Good For You

Ibo Island is a small island in the Quirimbas Archipelago of northern Mozambique. Virtually unknown to the outside world, this beautiful isle is one of the most intriguing and captivating you could hope to visit.

The elegant Ibo Island Lodge encompasses three magnificent mansions located on the waterfront. The mansions are each over a century old and the original architecture has been carefully preserved during renovations, which were carried out in the traditional manner. Thick walls, lofty ceilings and spectacular views make this heritage hotel the perfect setting for a Merchant Ivory Film.

All the bedrooms are individually designed, many with private verandas overlooking the waterfront, and come with beautiful hand crafted furniture in solid teak and mahogany. Ibo Island is a small island in the Quirimbas Archipelago of northern Mozambique. Virtually unknown to the outside world, this beautiful isle is one of the most intriguing and captivating you could hope to visit.

The elegant Ibo Island Lodge encompasses three magnificent mansions located on the waterfront. The mansions are each over a century old and the original architecture has been carefully preserved during renovations, which were carried out in the traditional manner. Thick walls, lofty ceilings and spectacular views make this heritage hotel the perfect setting for a Merchant Ivory Film.

All the bedrooms are individually designed, many with private verandas overlooking the waterfront, and come with beautiful hand crafted furniture in solid teak and mahogany.

There are two swimming pools set in tropical gardens, an air-conditioned lounge and private dining room as well as roof terrace restaurant with an open-air lounge area for after dinner drinks under the stars.

There are two swimming pools set in tropical gardens, an air-conditioned lounge and private dining room as well as roof terrace restaurant with an open-air lounge area for after dinner drinks under the stars.

Good For Mozambique

Ibo Island Lodge and Safaris is owned and operated by Kevin and Fiona Record who have been actively involved in safaris and tourism throughout southern and east Africa including northern Mozambique and Ibo Island for the last ten years.

They were the first tourism investor on Ibo Island and the first specialist tour operator to the Quirimbas Archipelago. The company firmly believes that it is critical that local communities benefit from tourism development and the lodge has created and supports projects on Ibo that will serve to create income and livelihoods for other members of the communities.

Rooms

Food

Features & Facilities

• Two swimming pools
• Rooms have air conditioning and ceiling fan
• Two restaurants
• Scuba Diiving
• Sailing Dhow Safaris and Sunset Cruises
• Massage
• Fishing
• Kayaking and Mangrove Forest Excursions

Local Info & Activities

Ibo Island has been described as one of the most romantic islands in the world and time spent on this little palm and coral fringed island is really special. Relax, dive, swim, snorkel, kayak, explore or do nothing at all. Ibo Island Lodge can arrange the following:

Guided Historical Tours

A remarkable, often emotional journey recounting the history of Ibo. Guided historical and cultural activities enable guests to immerse themselves in the unchanged, ancient culture of Ibo and the rare chance to interact with the wonderfully hospitable islanders.

Scuba Diving

The marine area of the Quirimbas National park includes 11 islands and is one of the richest, most biologically diverse marine environments on earth. However, scuba diving is still very much still in its exploratory stages on the island and is a new activity at Ibo Island Lodge.

The Quirimbas Archipelago consists of over 32 coral islands of which only a handful is permanently inhabited. The term Coral Island is given to these Islands because of what they are made of; ancient prehistoric coral reefs that millions of years ago were alive and under water. The shear number and proximity to one another are a clear indication that they once formed a barrier reef of several hundred kilometres. The Islands were formed over a period of millions of years due to continental upliftment, receding ocean levels and erosion by relentless wave action. Today, as individual Islands of varying size and shape, they protrude approximately 2 to 4 meters above the high-water mark. Passing currents have deposited Casuarinas seeds, Coconuts and Mangrove seeds that have germinated and thrive in varying combinations and concentrations, providing unique Island vegetation. Passing sailors over hundreds of years and a wide range of migratory birds have further contributed to the plant species diversity.

The drop-offs in front of these Islands drop vertically to 200, 300 and even 400 meters in some cases. If you can imagine that during previous Ice Ages sea levels were 30 to 50 meters lower than they are now, and what effect this had on the vertical walls you can picture the caves, caverns and overhangs. Recky dives saw divers swim along several walls that were riddled with deep caves that in some cases must have been blowholes. Divers were able to swim into them at 24 meters, ascend vertically to pop out on a plateau at 12 meters that was covered in amazing varieties of hard and soft coral. The walls, besides being punctuated by these caves, had gorgonia of gigantic proportion, measuring some 4 meters across and protruding out from the wall by about 2 meters. The Sea Wips or Wire Coral of about 3 to 4 meters meandered out into the gentle current that carried us parallel to these magnificent walls.

