MOZAMBIQUE - A VERY SPECIAL DESTINATION

SYMBOL: WildLife Adventures manages several community projects on Ibo Island, and our involvement is ongoing. Contact us for full details.

Of all the countries we travel in, Mozambique remains a firm favorite.
From the completely undeveloped north to the pristine new resorts of the south, WildLife Adventures can plan it all for you effortlessly. Contact us for expert knowledge on the array of stunning options in Mozambique.

For Something Completely Unique: Northern Mozambique:
Explore Northern Mozambique with WildLife Adventures. We were the first to operate adventure, diving, cultural and island safaris in the region, and have been actively involved with the community of Ibo Island since 1995.

Adventures to the north are tailor made to suit your exact wishes and interests. Combinations of activities can include scuba diving, snorkeling, game fishing, whale and dolphin watching; island hopping and exploring, mangrove excursions and historical dhow cruises and safaris.

Cultural exchanges are abundant and you will have the chance to interact with the islanders, and catch a glimpse of an ancient lifestyle. With an amazing variety of bird life the archipelago is also an ornithological paradise.
This is a hands on adventure where it must be understood that facilities are sometimes rustic, but the experience unrivalled!

There are 27 islands (the Querimba Archipelago) between Pemba and the Rio Rovuma, the river that forms the border with Tanzania. This area remains one of the last undeveloped jewels of Africa.



Discover some of the most exciting and undiscovered dive sites anywhere on the planet. Visit islands with pristine turquoise waters. Catch sight of turtles, sharks, dolphins, whales and amazing species of fish. Perhaps you'll even be fortunate enough to see a green turtle coming to lay her eggs on the beach.

Pemba – Northern Mozambique:

Pemba town sits at the mouth of the world’s second largest natural harbor. It boasts 2 beach front hotels, a PADI dive school and water sports. The reef is within striking distance of the beach, allowing safe swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and diving. There are regular flights from Johannesburg to Pemba or neighboring Dar - Es Salaam. For most people however Pemba is the gateway to the 27 stunning islands that make up the alluring and secretive Querimba Archipelago.

Transfers to the islands with WildLife Adventures are by either by boat or 4X4 through awesome interior rural villages and pristine bush to the tiny fishing village of Tanganyanga. Visitors here are a complete novelty and the villagers will turn out to watch and wave. We will have timed it just right for a high tide crossing by traditional dhow. Bound for paradise and adventure.

Ibo Island
There is a place where time has stood still, and people live pretty much the way they always have done for hundreds of years. This place is Ibo Island, or as the locals call it ‘Ilha Do Ibo.’ Nestled in the awesome Querimba Archipelago of northern Mozambique, Ibo has to be one of the most fascinating and idyllic islands you could dream of visiting.

In the 17th and18th century Ibo was a prosperous and important slave trading post, and the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado. Grand colonial administration buildings lined its streets, and three majestic forts stood guard over the sea. This little mangrove, coral and palm-fringed island was a place of slaves, pirates, ivory and intrigue.

When the capital was moved to the mainland of Pemba (the then Porto Amelia) Ibo fell into decline and today retains its boundless secrets, history and culture.

Present day Ibo still boasts her forts, a beautiful old catholic church and numerous ancient administration buildings. Access is difficult, and the island gets only a few visitors. It is however the mysterious and idyllic atmosphere that we think makes it so special.

Bella Vista Lodge
WildLife Adventures has restored a magnificent waterfront residence on Ibo Island. Accommodation is rustic and the sun sets right in front of our ample veranda and roof top terrace. The Gin and Tonics are cold and you can enjoy the freshest of seafood: Tiger prawns, crab, fish, and lobster. There are no motorcars or modern day disturbances and at night the island is romantically lit with lanterns. You will be free to explore, immerse yourself in the culture and step right back in time.

Scuba Diving:
You can expect to see all coral reef species typical of the Indian Ocean region. Game fish are the feature, with sightings of yellow fin tuna, dogtooth tuna, marlin, manta rays, eight species of shark (to date), huge schools of feeding barracuda, king fish of many species, red snappers, green and hawksbill turtles, not to mention the hump backed whales in season (July to September).

Island Hopping: Scuba Diving / Fishing / Snorkeling / Exploring
We will travel through mangrove canals where local fishermen catch prawns and giant crabs. Brilliant bird life abounds with storks, egrets and herons roosting in the mangrove branches. Excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities, great beaches and a chance to explore the remote coral coast and islands surrounding Ibo.

There can be included scuba dives during these days and itineraries are always flexible and tailored to your exact wishes. The fishing during these days is also a highlight, and you can expect to catch large game fish like tuna and kingfish. Overnight accommodation whilst island hopping will be beach camps set up on various pristine islands.

Dhow Culture
Most local transportation is still by ancient Arab dhow, and this sailing culture is an integral part of the lives of the people of northern Mozambique. The islands receive dhows from as far north as Kenya and Zanzibar. This is an ancient trading route that was opened up by the Arabs at least 1000 years ago and continues more or less unchanged today. Dhow safaris are also available to the surrounding islands.

Southern Mozambique
This region is much more developed for tourism than the north. Itineraries can be designed to include Maputo, and its gracious hotels like the famous Polana, Vilanculos, the Bazaruto Archipelago which boast some very up market options and much more. There is a vast array of resorts, hotels, lodges, and camps to suit all tastes and budgets. Activities also include diving, water sports, horse riding, game and sports fishing, kayaking, quad biking and more.

Mozambique is like nowhere else in Africa and we look forward to helping you plan your adventure. Contact us for full details of special departures, packages and options on offer with WildLife Adventures.

“Every man ought to be inquisitive through every hour of his great adventure down to the day when he shall no longer cast a shadow in the sun. For if he dies without a question in his heart, what excuse is there for his continuance?"
- Frank Moore Colby, The Colby Essays