Sublime Island-Hopping in the Quirimbas Archipelago

8 days from £4,575 per person

• Quirimbas Archipelago

This exotic island-hopping experience is, in our view, the ultimate way to experience Mozambique’s pristine and unspoilt Quirimbas Archipelago in Northern Mozambique. Beginning with an overnight flight to Johannesburg, you will then connect to a regional flight to Pemba airport in the far North of Mozambique where you will be met and shown to your light aircraft which will transport you to the gorgeous Ibo Island.

Nominated for World Heritage status, Ibo has been described as one of the most unique and atmospheric islands in the world. Located at a prime waterfront site where romantic dhows sail out to sea on each high tide, Ibo Island Lodge encompasses magnificent mansions each over one hundred years old. Ibo Island is a potential World Heritage Site, and therefore rooms have been designed to incorporate the architecture and style of the original ruins. The lodge accommodates just 18 guests in 9 elegant, yet simple rooms, with indigenous solid teak and mahogany furniture, handcrafted by the people of Ibo.

Ibo Island Lodge offers a diverse range of activities and experiences to keep the most diverse interests occupied. Options include a wonderful day trip sailing by dhow to a beautiful white sand bank beach where a sumptuous seafood lunch is served under a Bedouin tent.  Alternatively, try your hand at scuba-diving or do a little dolphin-spotting or for the more active, a trip into the nearby mangrove swamps with an expert guide.

After 3 glorious nights at Ibo, you will transfer by helicopter to Azura Quilalea which promises barefoot luxury and is the last word in cool castaway chic. With only 9 villas on the island, seclusion and exclusivity are guaranteed, as are deserted beaches on which to walk or simply relax and enjoy. Quilalea also boasts some of the finest snorkelling in Africa if not on the planet. On your last day, you will be transferred back to Pemba airport by helicopter in time to connect with your scheduled flight back to Johannesburg International Airport for your ongoing arrangements.

You either get the point of Africa or you don’t. What draws me backyear after year is that it is like the world with the lid off.
AA Gill