The variety of tropical fish ranges in size from the tiniest gobies, peeping out of holes in the vertical wall, to mammoth Napoleon Wrasse and Potato Bass that patrolled the drop-offs in search of a meal. Game fish ranging from schooling Queen and Kingfish of numerous varieties to giant Ignobalus King Fish, Barracuda and Spanish Mackerel also live in these waters. Coral Reef Fishes of the Indo Pacific & Caribbean and are sure that this area is going to reveal quite a few new species.

This is a vast area and there 32 diveable Islands that are almost totally unexplored.

Beach

One of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the Quirimbas Archipelago is closely accessed from Ibo island, and one of Ibo's best kept secrets. A short motorised boat trip or longer sailing dhow trip takes you a sandbank beach surrounded by sea and usually totally private with the odd local dhow sailing past.

Here you are free to enjoy the clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. There is a daily transfer to this beach included in the rates. Trips are dependent on the tides and weather. Dolphins and turtles are regularly spotted en-route.

Fishing

The waters surrounding Ibo boast legendary fishing with dogtooth tuna, numerous species of kingfish, marlin, sailfish, mackerel and the famous bonefish all featuring. The renowned fishing at St. Lazarus Banks ranks highly alongside myth and legend and is amongst some of the best in world. Please note that fishing is not a regular activity at Ibo Island Lodge but can be arranged if required.

Kayaking & Mangrove Forest Excursions

Sea kayaking & unique guided mangrove excursion: Fully guided, guests will be taken into Ibo’s lush, fertile mangrove channels to understand more about this precious ecosystem and the outstanding bird and marine life it supports.

Sea kayaking in calm flat waters: A chance to navigate winding channels with breathtaking scenery or island hop safely under the expert leadership of your guide. With an abundance of birdlife Ibo is also an ornithological paradise.

Sailing Dhow Safaris & Sunset Cruises

Traditional sailing dhow safaris and cruises: Take a sunset cruise or day trip on a magnificent hand made traditional teak sailing dhow.

Cultural & Community Interaction

Cultural and community interactive experiences: several community projects are operated by Ibo Island Lodge. The central aim of the lodge is to achieve long term, sustainable means of generating income and benefits to the communities, and to implement and manage programs that provide training, mentorship and education. These projects work in conjunction with various organizations to ensure that sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity of the region with emphasis on coastal, tidal, coral, mangrove and marine resources are protected.

Massage

Ibo offers complete tranquillity and you can be as active or relaxed as you wish at the pool, on the roof terrace, in a hammock or stroll the island and take in the idyllic scenes of Ibo.

Ibo Massage treatments: Ibo inspires complete tranquillity and no stay at Ibo Island Lodge could be quite complete without experiencing a soothing Ibo inspired massage treatments.

INSIDER TIP/S

Portuguese is the official language in addition to many African languages.

There are no credit card facilities available at Ibo Island Lodge, only US Dollars ($) or Metical (MT), the local currency, is accepted for settling of all extras. It is usually possible to use your credit card in Pemba.

There is no cash point on Ibo. Guests are advised to withdraw as much money as they think they will need in Pemba. There is a cash point at the airport however it may not always be working. There are numerous banks in the town centre which is just a short taxi ride away, the BCI bank is recommended as the cash point is located inside the bank and not on the street.

Power at Ibo Island lodge is supplied by the lodge's own generator. It is operational for approx 18 hours each day, although hours are subject to change according to weather and lodge requirements.

Summer on Ibo Island falls between October and March and Winter between April and September. The average temperature for Mozambique is a balmy 28ºC all year round. Generally, the hot rainy season is from December to March and the average temperature at this time along the coast is 30º C (89º F). Inland, temperatures are slightly cooler, but conditions are more humid. In the dry season, April to November, temperatures along the coast average 27ºC (80ºF).

Guests should pack a high factor sunscreen.

Guests are advised to dress appropriately when visiting Ibo Island's old stone town, markets and surrounding villages.

Sustainability

Ibo Island Lodge and safaris is owned and operated by Kevin and Fiona Record who have been actively involved in safaris and tourism throughout southern and east Africa including northern Mozambique and Ibo Island for the last ten years.

They were the first tourism investor on Ibo Island and the first specialist tour operator to the Quirimbas Archipelago. The company firmly believes that it is critical that local communities benefit from tourism development and the lodge has created and supports projects on Ibo that will serve to create income and livelihoods for other members of the communities.

The Bela Vista mansion has been painstakingly restored in the traditional manner so to preserve the heritage and culture of Ibo.

