KAYAK EXPEDITION TO QUIRIMBA ARCHIPELAGO plus SCENIC HELICOPTER TRANSFER TO ILHA DA MOZAMBIQUE

DURATION : 12 DAYS

Two local fishermen enjoy a day at work on a colourful largely uninhabited stretch of coastline. These men pick bait from the rocks and use a hook and line tied to a bamboo pole to catch fish amongst the reef and surf...

As featured in National Geographic "Best of Africa 2005", Jakera have mapped out one of the first guided kayaking expeditions along Mozambique's remote north coast. This 12 day expedition is a custom trip through Northern Mozambique combining dhow-supported kayaking through the Quirimba Archipelago with a stay on Ilha da Mozambique.  The trip blends true expedition-style travel through a region that has only recently opened up to the outside world, with luxury breaks, lodge stays and camping on sparsely populated/deserted islands.  The locations visited range from uninhabited tropical islands to traditional fishing villages, remarkable cultural sites, 5 star hotel stays and the best of Mozambique’s lodge accommodations.  Activities include diving, fly-fishing & trolling, kayaking, dhow trips and cultural tours.  Diving options include natural sites just now being dived for the first time, Portuguese shipwrecks and the possibility of an archaeological dive on newly discovered sites.   This is an rare opportunity to visit a part of Africa that has just begun to open up to visitors for the first time in a generation.

This expedition can be shortened (or extended) depending on your requirements. There are two guides for the trip - one local guide with outstanding regional knowledge and experience, and a kayak and safety expert. 

Please note that a trip of this nature can be subject to influences such as weather and personal abilities.  It is possible that the itinerary may need to be juggled en-route to accommodate these factors. 

This itinerary includes a helicopter transfer to Ilha da Mozambique giving a low-level flight over a rarely visited coastline comprising lagoons and islands and natural harbours and the opportunity to stop in remote villages along the way. In other respects it is based on the expedition described as 'Mozambique Quirimbas 12 Days including 5 Star Resorts & Scuba'...

ITINERARY

Day 1               Arrive Pemba International Airport, Northern Mozambique. Transfer to 5 star Pemba Beach Hotel.            

Day 2-3            Air Transfer to Ilha Medjumbe. Two nights 5 star accommodation.  Introduction to kayaking and the island. Fly-fishing for Pompano and Trevally from the sand-spit.  Diving.  Kayak trip to neighbouring Ilha Quissanga (an island inhabited only by local fishermen).

Day 4               Kayak/Dhow journey to Ilha Macaloe, an uninhabited island recently declared a conservation zone.  Camping.  Explore empty beaches, snorkel fringing reefs, beach-time.

Day 5&6            Kayak/Dhow journey to Ilha das Rolas (World Wildlife Fund island inhabited by approximately 20 people - local fishermen and their families who live traditional lifestyle, fishing from sailing dugouts and trading with the mainland.)  Continuation to Ilha Matemo. Two nights of 5 star accommodation.  Village tour, fly-fishing option, beach-time. 

Day 7               Kayak/dhow journey to Ilha Banditos (exposed sand-only island surrounded by blue water and reefs - idyllic deserted island.)  Continuation to Ibo Island; old slave trading port rich in history and now resembling a life-size museum untouched for decades.  Explore the old Portuguese town, watch silversmiths creating jewellery in the old fort, and explore the mangroves by kayak. Comfortable lodge stay. 

Day 8               Dhow transfer to mainland. Helicopter transfer to Ilha da Mozambique – low level flight over remarkable coastline of lagoons, islands and villages.  Opportunities for stop-offs in remote villages en-route.

Day 9-11           Ilha da Mozambique - once capital of Mozambique, old gold, ivory and slave trading port and possibly Mozambique's most captivating, vibrant, atmospheric destination.  Lodge stay in beautifully renovated Portuguese ruin, soak up the atmosphere of this bustling settlement.  Diving on Portuguese shipwreck, opportunities at your discretion for fly-fishing, dhow journeys to neighbouring islands, bays, beaches and villages, explore the labyrinth streets and alleyways, dhow-building yard, markets, whale-watching from motorized dhow. 

Day 12              Road transfer to Nampula. Return flight.

Price:               US$ 7,750 [EURO € 6,400/GBP £ 4,400] (min 4 persons) 

NOTES : Quoted prices include:  All accommodations, all transfers, equipment, up to 6 dives, meals, and guides. Quoted prices do not include:  Airport taxes, alcoholic beverages, personal items, additional activities not on itinerary, flights to Pemba/from Nampula.

SUGGESTED PERSONAL ITEMS

·          Wide brimmed hat & Sunscreen!

·          Shorts & 2 T-Shirts

·          Lightweight long-sleeved shirt and trousers

·          Swimmers

·          Sport Sandals

·          Sunglasses

·          Compact Toiletries

·          Sleeping Bag

·          Pack-towel or sarong

·          Insect Repellent

·          Camera

·          Mask/Snorkel/Fins (or we can provide if you prefer)