KAYAK EXPEDITION TO QUIRIMBA ARCHIPELAGO

DURATION : 12 DAYS

Sailing into the sunrise after a night on the water... on the north coast of Mozambique, particularly in the Quirimba Archipelago, Dhow is the main mode of transport.

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. 

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. Camping out. 

Day 5               Kayak/Dhow journey to Ilha de Blanco (or Ilha das Rolaso) – World Wildlife Fund islands inhabited by approximately 20 people (local fishermen and their families who live traditional lifestyle, fishing from sailing dugouts and trading with the mainland.). Camping out. 

Day 6               Kayak/dhow journey 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 7-8            Kayak/dhow journey to Ilha Banditos (exposed sand-only island surrounded by blue water and reefs - idyllic deserted island.)  Continuation to Ilha Matemo.  Village tour, fly-fishing option, beach-time. Scenic low level flight over the southern Archipelago to Pemba. Two nights of 5 star accommodation. 

Day 9-11           Road transfer to 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$ 6,950 [EURO € 5,750/GBP £ 4,000] (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)