Ibo Island has a community of approximately 3000 people. The lodge directly employs approx 40 permanent staff. Each of these staff members can support up to a further 20 people made up of extended family. Therefore Ibo Island Lodge directly affects approximately 800 people's lives on Ibo. In addition, as many third party services, are sourced from Ibo Island itself, this directly affects approx another 20 to 30 individuals. With this in mind Ibo Island Lodge positively affects as much as 50% of the islands population.

Conservation International

The Ibo Island Lodge Project has received support and recognition from Conservation Internationals Verde Ventures. Verde Ventures supports businesses with a primary goal - conserving our planet's global biodiversity. Managed by Conservation International (CI), Verde Ventures uses debt and equity financing to support conservation-oriented businesses in CI priority areas.

Through Verde Ventures, CI recognizes the important role of business in the conservation of biodiversity and employment of local people in jobs which preserve local natural resources for future generations. To find out more about Verde Ventures, please visit: www.conservation.org/xp/verdeventures.

Community Projects operated by Ibo Island Lodge

Tourism Training Project

Objectives are to provide an ongoing program dedicated to tourism and environmental education and training. Real employment opportunities are created by Ibo Island lodge.

Another key principle to this project will be the training of Tourism Ambassadors and Guides on Ibo Island. The vital skills that these ambassadors learn, concerning all aspects of the tourism industry and how interactions with guests and tourists need to take place is crucial.

The Marine Turtles Research and Conservation

This project aims to support international research efforts into turtle biology and ecology and to protect marine turtles, and turtle eggs, from illegal and inadvertent harvesting on Ibo. Aims are to create a sustainable economic alternative to turtle harvesting for the coastal and island communities through tourism.

The Market Garden Agriculture Project

Ancient Arab coffee plantations still exist on Ibo Island and the hand grinded and open fire roasted coffee is world-class. The agricultural project will focus on the product of coffee, as well as a market garden producing fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits for Ibo Island Lodge.

The Silversmiths Jewellers Program

Traditional silversmiths hand craft exquisite intricate jewellery using ancient Arab techniques and tools. The key element to sustain this craft is providing high quality raw materials so that the quality of jewellery is sufficient. In order to do this, Ibo Island Safaris has set up a distribution network with a company in Cape Town called Africa Nova who will be able to provide a far greater return for the crafters. This jewellery is found no where else in the world and guests can observe the art and commission pieces from the lodges silversmiths project.

Getting There

Ibo Island Lodge is situated on the Indian Ocean paradise of Ibo Island just 71 nm from mainland Pemba City, northern Mozambique.

Flight access to the Quirimbas Archipelago is now easily available. Guests can fly daily to Pemba International airport in Mozambique and then by light aircraft or helicopter directly to Ibo Island.

Excellent flight access to Pemba is available on Mozambique Airlines (LAM) from Johannesburg, (South Africa) Maputo (Mozambique) and Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania).

Precision Air also flies from Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) and Nairobi (Kenya) into Pemba.

The 25 minute light aircraft flight from Pemba to Ibo flies over the Quirimbas Archipelago directly to Ibo Island's air strip and is simply stunning.

Boat and helicopter transfers also link Ibo Island Lodge with neighbouring resorts: Quilalea, Matemo, Guludo, Medjumbe and Vamezi island resorts.

Please note that there are luggage restrictions for light aircrafts or helicopters: 15 kg of soft luggage including hand luggage.

Air transfers cost

Pemba to Ibo One way per person US $135.00 Pemba / Ibo/ Pemba Return per person US $270.00

Boat Transfer cost (min 2 people)

Ibo to either Matemo / Quilaléa / Guludo One way per person US $130

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

All rates are in US Dollars ($) and are per person per night sharing.

Low Season: (All dates excluding the Christmas / New Year Period)

Per person $295.00

Single supplement $100.00

High Season: 11 December 2007 - 06 January 2008

Per person $330.00

Single supplement $120.00

• Rates include: Accommodation " Breakfast " Lunch " Dinner " 1 guided Island historical tour " Non-motorised watersports " 1 transfer daily to private beach (weather dependent) " Mozambique VAT
• Child Policy: Children under the age of 12 years will only be accepted with prior authorization from Ibo Island Lodge. Children sharing with parents (maximum 2 children) shall be charged 50% of the adult sharing rate -subject to availability of suitable room.
• Rates excludes: Transfers " Beverages " Motorised watersports " Optional activities " National Park entrance fees " Personal bar account " Flights and related taxes/fees " Items of a personal nature " Visa fees " Travel insurance
• NO credit card facilities are available at Ibo Island Lodge. US$ OR local currency ONLY for all extras

booking & cancellation policy

A 25% deposit Secures a booking

The full balance due is payable 30 days prior to arrival date.

Any booking cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival date will be charged 50% cancellation fee.

Any booking cancelled less than 15 days prior to arrival date will be charged 100% cancellation fee.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.