This post may contain affiliate links which means we may get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure for details.
"Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission."
Quirimbas Islands Mozambique
The Quirimbas Islands is one of the best islands in Mozambique. The most unspoiled and undiscovered beaches in Mozambique are in these islands, offering many activities both above and under the surface of the crystal-clear waters.
In the Quirimbas Islands, there are Colonial ruins enclosed by rain forest and surrounded by coral reefs boasting azure seas for hundreds of marine animals.
The Island is bound by the Indian Ocean off the northern coast of Mozambique and is well known for its zen-like feel.
The Islands are a subset of the unique Quirimbas national park which encompasses beautiful forest, secluded islands, turquoise waters, and supports endangered species below the aqua waterline.
Anantara Medjumbe Island
Imagine an island so small that you can walk from one end to the other in 15 minutes. Medjumbe Island is only 1 km long and 500 meters wide. It is owned by Anantara Medjumbe, an exclusive resort that promises nothing but the best the small island has to offer.
Related Content | The Ultimate Mozambique Travel Guide
Best Accommodation in Anantara Medjumbe: Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort
Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort is the only resort on the entire island. This luxurious resort aims to create a utopian atmosphere in a paradise.
The 13 thatched wooden chalets are beach lodges fully equipped with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, beautiful kitchens, and terraces with panoramic views.
Besides the rooms, the hotel’s restaurant and bar will take your rest and relaxation up a notch. Jahazi Restaurant serves a fine collection of local and international cuisine with mostly Portuguese inspired meals.
However, the Bahari Lounge Bar is the opposite; a casual restaurant best for drinks and entertainment.
And as you might have guessed, the hotel also has a spa and an outdoor plunge pool overlooking the turquoise blue beach.
This resort is the perfect getaway for those looking to be one with nature while soaking in the seat of luxury. As expected, this exclusive resort offers the only way to participate in organized activities, should you need to.
The team at Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort has done an outstanding job offering a plethora of options for visitors. Let’s take a look at what their packages comprise.
Related Content | andBeyond Benguerra Island Mozambique: A First Look at Luxury
Top 5 Activities in Anantara Medjumbe Island
Scuba Diving
The coral reefs around Medjumbe are part of the northern Mozambique Channel, boasting an incredibly rich marine life.
This area is especially abundant in dolphins, and several species of small fish. The guided diving tours also vary in the water depth so you can participate in activities based on your skill level.
Water Sports
The island invites visitors to take their water sports adventure to the next level. There are various water activities you can enjoy including wakeboarding, waterskiing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding.
Water sports gears are provided by the tour company and are tailored to you based on your experience. Outside the bar is a highly recommended snorkeling spot that visitors are encouraged to visit.
Fishing Charter
Catch-and-release fishing is just as popular in Medjumbe as anywhere else around the Quirimbas Archipelago. From yellowfin tuna to great barracuda, this conservation-friendly type of fishing helps gets you closer to the marine wildlife without disrupting its routine.
With a fixed limit on the number of people allowed on the fishing boats at any one time, you will get the maximum attention from your seasoned tour guides while on engaging in this exciting experience.
Sunset Cruise on Local Dhow Safari
An island getaway in Mozambique cannot be complete without a romantic dhow cruise. Get on board with your loved ones, order snacks, and drinks, and witness the transitioning colors in the sky as the sun disappears beyond the horizon.
Ibo Island Tours
Anantara Medjumbe also organizes a daily getaway to the nearby Ibo Island and introduces you to the quirky local life, where traditional practices from centuries ago still exist.
You will meet a lot of interesting people from local witch doctors to artisans making traditional face masks. The tribal customs of the Kimwani people will take you back in time as if you went on a time machine.
Tip for Visiting Anantara Medjumbe Island
For the water-related activities, check with the guides or the hotel reception. Cyclone Idai and Kenneth were more devastating than expected for this small island, so the hotel crew is taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of the guests. As always, don’t go out into the ocean when there is a high tide.
