Set or Private Departure

Ibo Island

Dhow Sailing Safari, Mozambique

Ibo Island Dhow Safari

This is the ultimate Mozambique adventure! The pristine islands of the Quirimbas archipelago stretch along the far north coast of Mozambique and are one of the last undeveloped places in Africa.

Under the expert leadership of a pro guide and a friendly local crew you will explore this remote coastline aboard a traditional Arab dhow in the slow, ancient way of ocean traders. Snorkel off deserted white sandbanks in the turquoise sea and sail up wide coastal river mouths teeming with red-listed bird species and pristine mangrove forests. Each evening the crew conjures up traditional cuisine over an open fire under a blanket of stars, before you fall asleep in a comfortable bed in an eco-friendly tent pitched on a sandy beach.

After your chosen number of nights of island hopping by dhow or kayak you will arrive at Ibo Island Lodge – an old Portuguese mansion with high ceilings that has been stylishly renovated to accommodate the lodge with elegant rooms, verandas, tropical gardens and a spectacular roof top restaurant that provides the ideal venue to watch the sun go down. Ibo Island Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore Ibo’s fascinating 200-year-old town and 16th Century forts.

You have the option of joining a scheduled departure or tailor making an adventure to suit. This sailing safari is ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a beach holiday that offers so much more than a ‘fly and flop’ (although there’s plenty of time to do that too!)

6, 8 OR ANY NUMBER OF UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

PLEASE NOTE:

Set 5-night and 7-night itineraries are available as set departures, or tailormake your own private adventure! The following is an example itinerary only. Please contact us for alternative options.

DAY 1 | PEMBA TO IBO ISLAND

A beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you from Pemba International Airport
to Ibo Island Lodge. Probably the most compelling attraction in the Quirimbas, Ibo’s 200-year-old ghost town and 16th Century forts make for a fascinating journey to an era long forgotten. The Ibo Island Guided Experience (included) provides a chance to interact with the amazingly friendly local people and observe their unique island culture and heritage and a way of life that has not changed for hundreds of years. Wander around the mysterious ruins amongst forts and ancient trade buildings with many fascinating stories just waiting to be told. Ibo Island lodge has spectacular views over the waterfront and tidal bay and accommodates guests in beautifully simple, yet elegant rooms. Historic colonial mansions with high ceilings have been stylishly renovated to accommodate the lodge with various verandas, tropical gardens and a spectacular roof top restaurant that provides the ideal venue to watch the sun go down. Guests will have ample time at magical Ibo to explore after the dhow safari as the safari returns to Ibo for days 6 and 7 of the itinerary.

DAYS 2 & 3 | IBO ISLAND TO MATEMO

Depart Ibo Island for your exploration north into the Quirimbas Archipelago! Sail into the clearest of blue water with pristine corals below to explore under snorkel. Turquoise clear waters and beautiful scenery awaits you enroute. The beautiful Ulumbwa river mouth beckons and it is here where fascinating rural fishing villages dot the shore.

DAYS 2 & 3 CONTINUED

Enjoy an early morning sail up the Ulumbwa estuary viewing a variety of birds & mangroves that thrive in this area. We return to our beautiful beach camp set up under the palms on the shores of Matemo Island with enough time to explore Matemo, take a walk or swim.

DAYS 4 & 5 | QUIRIMBA ISLAND

Depart Matemo Island for your exploration south into the Quirimbas Archipelago! Once you reach Quirimba Island you will explore the island that gave the Archipelago its name with its rural villages, culture and old church. Overnight camp and exploring on Quirimba Island and surrounds. Day trip by dhow to Quisiva Island or similar and/or Mefunvo Island from camp.

DAYS 6 & 7 | QUIRIMBA ISLAND TO IBO ISLAND

Ibo Island lodge has spectacular views over the waterfront and tidal bay and accommodates guests in beautifully simple yet elegant rooms. Historic colonial mansions with high ceilings have been stylishly renovated to accommodate the lodge with various verandas, tropical gardens and a spectacular roof top restaurant that provides the ideal venue to watch the sun go down. The emphasis at Ibo Island Lodge is a mix between guided activities and relaxation and a base from which to explore fascinating Ibo Island.

DAY 8 | IBO ISLAND TO DEPART PEMBA

An included beautiful light aircraft flight over the islands and turquoise waters transfers you to Pemba International Airport from Ibo Island Lodge.

ACCOMMODATION

on your dhow safari

Ibo Island Lodge – Quirimbas Archipelago

Ibo Island Lodge is a carefully restored heritage mansion dating to colonial times which offers 24 individually designed, elegant rooms. Blending bygone grandeur with barefoot beach escapism it is the perfect island getaway for anyone in need of pure relaxation and a taste of the forgotten way of Mozambican island life. Read More

NEED TO KNOW

5- or 7-night set departures and/or private tailormade adventures available
Starts and ends: Pemba International Airport, Mozambique
Please enquire for all inclusions, exclusions and pricing

Enquire Now

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

CALL 1300 130 218