Regions: Mozambique,
Southern Africa

Think stretches of footprint-free white sands, shimmering turquoise waters and swaying coconut palms and you have the tropical paradise of the Quirimbas. Relatively unknown and beautifully untouched, this archipelago is made up of 27 coral islands strung along Mozambique’s northern coast - some waterless and uninhabited, others with deep-rooted histories.

Astounding natural beauty abounds with islands linked by gin-clear waters teeming with marine life making for superb snorkelling and diving. Dense mangrove forests link some of the islands with each other and with the coast, while others are simply sand spits in the azure shallows.

Private, inhabited islands like Vamizi, Quilalea and Medjumbe are dotted with luxurious lodges and romantic beach bungalows where it’s easy to find a long stretch of private beach all to yourself. While away the hours snorkelling or diving in the exquisite waters, or set sail on warm ocean breezes on a local dhow. Take long strolls along ivory sands or head out into the deep to try your hand at deep-sea fishing.

Head into paradise and contact us to tailor-make a Quirimbas Island holiday just for you.

A glittering cluster of five tropical islands off the coast of Mozambique, the Bazaruto Archipelago is the quintessential tropical paradise. Islands fringed by golden beaches and spellbinding blue seas ooze a laid-back ambience, where the rhythm of the winds and tides command island life.

Most of the archipelago is protected by the Bazaruto National Park and along with the archipelago’s relative isolation from the mainland, nature bursts forth here in full force. Nile crocodiles laze in the sun in remote corners of Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands, while the waters teem with schools of dolphin, loggerhead, leatherback and green turtles and myriad species of fish. The elusive dugong spend their days foraging among sea-grass meadows around the archipelago, while dozens of bird species, including fish eagles and pink flamingos make the islands their home.

Impressive corals grow undeterred and offer world-renowned snorkelling and diving spots, such as Two Mile Reef, while giant trevally, sailfish and marlin are regularly reeled in on deep-sea fishing excursions. Kayak along sun-kissed shores as you watch the sun sink below the horizon of this unspoilt Indian Ocean oasis.

Mozambique has the longest stretch of Indian Ocean coastline in Africa, more than 1,500 miles of unspoilt beaches, fabulous dive and snorkelling spots, and some superb beachside hotels and resorts. Ilha de Mozambique is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but there are many other less well known sites which are equally magical.

The White Pearl resort is a slice of heaven, set beside the sandy dunes of southern Mozambique. Each of the luxurious suites is built into the hillside to make the most of the ocean views, and you will fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. It is a place primarily to come for relaxation, but if you do get fidgety sitting around, White Pearl offers sea safaris, pinnacle reef diving, and turtle watching too.

Some of the finest dive sites in East Africa are along the Mozambican at Nuarro. The lodge here is backed by wild bush, and mile and a half long beach with perfect white sand stretches out to the front. There are dive courses for beginners, and more advanced divers can explore the reef at their leisure. The house reef is just a couple of hundred feet from the beach, and it is packed with butterfly fish and damsel fish, crabs, lobsters and brittle stars. And yes, fresh seafood is always on the menu!

The Praio do Tofo is also a superb beach destination for those interested in Mozambique’s marine wildlife. Here you can swim amongst the manta ray, whale and leopard shark, and also watch pods of whale from the beach or out on a boat trip. The Marine Megafauna Foundation has a research base here, undertaking important conservation research, and the sunset cruises in traditional wooden dhows are a dream.