Virtually unknown to the outside world
and undisturbed for centuries there is a place where
time has stood still - Ibo Island. Nestled in the
awesome Quirimbas Archipelago, and nominated for
World Heritage status, Ibo is an island that is beautiful,
remote and untouched by commercial developments and
one of the most intriguing, idyllic and romantic
islands you could dream of visiting.
Two forts guard Ibo, one of them a magnificent
example of Portuguese architecture in the 1800s,
the other reduced to a ruin. Yet Ibo itself remains
a bustling local centre, silversmiths still practicing
their fine work outside these forts to offer unique
mementos of a special place in Africa.
Three forts, a beautiful old catholic church and
numerous ancient trading buildings stand guard over
the sea. Pirates, ivory, intrigue and the never to
be forgotten slave trade are a part of this tiny
palm-fringed coral island's history. Boundless
secrets, history and culture are still contained
amongst the marvelous ruins, which date back to the
early 1500s.
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Ibo's indigenous inhabitants, the Macua and Makonde people,
have fished and navigated the mangrove swamps in dugout
canoes since time immemorial.
How to get there?
LAM – Return flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
SA Airlink – Return flights on Saturdays only.
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Ibo Island Lodge is located on the prime waterfront site, where romantic dhows sail out to sea on each high tide. The lodge encompasses three magnificent mansions each over one hundred years old with walls over a meter thick and lofty high ceilings. The three mansions of Ibo Island Lodge are called Villa Paradiso, Villa Niassa and Villa Bela Vista.
Accommodation is split between Paradiso and Niassa only - Bela Vista is the public area of the lodge and houses the Lodge's restaurant, shop and the main pool in the main garden. All bedrooms are individually designed and unique, with many opening onto private verandas, decked with hand crafted furniture and soft cushions covered in vibrant local fabrics. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, large windows for sea breeze, King size extra length hand crafted bed with mosquito net, indigenous teak and mahogany handcrafted furniture, solid mahogany wardrobe with hangers, chest safe with lock, brass and antique fittings, linen gown, hair dryer and en-suite facilities with twin basins and large marble showers. Some have baths and outside showers.
The lodge has two swimming pools set in tropical gardens planted with frangipani, bougainvillea and palm trees. The lounge is perfect for reading or taking tea in the afternoons and there is a private dining room as well as a roof terrace restaurant with an open-air lounge area for after dinner drinks under the stars. Traditional specialities are produced using fresh local vegetables and seafood. Romantic dinners are served on the tranquil verandas or on the rooftop terrace with beautiful views over the island.
Power at Ibo Island lodge is supplied by two generators. Power is available at certain times of the day and night and hours are subject to change according to weather and lodge requirements.
Activities: Scuba Diving / Snorkeling / Guided Historical tours / Fishing / Dhow sailing trips / Sunset Cruises / Island walks / Kayaking / Cultural and community interactions / Massag
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What to see
Probably the most compelling attraction in the Quirimbas,
Ibo's 200-year-old ghost town and 16th Century forts make
for a fascinating journey to an era long forgotten.
Three forts, a cathedral, and numerous palatial homes once
graced the town. The main fort overlooks the entrance to
the harbour. It is constructed in the form of a pentagon.
Ancient cannons still grace the ramparts, though the fort
is now inhabited by silversmiths who make jewellery using
ancient Arab techniques and tools — blowpipes, charcoal,
lemon juice, and tiny metal files.
What to do
The Ibo Island historical experience
A remarkable, often emotional journey recounting the history
of Ibo. Guided historical and cultural activities enable
guests to immerse themselves in the unchanged, ancient culture
of Ibo and the rare chance to interact with the wonderfully
hospitable islanders.
Unique mangrove excursion
Fully guided, guests will be taken into Ibo's lush,
fertile mangrove channels to understand more about this
precious ecosystem and the outstanding bird and marine life
it supports.
Sea kayaking in
calm flat waters
A chance to navigate winding channels with breathtaking
scenery or island hop safely under the expert leadership
of your guide. With an abundance of birdlife Ibo is also
an ornithological paradise.
Whales watching
Humpback whales protect their calves in the calm waters
surrounding Ibo. Excellent sightings are possible in season
from August to early November before they migrate.
Traditional sailing
dhow safaris and cruises
Take a sunset cruise or day trip on a magnificent teak sailing
dhow.
Scuba diving
The marine area of the Quirimbas National park includes
11 islands and is one of the richest, most biologically
diverse marine environments on earth. An underwater playground
with illuminating and phenomenal drop-offs, walls and coral
caves, you can expect to see all coral species typical of
the Indian Ocean region.
Fishing
The waters surrounding Ibo boast legendary fishing, including
the famous St. Lazarus Banks. Game fish are the feature,
with sightings of yellow fin tuna, dogtooth tuna, marlin,
manta rays, eight species of shark, huge schools of feeding
barracuda, kingfish of many species, red snappers, green
and hawksbill turtles, not to mention the hump backed whales
in season.
Cultural and community
interactive experiences
Several community projects are operated by Ibo Island Lodge.
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