Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
The coral islands of Quirimbas Archipelago, Ilhas Quirimbas in Portuguese, stretch for roughly 250 kilometers (155 miles) along Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado coast. Deserted white sand beaches and pristine coral reefs. Sea turtles and schools upon schools of colorful fish. Dolphin pods, humpback whales, both mother and young, and even a few rare dugong. And should the kids tire of snorkeling in turquoise seas and building sandcastles on Quirimbas beaches, tour islands steeped in centuries of history and explore those inhabited only by birds. Less frequented than Bazaruto Archipelago, Quirimbas is a great place for families in search of adventure and solitude, a combination that but a few family travel destinations afford.
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Getting there
Most families traveling to Quirimbas Archipelago will arrive by air. Air shuttles from Pemba to Quirimba and Ibo islands can be booked through Kasazini Tourism Services and most area lodges and hotels. LAM flies to Pemba from Maputo, Beira and Nampula as well as Johannesburg (South Africa) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). Speedboats depart from Pemba. Dhows to Ibo Island depart from the small village of Tandanyanga, roughly 150 km (93 miles) north of Pemba.
When to travel
The best time to visit Quirimbas Archipelago is from June to August when the average daytime temperature is between 22-30° C (71-86° F) and the chance of rain is minimal. The weather is hot and humid throughout the rainy season (November - April); the heaviest rains are in January and February. A trip to Ibo Island on or around June 24, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, offers families - or anyone else for that matter - with insight to local traditions.
Travel health & child safety
Traveler's diarrhea is the most common aliment afflicting tourists in Mozambique. Avoiding tap water is the cornerstones to prevention. Drink bottled water and eat cooked or peeled fruit and vegetables only. Malaria is prevalent throughout Mozambique and is a risk year-round.
Things to keep in mind
Travel to Quirimbas Archipelago is ideal for families in search of solitude. The islands are remote and, apart from nature, there is little in the way of entertainment.
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