“You want to keep Africa a secret all to yourself but can’t help blabbing about it to everyone you meet. Thanks to ‘Wonderful World’ for sharing the secret with us and to Joanna for handpicking such a fabulous itinerary- what a perfect honeymoon!”
Tom and Paula Mullens
"It is quite unlike anywhere I've ever visited. If you took Gabriel García Márquez's village of Macondo from A Hundred Years Of Solitude and transported it from the Catholic legend of South America to Africa's eastern flank, then you would go some way to understanding Ibo's overwhelming magic."
Nick Maes :'The Guardian' newspaper UK
"Not only was the service excellent, but also you made us feel as if we were a member of your Ibo Island family. We are most impressed by the positive contribution you have made to the local communities, and the preservation of the local culture. We return home with treasured memories and look forward to returning to this magical place"
"You have created a wondeful haven on this island where time really does stand still. I could sit here for weeks watching the tides and the dhows go out and come back again. The friendliness and simplicity of Ibo has restored my faith in humanity after the horrors of Iraq and Afghanistan. Thank you for that and for showing us round this island of stories. I will never forget my New Year spent on Ibo (or the delicious prawns)"
overview
Virtually unknown to the outside world and undisturbed for centuries, Ibo Island is a place where time has stood still. Nestled in the
breathtakingly beautiful Quirimbas Archipelago of Northern Mozambique,
and nominated for World Heritage status, Ibo is beautiful, remote and undeveloped. It is one of the most intriguing, romantic, unspoilt destinations on the planet.
The warm turquoise waters around the island are inhabited by turtles and tropical fish, and the ocean is also home to dolphins, whales and the shy and mysterious dugong. Encounter vast stretches of idyllic beaches and explore some of the world's richest coral reefs. Discover a coastline fringed by tropical islands on an ancient Arab Dhow still built to the same design as the vessels which a thousand years ago sailed from India. Snack on cashew nuts and tropical fruit and dine on the freshest of seafood of every description.
Not only is the island a natural paradise, but it also boasts a rich history. Over the last 500 years, Ibo was a prosperous trading post along the coast of East Africa. Three forts, a beautiful old catholic church and numerous ancient trading buildings stand guard over the sea. With marvellous ruins dating back to the 1500’s this tiny palm-fringed coral island stil conjures up images of pirates, ivory, intrigue and the never to be forgotten slave trade.
Ibo Island Lodge, a brand new luxury eco-lodge just north of the small town of Pemba,
is made up of three magnificent mansions each over a century old with walls a metre thick and high lofty ceilings. Located right on the prime waterfront site, where romantic dhows sail out to sea on each high tide, the lodge offers a classic island experience, and with just twelve individually designed luxury rooms, assures guests of exceptional service and flexibility.
Meals feature freshly grown organic vegetables, herbs and fruits and combine traditional specialities with seafood: giant tiger prawns, game fish and Ibo’s speciality: crab with fragrant soft, fluffy coconut rice.
Relax and soak up the romantic atmosphere, unwind at the pool, on the rooftop terrace, in a hammock or take a gentle stroll around the island. If you are feeling a little more active, there is diving, sea kayaking, sailing, swimming or fishing, or you can take a guided historical and cultural tour of the island allowing you to interact with wonderfully hospitable islanders. Immerse yourself in the unchanged, ancient culture of Ibo, an island which offers all the ingredients of paradise and a journey to an era quite forgotten.