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Ibo Island Lodge
Ibo Island / Quirimbas Archipelago Lodge Accommodation
Ibo Island lodge is located on the prime waterfront site, where romantic dhows sail out to sea on each high tide. The lodge encompasses magnificent mansions each over one hundred years old with walls over a meter thick and lofty high ceilings.
Some rooms are sea facing, and some are garden facing. All rooms are air-conditioned and also have ceiling fans. All are individually designed and unique.
The wide verandas are furnished with hand crafted furniture and soft cushions.
The lodge has two swimming pools set in tropical gardens, an air-conditioned lounge and private dinning room as well as a roof terrace restaurant with an open-air lounge area for after dinner drinks under the stars.
Ibo is a potential World Heritage Site and therefore the rooms have been designed to incorporate the original architecture of the buildings.
Activities
Guests partake in a multitude of experiences: beach, sail, swim or fish. Become immersed in the unchanged, ancient culture of Ibo and the rare chance to interact with wonderfully hospitable islanders, or simply relax, refresh the senses and soak up the romantic atmosphere.
Special activities will enable guests to immerse themselves in the
unchanged, ancient culture of Ibo and the rare chance to interact with
the wonderfully hospitable islanders. Fully guided activities include:
BEACH / SWIM / SNORKEL: One of the most beautiful and pristine beach in
the
Quirimbas Archipelago is closely accessed from the island, and one
of Ibo’s best kept secrets… A 15 minute motorised boat trip takes you to
the most perfect beach surrounded by sea and totally luxurious in
seclusion. Here you are free to enjoy the dazzling aquamarine clear
waters perfect for snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. A daily transfer
to the beach is included for all guests.
THE
IBO ISLAND HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE: A guided, 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.
UNIQUE GUIDED 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.
HUMPBACK WHALES protect their calves in the calm waters surrounding Ibo.
Excellent sightings are possible from August to early November before
they migrate.
IBO MASSAGE AND HEALING TREATMENTS:
Ibo
Island inspires complete tranquility
and no stay at Ibo Island could be quite complete without experiencing
an Ibo massage.
RELAX AND DE-STRESS:
Ibo
Island offers complete tranquility and you can be as
active or relaxed as you wish: at one of the pools set in our tropical
gardens, on the roof terrace, on your private veranda, or stroll the
island, interact and take in the scenes of Ibo.
TRADITIONAL SAILING DHOW SAFARIS AND CRUISES: Take a cruise on a
magnificent traditional teak sailing dhow.
CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES: Several community projects are operated by Ibo Island Lodge. Our central aims being to achieve long term, sustainable means of generating income and benefits to the communities, and to implement and manage programs that provide training, mentorship and education. These projects work in conjunction with various organizations who ensure that sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity of the region with emphasis on coastal, tidal, coral, mangrove and marine resources are protected.
TOURISM TRAINING AND ENGLISH LITERACY PROJECT:
To provide an ongoing program dedicated to tourism and environmental
education, English literacy and training for the communities at large
with real employment opportunities at the lodge.
Guests are more than welcome to visit our school.
THE MARKET GARDEN AGRICULTURE PROJECT:
Ancient Arab coffee plantations still exist on
Ibo
Island and Ibo hand
grinded and open fire roasted coffee is delicious. Aside from coffee
traditionally the region does not produce much agricultural produce, and
so a small lodge vegetable garden project on Ibo has focused to date on
building skills and capacity with the aim of producing fresh vegetables,
herbs and fruits for the lodge. It is hoped that in time the lodge will
be able to produce all its fresh requirements from the lodge garden.
THE SILVERSMITHS’ JEWELERS PROGRAM:
Traditional silversmiths hand craft exquisite intricate jewellery using
ancient Arab techniques and tools. This jewellery is found no-where else
in the world and guests can observe the art and commission pieces from
the lodges’ silversmiths project. Guests as well as day visitors to Ibo
can learn more about these projects from the lodge.
