Quirimbas National Park

Quirimbas National Park is a true example of where bush meets beach. Elephants feed off mango trees just metres from the Indian Ocean and further inland - in the thick coastal forests - 4 out of the Big 5 roam.

Things to do
Scuba-Diving
How to get there

BAOBAB trips to Quirimbas are arranged on a tailor-made basis. Guludo offers an exclusive opportunities to chill out on the 12km of virgin beach and diving the unexplored coral reefs. Please examine the accommodation guide below for further details, example prices and itineraries and then contact us for a precise quote for your chosen holiday (or for further assistance to help you make up your mind!!).

Accommodation in Quirimbas National Park

All BAOBAB’s prices are excluding the international flight, which provides you with more flexibility, especially when you are based outside the UK. BAOBAB will arrange all aspects of your holiday once you are in Africa, including internal flights from Dar to Pemba, transfers to your accommodation and scuba-diving.

Activities

The most northern tip of Quirimbas National Park (northern Mozambique) offers 12 km of virgin beach. Opposite its tranquil bay Quirimbas Archipelago can be found, home to the intriguing coconut crab and surrounded by pristine fringing coral reefs. Although the reefs are virtually unexplored, indicators are that they host some of the richest coral biodiversity in the Indian Ocean.

Beyond the Quirimbas Archipelago lies the East African Humpback Highway with countless whales passing by during June to September.

It is not just wildlife & environment that make this part of Quirimbas such a magical place - the heart is Guludo village. In this traditional African village environment, mud houses with palm-thatched roofs sit in tidy rows, children play with plastic-bag footballs, old men philosophise and women pound cassava, while the welcoming smiles are everywhere.

Guludo beach with dug out canoes of local fishermen

Things to do
The main attraction is probably Quirimbas National Park, which was given international recognition in June 2002 on request of its inhabitants. The northern tip boasts 12 km of white sandy beach, seagrass beds, coral reefs, mangrove forests, savannah and coastal forest, which in turn offer an endless range of activities:

Local children of Guludo village

Crayfish caught by local fishermen

Quirimbas's shy elephants

Get your hands dirty & get involved in one of Guludo’s worthy community or conservation projects .

Explore Guludo village with a villager and visit its tiny school, a typical home, its water supply, the mosque, a family farm and meet its children.

Join a local fisherman in his dugout canoe or dhow to collect his catch of the day and experience how people in this area have been fishing for centuries.

Elephant Tracking: Under the light of the moon, an experienced ranger will lead you on foot into the surrounding bush to follow the elephant tracks along their traditional routes.

Sunset cruises: Enjoy the mesmerising African sunset from a traditional wooden dhow while sipping a G&T.

Ibo Island tour: Visit historic Ibo, once an important trading port for slaves and ivory. Walk the eerie wide streets flanked with dilapidated Portuguese-style villas. The pentagonal fort of St. Jao Baptista on the north side of the island is an intriguing place, where silversmiths now make jewellery using ancient Arab techniques

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
The Quirimbas Archipelago fringing reefs are home to some of the richest coral reefs in East Africa. These reefs are regularly visited by huge game fish, turtles, humpbacks and other cetaceans. They offer a vast range of diving opportunities from enormous drop-offs with strong currents for the experienced diver to sheltered tranquil coral gardens perfect to learn to dive.

The closest dive sites to Guludo are around Rolas Island and Zala, a sandbank that never quite breaks the surface, just 5 miles from the Lodge. Perfect for a peaceful and relaxing dive, both areas have been designated as no fishing zones resulting in a renewed abundance of marine species. South of Rolas, Matemo's dramatic topography off its eastern shores attracts a profusion of predators for the more experienced and adventurous divers.

Clown fish in anemone

Sperm whale

Bespoke Experience Fair Trade Tourism 4x4

An approximately 80 minutes flight takes you from Dar-es-Salaam to the Pemba, Mozambique (6-7 times/week). There is also an option to fly from Jo'burg to Pemba. From Pemba, an air charter to either Ibo or Matemo Islands can be arranged, from where Guludo’s boat will meet you and transfer you to the Lodge. Alternatively, a 4x4 taxi will drive you in circa 3½ hrs to Guludo in the northern part of Quirimbas National Park.