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Ibo Island
 

Ibo Island, Quirimbas Archipelago

 
A family vacation on the island of Ibo, Ilha do Ibo in Portuguese, is as much about the history of ivory and slave trade as it is about coral reefs and the rare dugong. Once the second most important town and northern most trading post in Portuguese Mozambique, this small, forested island has been all but forgotten by time. Take a stroll down the island's colonial streets. Tour a 16th century pentagonal fort and intriguing colonial graveyard. Observe craftsman shape filigree bracelets and pendants using age-old Arab techniques. And in contrast to Mozambique Island, here, one can also access th... Read Moree sea. Partake in a snorkeling or scuba diving trip and watch turtles as well as a myriad of colorful fish. Take a whale watching tour and spot dolphin, whale and, if you are lucky, even the rare dugong. And at high tide, watch the harbor as it comes alive with fisherman preparing to set sail.
Ibo Island Fort

Ibo Island Fort

Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island, Mozambique

Ibo Island, Mozambique

Ibo Island Lodge

Mangrove Swamp, Ibo Island

Mangrove Swamp, Ibo Island

Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Fort

Ibo Island Fort

Ibo Island Lodge

 
Getting There
 
Dhows make the journey to Ibo Island from Tandanyanga, a small village roughly 150 km (93 miles) north of Pemba. Speedboats and charter planes depart from Pemba. Air shuttles from Pemba to the islands of Ibo and Quirimba can be booked through Kasazini Tourism Services and most area lodges and hotels. LAM offers flights from Maputo, Beira and Nampula as well as Johannesburg (South Africa) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).
Map It!
Google Maps
Flights to Pemba
LAM
Transfers
Kaskazini Tourism Services
Getting Around
 
The best way to explore Ibo Island is on foot. This small pearl is but 3km long by 3km wide.
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.
Weather Forecast & Climate History
Weather Underground
Tide Table, Chart & Times
Mobile Geographics
Things to Keep in Mind
 
There is no electricity on the island. While it is possible to walk from Ibo to Quirimba at low tide, it is advisable to hire a guide.

Great Family Attractions in Ibo Island

Adventure Travel

Cultural Vacations

Points of Interest Nearby

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