Southern Africa / Mozambique / Quirimbas Archipelago
Situated along the northern coast of Mozambique in the warm, tropical Indian Ocean lies a string of beautiful islands known as the Quirimbas. The Quirimbas Archipelago consists of 32 spectacular coral islands stretching from Pemba in the south to the Rovuma River in the north, which forms the natural frontier between Tanzania and Mozambique. This area contains some of the richest coral reefs in the world and provides habitat for an abundant array of marine life. The area has never been developed and remains an unexplored tourist paradise.
The southernmost 11 of these islands and a vast expanse of mainland forest constitute the Quirimbas National Park. This impressive area, stretching for about 100 kilometres and covering an area of 1500 square kilometers, was established in 2002 as an answer to the local community’s need to protect and sustain their precious natural environment. The Quirimbas provides feeding and nesting grounds for a large population of sea turtles, dugong, dolphins, sharks and whales.
The islands feature phenomenal vertical drop-offs, some up to 400 meters. These walls are abundant with coral covered caves and tropical fish ranging from gobies to mammoth Napoleon Wrasse and game fish including Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel. Snorkelling, fishing and diving in these waters doesn't get better than this!
The Quirimbas has enormous cultural and historical value, with a combination of Arabian, Portuguese, and African influences. The magnificent old fortresses on Ibo Island boast intriguing historical sites. With mangroves, coral and palms, this island tells a story of slaves, pirates and ivory.
Pemba is the access point for the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Southern Africa / Mozambique / Quirimbas Archipelago
Quilalea
The magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago in Cabo Delgado Province, Northern Mozambique, is a captivating chain of 32 coral islands. Quilálea is an idyllic Mozambique island resort nestling in a forgotten corner of Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago in the tropical Indian Ocean. Completely uninhabited, this Indian Ocean island offers complete exclusivity and unparalleled natural beauty. Nine private villas each offer magnificent sea views, providing a malaria-free haven of luxury island accommodation. Surrounded by the sparkling, azure waters of the warm Indian Ocean, Quilálea is the ideal honeymoon destination for those in search of the perfect romantic island getaway, or the ultimate holiday for those in need of relaxation, adventure and rediscovery.
Situated in the southern sector of the Quirimbas Archipelago, Quilálea Island is just 35 hectares in extent and is a marine sanctuary fringed with pristine beaches. This island offers complete privacy with the only people on the island being hotel guests and staff.
The island has a deep channel on the landward side, allowing protected mooring all year long and at all points of the tide. Unlike the rest of the Quirimbas Archipelago, Quilálea is malarie-free. All the water on the island is provided via a desalination plant and stored in subterranean tanks, hence there is no open water on the island and nowhere for mosquitos to breed, which allows for a relaxed, stress-free vacation.
Rooms: 9 luxury island villas
In the Rooms:
Air Conditioning (Both hot and cold)
x
Private Balcony
X
Balcony or Patio
Room Safe
Braai Facilities
Room Service
DVD/CD Player (Presidential)
Satellite Television
Electric Blankets
Television
Fireplace
Tea and Coffee making Facilities
Fans
X
Twin Beds available
Hairdryer
WiFi
International Direct Dialing
Bathroom en suite
Internet Access
Bathrobes and Slippers
King-size Beds
X
Double Vanity
Kitchen Full
Heated Towel Rail
Kitchen Partial
Separate bath and shower
X
Laundry Service
Separate Toilet
Lounge Area
Toiletries provided
Mini-bar
Underfloor Heating Bathroom
Mosquito Nets
X
Facilities:
Spend your days simply soaking up the sun by the swimming pool or on the pristine, white beaches or choose from our many adventure activities on offer on the island. Diving, snorkelling, fly fishing, surf casting, sport fishing, canoeing, island exploration, swimming, historical tours, dhow sailing trips and bird watching are all available on the island.
The island has its own marine pavilion, which is a fully equipped fishing and PADI dive centre. Sport fishing and deep-sea angling are offered outside the sanctuary where game fish are plentiful.
Plan your personal adventure in the comfort of the bar with expert advice and a refreshing beverage, whilst the sun sets over Montepuez Bay.
Most of the activities on the Island are offered free of charge. Rates include all meals, snacks, picnics, on board catering for activities, teas and coffees, house wines, local beers, bottled water, soft drinks, fly fishing and surf casting equipment, snorkelling, use of non-motorised boats/canoes and dhow excursions within the sanctuary
In the vicinity:
Sencar, Quilalea's neighbouring island, remains untouched and uninhabited, although day excursions and picnics are encouraged. 75 hectares in extent, Sencar has a coral rag exterior and a mangrove swamp interior. Sencar offers only rudimentary beaches, but it is a bird lovers dream. A paradise for sea birds, the island has large areas of untouched coastal thicket. Samango monkeys have also made their homes here, though no one knows quite how they arrived there or how they survive in the absence of fresh water.
Children: No children under 16 are allowed on the island unless the whole island is booked.
Restaurant:
The restaurant and lounge is no more than a two-minute walk from the most distant villa. Set on a peninsula at the north end of the island, the restaurant offers beautiful ocean views to both the west and the east. Indulge in the flavours and spices of Mozambican cuisine influenced by Portugal and Goa, prepared by our gourmet chef. Also enjoy five star dining on the beach. We will prepare a romantic meal right on the water’s edge for those special occasions.
Credit cards accepted: All major credit cards accepted.
