The Quirimbas Archipielago and Ibo specially is an extraordinarius place. We have there in August for two weeks. From Pemba you can easily reach Ibo by public transport in a few hours in the morning, truck and then boat.
Once in Ibo you can stay relaxing in this amazing old town. We stayed in the "campismo Karibuni", locally run, cheap, clean and just 2 minutes from the port. The woman here makes a very good "caril de peixe"(fish curry). The man can give you advice to travel in the island or to other islands. They have bungalows and a small area to camp.
To move around by dhow to other islands or to Pangane you have to negotiate with the fisherman. Ask a little around to know the prices, from 80-100 euros for 3 days sailing.
We sailed with Ibrahim and his son Alexi, they have a "barco a vela" a can lead you to anywhere in the archipelago. We were to Matemo, Rolas and other small islands in the way to Pangane. They are good sailors, check before leaving the details about sleeping and food.
In Matemo you can sleep in the local comunity run "campismo Dade", one of the most beautiful camping places we have ever been. Perfect to stay for a few days. Dade has also a few basic bungalows. When arriving to the islands ask for this place, everybody knows. The "guiso de polvo" (octopus stew) is excellent, cooked by the women in the village. You can rent bike or motorbike. Here in Matemo you also have the unfriendly "Matemo island lodge", a luxury and stupidly expensive place that pretends that the best beach in the island is private to them. It is not true, they were forced to retire the fence, and if you ask them to stay in the beach you have right. Always ask to speak with a superior, they can be rude. It is run by an arab millionaire.
In Rolas you have a perfect beach for you with plenty of big shells in the sand, just like paradise. It is inhabited except for a few fisherman in season.
Here some telophones that can help in the Quirimbas:
Alexis: +258 820460230, can help you to organize a boat for one or more days.
Campismo Dade in Matemo: +258 826621704
Edited by: javilo
Hi, I'm bringing up this forum topic again. We're looking for reasonably-priced (as in not >$300/night) accommodation in Quirimbas / Ibo. I know a couple have been mentioned (Cinco Portas, Panela Africana, Miti Miwiri). Are there any other suggestions available? Thanks.
we also stayed for 4 nights at dady's place (my wife and I), and it was simply AMAZING....... dady is a 35 year old local guy that has built this very simple still extremely beautiful huts in front of the ocean, and he (with his family) can cook daily for the travelers... we went in august are we were alone in the campismo... dady is a great person, as well as his 2 sons... and from his place you can explore the whole matemo either walking or renting a motobike to a local person.... matemo is one of the most virgin places on earth !
Hi Javilo,
Regarding arrangements for a dhow to Matemo (Alexis), and accomodation (basic bungalow - Campismo Dade), do you have any additional contact information (i.e email address)?
Will be in that area in October for 3 weeks, and traveling alone. Sailing on towards Pangane with camping stops in Matemo, Rolas sounds great; especially for the price of 80-100 Euros for three days. Being alone, would this price still hold now? Getting some provisions and sailing for a week or two with camping on various islands sure sounds like a plan.
As to Campismo Dade (in case I just end up getting dropped off on the island for a couple of days), are your belongings secure?
Might think of the bungalows? What do they charge? Water/Food available in the village (presuming it is nearby?) or need your own provisions.
Anyway, you seem to have vast knowledge on this subject so some pointers sure would be good :)
Cheers
Yamac
Hi Aslican,
If you have enough time to explore the Quirimbas on your own the best place to arrange everything is once in Ibo and being patient. Just ask around to the people by the port or the place you sleep in. There was no internet here and probably people changed telephone, some places closed and new ones open. "Aquí é assim"(here in Mozambique it´s like that).
You can buy water and basic food (bread, banana, samosas, tuna and sardine cans).
Hi, you should check out the Rani Resorts in Mozambique, specifically in Quirimbas Archipelago there are three beautiful resorts. Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa, Matemo Island and Medjumbe Private Island. If you are looking to explore other areas of Mozambique you should also look at Bazaruto Island off the coast of Mozambique there is another Resort there called Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa. Here is the website to the main page and you can access all the resorts from here. www.raniresorts.co.za.
Hope you find this helpful.
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