Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
US$530; )
. Accommodation is in 13 thatched wooden chalets set directly on the
sand. Diving and fishing are available just offshore.
Unlike Medjumbe, which is unpopulated except for the resort, the much larger island of
Matemo, north of Ibo, has been inhabited for generations and was an important centre for
cloth manufacture into the 17th century. Today villages dot much of the north and interior
of the island. The upmarket
Matemo Island Resort
(
www.matemoresort.com
;
per person
with full board from US$440; )
has two dozen chalets, all with sliding glass doors
opening onto the beach, indoor and outdoor showers and Moorish overtones in the com-
mon areas. It's also possible to arrange camping on Matemo at Sr Dade's campsite near
Matemo Island Resort; the best contact for this is Miti Miwiri (
Click here
)
on Ibo.
Both Medjumbe Island Resort and Matemo Island Resort are run by Rani Africa, which
also runs the Pemba Beach Hotel (
Click here
)
in Pemba and Lugenda Bush Camp (
Click
VAMIZI, RONGUI & MACALÓÈ
These three islands are part of a privately funded, community based conservation project.
For now, only Vamizi has accommodation, with lodges on Rongui and Macalóè and an in-
land luxury bush lodge planned.
Historically, the most important of the three islands was Vamizi, a narrow, paradisal
crescent about midway between Moçimboa da Praia and Palma at the northernmost end of
the archipelago. It was long a Portuguese and Arabic trading post and there are ruins of an
old Portuguese fort at its western end, plus a large village and several stunning beaches to
the north and east. All three islands are important seasonal fishing bases.
Vamizi Island Lodge
(
www.vamizi.com
; per person with full board & activities
US$1250)
is a 24-bed luxury getaway on a long arc of spectacular white sand draped
along Vamizi's northern edge, and one of the most beautiful places to relax along the
northern Mozambican coast. The 13 spacious beach chalets have large, open sitting areas
and private verandas, plus all the comforts you could want, presented in a tasteful and
low-key way. There's diving and snorkelling offshore. Deep-sea fishing, walks - includ-
ing to some hawksbill and green turtle nesting areas - and birding excursions can be ar-
ranged.
