Aerial view of an island in the Quirimbas Archipelago near Pemba in northern Mozambique

Getty Images/AWL Images RM

Parque Nacional das Quirimbas

Northern Mozambique


The Quirimbas National Park contains most of the southern Quirimbas islands (including Ibo, Medjumbe and Matemo) along with a large tract of coastal mangrove and forest on the mainland. In all it covers 7500 sq km. While there are some hard-to-spot big fauna on the mainland, the park is better known for its myriad bird species, rich marine life, gorgeous beaches and scattered coral islands that have recently sprouted a small selection of – so far – sensitively planned, ecofriendly luxury resorts.

The one-time park entry fee is collected by hotels within the park area.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Mozambique attractions

1. Fort of São José

9.01 MILES

Of the three forts on Ibo, the Fort of São José near the boat dock is the oldest, dating from 1760. It ceased to have any military use once the larger…

2. Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário

9.06 MILES

Ibo might be 99% Muslim, but its most striking religious building is this whitewashed, weather-worn Catholic church that anchors the main square, a legacy…

3. Casa das Conchas

9.25 MILES

There's no mistaking how the house of shells (sometimes called the Cowrie House) got its name. The whole facade is covered in them and they make a unique…

4. Fort of São João Baptista

9.32 MILES

At the island’s northern end is the star-shaped Fort of São João Baptista, built in 1791 and designed to accommodate up to 300 people. When Ibo was linked…