National Park there are also opportunities for game watching. The lodge arranges guided bush walks through varied scenery, with chances to view a range of birds and monkeys. Bush picnics can also be arranged in a location where you may see elephants.

The accommodation at both Ibo Island Lodge and Guludo Lodge is spacious with great views either over the ocean or tropical gardens. All rooms have well equipped ensuite bathrooms.

Trip information

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Included

3 nights accommodation at Ibo Island Lodge, 4 nights accommodation at Guludo Beach Lodge, flight from Pemba to Ibo Island, boat transfer from Ibo Island to Guludo Beach Lodge, road transfer from Guludo Beach Lodge to Pemba, full board at both lodges.

Not included

International flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, sanctuary and reserve fees, optional activities.

Best time

Dry season is April to early December, rainy season from mid December to March. Rainy season is hot and humid but sunny everyday, rain is usually brief heavy showers. Diving conditions are excellent Feb - April. Dry season is hot in the day with pleasant evenings, less humidity than rainy season.

Getting there

There are no direct flights to Pemba from the UK, but daily access is via Johannesburg or Dar Es Salaam.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Rain
- Rain
- Heavy rain
- Heavy rain
- Heavy rain
- Cloudy
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Rain
- Rain

Min Temp

- 20
- 20
- 20
- 20
- 20
- 18
- 18
- 18
- 20
- 20
- 20
- 20

Max Temp

- 31
- 31
- 32
- 31
- 30
- 24
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- 24
- 30
- 30
- 30
- 30

2 perfect beachfront locations.
Range of watersports including sunset dhow cruises.
Opportunities to visit local villages.
Guided walks in the bush.
Cuisine based on fresh local produce including seafood.

Itinerary

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Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Day 1 You will be met on arrival at Pemba airport for the short flight to Ibo Island and transferred to Ibo Island Lodge. You will spend the next three nights here on full board basis.
Day 2 Settle in to the relaxing pace of life on the island. Maybe explore the lush gardens or take a dip in one of the two swimming pools or relax on your private veranda. If you feel more energetic you can go swimming, snorkelling or diving or take an excursion of the island.
Day 3 Today you might like to take a guided historical or cultural tour of the island, with the chance to meet local islanders. Alternatively enjoy the facilities of the lodge at your leisure.
Day 4 You will be transferred by boat to Guludo Beach Lodge for a four night stay, on full board. Settle into your spacious tented banda and enjoy views over one of the best beaches in Mozambique.
Day 5 Today you might want to take advantage of some of the excursions the lodge can arrange. Explore nearby Rolas Island, meet some of the local fishermen and venture into the Coral Rock Forest and enjoy panoramic views from the island. This excursion can be arranged and paid for locally. Other options include a mangrove trip (pay locally) and an evening dhow cruise.
Day 6 Continue to relax at Guludo Beach Lodge. You might just want to take things easy today and spend time quietly enjoying the beachfront location and the delicious food. Maybe have a go at beach archery or try your hand at fishing.
Day 7 You last full day at Guludo Beach Lodge. You may want to visit a local village, where you can experience real village life. The village is only a 15 minute walk from the lodge and welcomes guests. You may even get the chance to watch or take part in a football match here!
Day 8 You will be transferred by road to Pemba airport for your onward flight.

Pricing guidelines for Mozambique

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £700 to £900 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Return flights from Joburg to Pemba (in northern Mozambique) will add on roughly £400. Mozambique combines well with South Africa, Malawi and southern Tanzania.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week staying on the Bazaruto ArchipelagoFrom about £1500 +
1 week on the coast or on islands in the north (including the Quirimbas)Between £1500 and £3000
2 week safari and beach holiday in the northFrom about £4000 +