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Ibo Island Lodge | Mozambique
[Mozambique Hotels and Accommodation] |
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Ibo Island is the largest island in the Quirimbas archipelago of northern Mozambique, and for the last 500 years it has been a prosperous and important trading post along the coast of East Africa. It has a population of about 3,500 whose main livelihood is fishing. The old town is a world heritage site with colonnaded colonial buildings, terracotta tile roofs and lime-washed coral walls and three majestic forts standing guard over the sea.
Ibo Island Lodge comprises three sensitively restored imposing sea-front mansions, each over a hundred years old with metre-wide walls and lofty high ceilings. Exposed coral and lime walls, solid original teak ceiling beams, large hand carved doors, windows and shutters epitomize the Ibo ambience. Some rooms are sea facing, and some are garden facing and all are air-conditioned and individually designed. The wide verandas are furnished with hand crafted furniture and soft cushions. The lodge has an air-conditioned lounge and private dining room as well as a roof terrace restaurant on the Bela Vista mansion which faces west for unforgettable sunsets. The open-air lounge area is ideal for after dinner drinks under the stars. Ibo’s cuisine features traditional Ibo Island specialities and the freshest of seafood as well as an excellent South African wine list. Outside the lodge offers two swimming pools set in shady lush tropical gardens, with palms, established trees, bougainvillea and frangipani.
This is one of the most fascinating, idyllic islands you could dream of visiting. It is the headquarters of the Quirimbas National Park which encompasses 11 islands but 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.
Complimentary activities at Ibo Island include a boat transfer to Ibo’s perfect powder white sandy beach totally surrounded by sea and very secluded, a guided historical excursion recounting the history of the island and introducing visitors to the island of today and a visit to traditional silversmiths who handcraft exquisite silver jewellery using ancient Arab techniques and tools. Other options include guided Mangrove excursions to understand more about this precious ecosystem and the bird and marine life it supports; sea kayaking; guided bird walks, traditional Dhow cruises at sunset; or a massage in the traditional spa. Ibo is perfect to stroll around and explore by yourself. The islanders are very friendly. The magnificent buildings, people, dhows, birs and people make for a photographer’s paradise. |
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| Family
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Romantic
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Spa
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Walking
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Country: Mozambique
Region: Quirimbas Archipelago
Area: Ibo Island, The Qurimbas Archipelago
Accommodation Rating: Luxury |
Rooms: 10
Meals: Fully Inclusive
Location: Beach
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7 Jan 2008
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10 Dec 2008
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11 Dec 2008
to
6 Jan 2009
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| Per person sharing |
ZAR R 2,283 |
ZAR R 2,554 |
| Prices may be based
on current exchange rates and are subject to change prior to booking. |
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| Contact us for more information or book your trip by clicking on the appropriate button below. One of our consultants will gladly help you with any questions you may have.
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Ginny stayed here in May 2007:
"Ibo Island is the largest island in the Quirimbas and the old town is a potential world heritage site with colonnaded buildings, mostly abandoned as the colonial structures are too expensive for the locals to maintain. The Ibo staff were as apparently effortlessly capable as Vamizi's were clueless. 5 ex-pat Zimbabweans include the chef, head waiter Kissinger, guides Dollar and Harris and Manager, Cassius. Owners Fiona and Kevin Record divide their time between Ibo and Cape Town and are urbane and winning ambassadors for the island and the lodge that they have rescued and turned from a ruin to a magical lotus-eating idyll." |
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