The Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique is remote, beautiful and still largely untouched by commercial developments. This magical destination consists of 27 or 32 (depending on if you count the tiny islands too!) stunning offshore islands strung along a magnificent coastline parallel to Pemba mainland.
Endowed with spectacular beaches and marine life, the area is known for its rich history and culture that blends an indigenous African experience with Arab and Portuguese influences.
Some of the islands offer exclusive, luxury holiday lodges and some are historic monuments to a trading time gone by in the East African waters. There are some of the best reefs and diving sites around Africa to be found here and a wide range of exciting and important underwater wildlife locations.
The main activities in this region include outstanding beaches, spa treatments, scuba diving, game fishing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, whale and dolphin watching (in season); island exploring, mangrove excursions, historical dhow cruises. Cultural exchanges are abundant in northern Mozambique, particularly on Ibo Island and you will have the chance to interact, and catch a glimpse of an ancient lifestyle. With an amazing variety of birdlife, the Quirimbas Archipelago is also an ornithological paradise.
The establishment of the 7,500 km2 Quirimbas National Park, in Mozambique’s northern-most Cabo Delgado Province, close to the border with Tanzania, represents a globally significant conservation achievement. This new national park is a conservation jewel, boasting an exciting mosaic of wildlife, and helping protect one of the richest areas of coral reef in the world as well as many other important features, including mangroves, coastal forest and woodland, turtles, dugongs and elephants. If you visit Guludo Beach Lodge, you can transfer through this park on the way from Pemba and also arrange day trips there.
The marine component of the national park doubles Mozambique’s marine protected area up to 5 percent. The 1,500 km2 marine component is made of 1,500 km2 part of Quirimbas Archipelago, which includes eleven coral islands lying close offshore, stretching for 100 km along the coast. Over 50 genera of corals have been recorded, and the park includes the St Lazarus Bank –a world-class diving spot, 42 nautical miles off the coast.
