Our itinerary in Mozambique
Mozambique is mainly famous for its pristine and wild beaches bathed by an incredible clear sea where it’s not too difficult to spot dolphins, whales and colourful fish. We focused our trip on the Quirimbas Archipelago, a group of 32 islands of different size, off to the coast of northern Mozambique. The islands are a real paradise not touched yet by the mass tourism and feature unspoiled vegetation, white beaches, crystal clear water and rich marine life. The trip was amazing but difficult as we moved around only using the local transport and cruising the island paying a local fisherman.
Itinerary
Day 1: NAMPULA – ILHA DE MOCAMBIQUE (by Chapas)
Day 2: ILHA DE MOCAMBIQUE – GOA ISLAND – ILHA DE MOCAMBIQUE (by fishing boat)
Day 3: ILHA DE MOCAMBIQUE – SETE PAUS ISLAND – PRAIA CARRUSCA (by fishing boat)
Day 4: CARRUSCA – NAMIALO – NACAROA – METORO – METUGE – QUISSANGA – ILHA DO IBO (Chapas to Namialo, then Bus to Pemba getting down at Quissanga intersection; 4×4 with a local to Quissanga, motorised boat to Ibo)
Day 5: ILHA DO IBO
Day 6: ILHA DO IBO – SANDBANK ISLAND – ILHA DO IBO (by fishing boat)
Day 7: ILHA DO IBO – QUIRIMBA ISLAND – ILHA DO IBO (hike and fishing boat)
Day 8: ILHA DO IBO – MATEMO ISLAND (fishing boat)
Day 9: MATEMO – ILHA MOGUNDULA – PANGANE (fishing boat)
Day 10: PANGANE – MACALOE – PANGANE (fishing boat)
Day 11: PANGANE – MACOMIA – PEMBA (by chapas)
Day 12: PEMBA
Day 13: PEMBA
Day 14: PEMBA – NAMPULA (flight)
Need to know about the Quirimbas Islands
| 1. When to go
The best season for visiting the country is during the dry months from May/June to September/October when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. On the other hand, the hot and rainy season is from November to March. 2. Mean of transports We did the trip using local carriers, and it was a journey on the journey. You never know when they depart or arrive at the destination either, but, above all, they are always crowded, and you feel like to be in a sardine box. We took big buses, a small van (called Chapas), and a fishing boat to sail through the Quirimbas Archipelago. There is no ticket office or timetable for the buses or Chapas, therefore ask the local when you reach the bus station. We haggled the price for the fishing boat with a local fisherman directly on Ilha do Ibo. Alternatively, if you want to make it easier, you can contact one of the few accommodations on the island of Ibo and arrange with them your tour through the Archipelago. We suggest contacting Miti Miwiri, a friendly and affordable accommodation managed by a German man who has been living on the island for many years. The closest city (and airport) to the archipelago is the beautiful Pemba. However, in the last year, the area of Cabo Delgado has been classified as “dangerous” by the authorities. Therefore, the safest way to reach Ibo Island is by flight from Pemba. 3. Accommodations Medium range. We booked directly on the spot. Anyways, you can have a look at Booking.com. 4. Restaurants We mostly ate in small local restaurants; anyway, on Ibo Island, you have to eat in your accommodation or move to another hotel restaurant as there are no restaurants. 5. Currency exchange We have to change your currency (better if US dollars) in the bank of the big cities (Nampula, Pemba, Ilha de Mocambique). The accommodations often accept US dollars too. We never leave without insurance since it’s the most important thing when travelling. We got our comprehensive protection with Worldnomads.com. |
