What to do and Where to Stay the Quirimbas and Pemba

Extraordinary Africa>Mozambique>Quirimbas and Pemba

Getting to a beach holiday in the Quirimbas Archipelago is – quite frankly- a bit of a pain. Last time we went we flew to Nairobi. Then we headed on to Dar es Salaam. After a night of being blissfully spoilt in the care of the incomparable Oyster Bay Hotel, we took yet another flight to Pemba- the jumping off point for most of the islands. Was it worth it? Unquestionably. Absolutely. We’d do it again in a heartbeat.

The islands here are utterly ravishing- the sort of place where you might catch a tuna one lazy afternoon, and eat it as sashimi alongside your evening cocktail. Where you’d see turtles hatching on the beach, and be dazzled by phosphorescence as you took a midnight swim. Try Vamizi and Azura Quilalea for serious exclusivity, or Ibo for an incomparable insight into coastal culture. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dhow (or if you’re fit, a kayak) and explore the archipelago for a few days, visiting remote islands and temporary fishing camps.