Quirimbas Archipelago
The Quirimbas National Park is located in the Cabo Delgado Province, Northern Mozambique. The 32 islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago are among the most undiscovered islands in the world that makes them simply the most exciting new destination in Africa.
The marine section of the Park contains the 11 Southernmost islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago. The 11 islands included in the park are the following: Quipaco, Quisiwe, Mefundvo, Quilalea, Sencar, Quirimba, Ibo, Quirambo, Fion, Matemo, and Ilha das Rolas.
The islands are composed of fossil coral rock and have lush vegetation and mangrove swamps. They support a wide variety of wading birds and turtles. Some of the charming islands in the south include a vast expanse of enchanted forest in the Quirimbas National Park. Feeding and nesting grounds for the park's delightful population of sea turtles, dugong, dolphins, sharks and whales are found here. |
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These islands feature phenomenal vertical drop-offs, some up to 400 meters. These walls are abundant with coral covered caves and tropical fish ranging from gobies to mammoth Napoleon Wrasse and game fish including Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel.
The Quirimbas have enormous cultural and historical value, with a combination of Arabian, Portuguese, and African influences. The magnificent old fortresses on Ibo Island boast intriguing historical and fascinating sites. With mangroves, coral and palms, this island tells a story of slaves, pirates and ivory.
This new park is a conservation jewel, boasting an exciting mosaic of wildlife, and helping protect one of the richest areas of coral reef in the world. The park combines important terrestrial and marine components, protecting a rich array of coastal forests and mangroves, coral reefs and sea grass beds, as well as charismatic species such as dugongs, marine turtles, whales, dolphins and sharks. The park also includes the St Lazarus Bank-a world-class diving spot, 42 nautical miles off the coast.
The Quirimbas National Park is one of the most important and biodiverse marine regions in the world.
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