KAYAK EXPEDITION TO QUIRIMBA ARCHIPELAGO

DURATION : 11 DAYS

After a hard days paddle let the dhow take the strain and enjoy an idyllic sunset in a part of the world time has left behind...

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 11 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 locations visited range from uninhabited tropical islands to traditional fishing villages, remarkable cultural sites, and Mozambique lodge accommodations.  Activities include snorkelling, fly-fishing & trolling, kayaking, dhow trips and cultural tours.  Diving options are available and 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 is a very similar but more keenly priced version of the expedition described as 'Mozambique Quirimbas 12 Days including 5 Star Resorts & Scuba', but with the 5 Star Resort and Scuba elements stripped out...  

The 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 mid-afternoon. Transfer ‘Russels’ – a unique original accommodation in Pemba run by a very friendly congenial Aussie called Russel! Here you have bucket showers and long drop toilets – but in a great setting. Accommodation is a basic but nice cabin.  Welcome and briefing. 

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

Day 3               Kayak/Dhow journey to Ilha Macaloe, an uninhabited island recently declared a conservation zone.  Camping.  Explore empty beaches, snorkel fringing reefs, beach-time. 

Day 4               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.)  Camping on this island – encounter with local families. 

Day 5               Kayak/Dhow journey to Ilha Banditos (exposed sand-only island surrounded by blue water and reefs - idyllic deserted island).  Continuation to Ibo Island; an 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 6               Dhow day sail around Ibo, and north to the mainland. Several stopovers to encounter local people. 

Day 7               Kayak to mainland, jeep transfer to Pemba on rough track (through traditional villages and remarkable landscape studded with imposing Baobab trees.)  Accommodation at Russels. 

Days 8-10         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 is available 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 11              Road transfer to Nampula. Return flight

Price:               US$ 4,500 [EURO € 3,750/GBP £ 2,550] (min 4 persons) 

NOTES : Quoted prices include:  All accommodations, all transfers, equipment, 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)