SCUBA DIVING AND FISHING: Please note that presently Ibo Island Lodge
does NOT offer scuba diving as part of its guest activities. It is
possible for Ibo to arrange diving at neighboring properties subject to
availability. Please contact our Head Office for assistance. A series of
recky dives have been undertaken in the marine area of the
Quirimbas
National park which includes 11 islands and is one of the richest, most
biologically diverse marine environments in Africa. An underwater
playground with illuminating and phenomenal drops offs, walls and coral
covered caves. You can expect to see all coral reef species typical of
the Indian Ocean region. Game fish are the feature, with sightings of
yellow fin tuna, dogtooth tuna, marlin, manta rays, eight species of
shark (to date), huge schools of feeding barracuda, king fish of many
species, red snappers, green and hawksbill turtles, not to mention the
hump backed whales in season. Fishing: the waters surrounding Ibo boast
legendary fishing with dogtooth tuna, numerous species of kingfish,
marlin, sailfish, mackerel and the famous bonefish all featuring. The
renowned fishing at St. Lazarus banks ranks highly alongside myth and
legend and is amongst some of the best in world. Contact us for further
assistance for diving and fishing at neighboring properties.
History
For the last 500 years Ibo Island was a prosperous and important trading post along the coast of East Africa. Grand colonial administration buildings lined its streets, and three majestic forts stood guard over the sea. This little coral and palm-fringed island has a turbulent history of slave trading, pirates, and intrigue. The ruins date back to the early 1500s and Africans share their history with Arabs, Indians and Portuguese.Nick Maes writing for the Guardian wrote ‘It is quite unlike anywhere I've ever visited. If you took Gabriel García Márquez's village of Macondo from A Hundred Years Of Solitude and transported it from the Catholic legend of South America to Africa's eastern flank, then you would go some way to understanding Ibo's overwhelming magic’.
Kate Humble writing for the Independent wrote of Ibo Island: The highlight of the island is the town itself. I can't think of another place in Africa remotely like it. It has that air of romantic dilapidation that Zanzibar Town possessed until it was lost among crowds of bikini-clad Italians and fumes from 1,000 mopeds. Here we had the streets almost to ourselves, and could wander among the faded grandeur, finding beautifully carved doors, delicately chiselled lintels, the remains of tiles and rich paintwork, and even ivory inlay in wooden panels.
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More Information:
- Air transfer from Pemba to Ibo 1 way: US$ 140
- Air transfer from Pemba to Ibo and return to Pemba: US$ 280
- Boat transfer: Ibo to either Matemo / Quilaléa / Guludo (min 2 pax), 1 way: US$130
- Ibo airstrip:
Length: 950m, width: 60m, radial: 014
Surface: grass, elevation: sea level, radio freq: 124.1
Runway: 18/36
Rates:
- Rates in South African Rand available, please contact Ibo Lodge below.
- Per person sharing per night US$ 335
- Single Supplement per PP night US$ 100
PEAK SEASON: 1 – 31 August 2009 & 11 December 2009 – 06 January 2010 - Per person sharing per night US$ 360
- Single Supplement per PP night US$ 120
ALL SEASONS: 07 January 2009 - 10 December 2009
Make an Enquiry:
Ibo Island | Mozambique island lodge | Mozambique honeymoon accommodation | Mozambique accommodation | Luxury accommodation Mozambique | Quirimbas Archipelago | World heritage site | Mozambique lodge accommodation | Mozambique wedding venue
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| Establishment Information: |
- Ibo airstrip:
S 12 20.8’ / E 040 36. 14’ - Ibo Island accommodation
- Mozambique island accommodation
- Quirimbas Archipelago accommodation
- Honeymoon accommodation
- Family island accommodation
- Pemba accommodation
- Ibo Island Lodge is situated on the Indian Ocean paradise of Ibo Island just 71 nm from mainland Pemba City, northern Mozambique.