Related Content
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
Packing List Mozambique: Your Mozambique Travel Checklist
Gorongosa National Park Detailed Guide
Pemba, Mozambique: Ultimate City Guide & Safety Tips for Pemba Travel
Beira Mozambique Travel Guide: Your Best Mozambique Tourism
Ibo Island Mozambique
The island of mysteries, Ibo Island, is the best-kept secret of Mozambique. It almost feels like life is ten times slower and thousand years backward, in a good way. Amongst the signature Portuguese ruins, the local life continues in an incredibly laid-back atmosphere.
Ibo Island not only presents the tropical wonders of Mozambique, but it also introduces you to a part of Mozambique you have never seen.
Accommodations in Ibo Island
Ibo Island Lodge
The lodge is built on a historic site with buildings dating back to the 16th century. Preserving the historical texture, the updated facility exposes you to top-notch luxury with its private beach, a rooftop restaurant, infinity pool, bar, and rooms equipped with all the essential amenities.
Cinco Portas Lodge
This boutique lodge is a great alternative to luxury hotels with its budget rooms, central location, and access to all the possible attractions in Ibo and the surrounding islands.
Miti Miwiri
This vibrant hotel is also in a central location near the Portuguese Heritage sites. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a lounge, dry cleaning services, a conference center, and a continental breakfast that will take your feet off the ground.
Related Content | Bazaruto Archipelago Mozambique: Where Luxury Travel Meets Adventure
Top 5 Activities in Ibo Island
Explore the Town
Ibo Island was one of a busy trade center that saw everything from slaves to spices and foreign merchants from the Arab Peninsula, China, Portugal, and India. Their traces can still be observed within the mainly Portuguese architectural heritage.
There are churches, mosques, cemeteries, and many other colonial buildings that will blur your sense of location and time. You can join guided walking tours to even talk to elderly locals who witnessed the last bit of the Portuguese era.
Diving
Feeling adventurous? Go diving or learn how to dive at Ibo Island Lodge’s PADI-certified diving center. Once you’ve got your heart’s satisfaction diving, you can embark on a diving adventure around the coral reefs.
You will see all kinds of creatures from stingrays to parrotfish. However, the highlight of the diving tours is the historic wreckage of a sunken ship.
Dhow Cruises
Ibo Island Lodge offers both daily and multi-day cruises. The daily cruise tours take you to the nearby coral reefs for snorkeling, while the multi-day ones sail off around the smaller islands such as Matemo Island, Vamizi Island and Rolas Island.
The best time to do a dhow cruise is during the warm, tropical weather June to October – An uncrowded playground for divers and tourists looking to relax on the quiet beach.
Kayaking
If you are more of an independent traveler, you can wander among the mangroves by kayaking. Kayaks are available for rent at Miti Miwiri.
If you are unsure of your skills, you can even hire a local guide to help you with paddling around the Ibo Bay. Paddling along the human-made historic trade canal to Quirimba Island is a great alternative.
Island Hopping – Hike to Quirimba Island
You might wonder how it is possible to hop from one island to another. The low-tide makes it feasible. All the options listed under kayaking are available on foot.
Local guides at Miti Miwiri will help you walk the sea to Quirimba Island, where you can have a brief tour of the ruins and the Quirimba Channel.
Tips for Visiting Ibo Island
The island is one of the 32 islands in Africa. Ibo Island has bikes available for rent to explore the island leisurely.
Like they say, “stop and smell the roses.” At Ibo Island, take a moment to observe over 400 bird species while wandering or kayaking through the mangroves. You will see many flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers, goliath herons, and woodpeckers.
Related Content | Best of Maputo, Mozambique Travel and Tourism
Conclusion: Why Visit the Islands in Mozambique
The islands of Mozambique may not be as famous and vibrant as the mainland Mozambique, but they are the plot twists to your perfect Mozambique trip.
Of these islands, it would be best if you visited the Quirimbas Islands, Anantara Medjumbe Island, and Ibo Island for the most transparent waters of Mozambique, the freshest of seafood, the most tranquil beaches, and the most exciting watersports on one of Africa’s most exciting beach resort.
You will be sure to have an unforgettable experience at this world heritage cultural site.