Additional Information: Access is daily via Maputo to Pemba by Mozambique Airlines (LAM) with connections to Johannesburg and Lisbon.
Quilálea is malaria-free. There is no open water on the island and hence, nowhere for mosquitoes to breed. However, malaria is prevalent in Mozambique and it is recommended that visitors travelling through the country, take anti-malarial prophylactics. The best precaution is to avoid being bitten by using mosquito nets and repellent spray, and wearing protective clothing.
Immigration clearance is available at Pemba airport and visas can be issued on arrival. South African residents do not need visas.
Southern Africa / Mozambique / Quirimbas Archipelago
Untitled Document
BEST TIME TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO
1. Archipelago hopping
The most popular tourist attraction in Mozambique is the Bazaruto Archipelago which includes the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa Carolina. 35 km off the mainland from Vilanculos, the islands are accessible by boat and small aircraft. In addition to the full range of watersports including snorkelling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sailing and waterskiing ( in some places) , the islands are brimming with wildlife and birdlife. Sea creatures that you may see are humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, five species of turtle and a 100 strong pod of dugongs.
The northern Quirimbas Archipelago has more than 30 coral islands stretching from Pemba to the Tanzanian border. The eleven southern most islands and a stretch of mainland form the Quirimbas National park which hosts a large diversity of wildlife, bird life and sea life.
2. Diving
With its azure and turquoise waters, numerous reefs and abundant marine life, Mozambique offers some of the best diving in the world, without the distraction of crowds and commercialisation. Regular sightings include hard and soft corals, fusiliers, snapper, dolphin, whale shark, hammerhead shark, manta ray, barracuda, manta rays and dugong. Diving is popular in both the Bazaruto Archipelago and Quirimbas archipelago. September through to November is the best time for seeing whales.
3. Fishing
Mozambique is a dream for game fishing and some of the biggest prizes found anywhere in the world were caught in Mozambique. The all Africa record (a 1300 lb black marlin) was caught in 1998 off the Bazaruto Archipelago. The black marlin season runs from early October through to January. The season for blue and striped marlin runs from September through to January. The main sailfish season is June to September. Year round fish include giant, bluefin, brassy kingfish, yellowtail, pompano, dorado, wahoo, tuna, mackarell, great and pickhandle barracuda and bonefish. Shark are also common.
CAPITAL: Maputo
CLIMATE:
Summer is from October to April and is hot and rainy. The heaviest rains fall from January to March.
Winter runs from April to September and is dry and mild.
Average annual temperature is 30 C
COMMUNICATIONS:
The international country code for Mozambique is + 258
The cell phone providers are MCel and Vodacom. Internet cafes are available in Maputo only.
ELECTRICITY:
220 V. The plug type is the round two pin
LANGUAGE:
Portuguese is the official language, although English is spoken in the southern tourist regions.
TIME: GMT + 2 hours
ENTERING THE COUNTRY:
AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX:
A departure tax of USD20 is levied on all international flights. Departure tax of USD5 on all domestic flights. These must be paid in USD with exact amounts.
ARRIVAL BY AIR:
The main airport for Mozambique is Maputo airport. The Bazaruto Archipelago is serviced by Vilanculos Airport and the Quirimbas Archipelago by Pemba Airport
CUSTOMS:
Duty free allowance of 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits, 50 ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette. Currency must be declared on arrival.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
A valid passport is required to enter Mozambique and the validity date needs to be atleast 6 months after the visitor intends to leave the country. Visitors may also be asked to produce outgoing travel documents and proof of sufficient funds to finance their stay. Nationals of most countries require visas – please check individual requirements. Visas need to be obtained prior to departure and will not be issued at border posts on arrival.
HEALTH
Please check with your local doctor on which immunizations are deemed necessary and whether malaria prophylactics should be taken. Mozambique is considered a malaria risk area all year round.
It is strongly recommended that you ensure that you have adequate medical insurance when visiting Mozambique as private hospitals will turn away patients who cannot demonstrate ability to pay. Make sure this includes medical evacuation insurance.
MONEY
ATM’S: These are found in Maputo and are very scarce in the rest of the country.
BANKS: Mozambique has 9 commercial banks, the largest of which are Banco Internacional de Mozambique, Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI), Banco Austral and Standard Bank. Most branches are in Maputo and branch networks in the rest of the country are not extensive. Opening hours vary, but are usually 08h30 to 11h00 Mondays to Fridays.
CREDIT CARDS:
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Mozambique and travellers wishing to pay by credit card are advised to check with their service provider in advance.
CURRENCY:
The official Mozambique currency is the Metical or Meticais in plural.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE:
There is no restriction to the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country as long as it is declared on arrival. Money can be exchange at banks or authorised Bureaux de change, however expenses can usually be settled in foreign currency. USD or South African Rands are widely accepted as well as British Pounds.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES:
These can be cashed at banks and Bureaux de Change, but should not be relied on as a sole source of funding in Mozambique. Outside of hotels, cash is recommended for transactions. Make sure you have small denominations of foreign currency.
Situated along the northern coast of Mozambique in the warm, tropical Indian Ocean lies a string of beautiful islands known as the Quirimbas. The Quirimbas Archipelago consists of 32 spectacular coral islands stretching from Pemba in the south to the Rovuma River in the north, which forms the natural frontier between Tanzania and Mozambique. This area contains some of the richest coral reefs in the world and provides habitat for an abundant array of marine life. The area has never been developed and remains an unexplored tourist paradise. 
