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Northern Mozambique, the Quirimbas Archipelago

Northern Mozambique is regarded by many as the finest beach destination in Africa. Home to the Quirmbas Archipelago, a chain of islands stretching for 100 kilometres up Mozambique's northern coast, the region has some of Africa's finest private islands with some of the continents best beaches. The diving and snorkelling here is world class, with the waters also home to some of Africa's finest fishing grounds. The mainland coast is also not to be underestimated, with a scattering of more economical hotels lying on completely deserted beaches.

Northern Mozambique: An overview of where to stay

The finest hotels in the area are Vamizi and Azura's Quilalea, two exceptional hotels that would stake their claims to being two of Africa's finest. Vamizi has long been considered the only competition to Zanzibar's Mnemba Island for Africa's best beach lodge. With ten rooms and a couple of private villas, Vamizi sits on a stunning 7km long beach; it is absolutely world class. Quilalea has just eight rooms and is different to Vamizi due to being located on its own private island, surrounded by coral reefs. Located on the mainland coast is the incredibly good value Londo Lodge and the eco award winning Guludo. Both worthy of consideration, especially for travellers looking to spend a long time in the area. Ibo Island Lodge is the final place to mention. Located in an old town that was once a Portuguese fort, Ibo is a great place to appreciate the historical significance of the area.

Click here for Northern Mozambique hotel reviews

Northern Mozambique: When to go

Due to the fact that Mozambique stretches up Africa's coast, the North of the country has a different climate to the South. The only time of year that we really recommend clients avoid Northern Mozambique is from the middle of January to the beginning of April when the area receives its highest rainfall. April and May see the good weather returning with absolute peak season being from June through to November.

Northern Mozambique: How to get there

Northern Mozambique's logistics have for years been an utter nightmare. Cancelled carriers and schedule changes meant that for a couple of years travelling here could be more hassle than it was worth. Recently however the state owned LAM airline has run a consistently reliable schedule from both Jo'burg (twice a week) and from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania (twice a week). Please contact us to check for the most up to date information. Vamizi has one huge advantage over every other lodge in the area in that it has its own plane and runs affordable private charters down to the island from Tanzania.

Northern Mozambique Island Lodges

We have included all the lodges below ordered by our ranking, and by price. Clicking on any of the links will bring up more information; our detailed view of the lodge, video, photos, key facts etc.
However, since we have been to all these lodges ourselves, we would recommend a phone call or an email to help you to decide where to go.

- Outstanding

- Very good

- Good

- Average

- Poor

Vamizi
Set miles from anywhere on a deserted beach in Northern Mozambique Vamizi is something very special indeed. With only 10 rooms on approximately 8 km of beach, the luxury is of the highest order whilst not losing the whole barefoot luxury feel. A great lodge, with superlative diving - a true escape!

$890pp

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Quilalea
Stunning, romantic and exclusive, Quilalea has all the making of a truly special lodge. However the constant search for a new owner, and its tricky access issues, has left the island with an impermanent feel. Subsequently, what actually is a truly superb little island only gets a good rating from us.

$750pp

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