MEDJUMBEISLANDRESORT,MEDJUMBEISLANDThis boutique hotel, located on Medjumbe Private Island, which at just one kilometre longand 350 metres wide, is a tiny hideaway. Thereare twelve modern chalets on the edge of thebeach, with private plunge pool, air-conditioningand en suite bathrooms. The active can enjoydiving, snorkeling, boating and picnics on nearbyQuisanga Island whilst those seeking to relax canclimb into the hammock on the veranda and have a snooze.MATEMOISLANDRESORT,MATEMOISLANDMatemo Island Resort sits on the corner ofMatemo Island on a curving sandy beach and has24 modern air-conditioned chalets with prettyverandas overlooking the beach. The main lodgehas a dining room with views of the sea and apool set into the rocks. Many activities can beenjoyed, including snorkelling, diving, deep seafishing and trips to Ibo Island.The Quirimba ArchipelagoThe Quirimba Archipelago is made up of 32 coralislands just off the coast of northern Mozambique.Some of the islands such as Medjumbe, Matemo,Vamizi and Ibo now have tiny boutique hotels,while others including Rongai, Tecmagi andMetundo are home only to nesting turtles andseabirds. Pristine and largely unknown, theseislands are visited by just a handful of guests.Tangled green creepers tumble to the water from low coral cliffs and white sandy beaches arelittered with shells. There are butterflies, tropicalflowers, monkeys and birds, but - apart from the local fishermen there are few people. Theturquoise waters are a marine sanctuary, rich withcoral and fish, green and hawksbill turtles,humpback whales and the rare dugong.68Dhow sailing from Medjumbe IslandA room at Medjumbe Island ResortThe pool at Matemo Island ResortSnorkelling from MedjumbeA chalet at Matemo Island Resort

VAMIZIISLANDLODGE, VAMIZIISLANDVamizi Island is a little slice of paradise with a soft white sandy beach littered with shells. Turtlesnest on the beach from December to May andhumpback whales pass by in July and August.Vamizi Island Lodge is the most luxurious lodge in Mozambique and has 13 large villas. Each has a bedroom with ocean views and a living roomwith sofas, books and wooden chests full of colddrinks. Fresh buckets of crabs are bought fromthe local fishermen and prepared for dinner which is served on the beach and lit by lanterns.The days can be spent swimming, snorkelling,diving and exploring other islands.IBOISLANDLODGE, IBOISLANDThis quirky lodge is made from two refurbishedmansions each over a century old, with highceilings, wide verandas and heavy wooden doors.They are furnished with mahogany day beds andantiques and soft African fabrics, all produced byskilled local craftsmen. The fourteen rooms areindividually designed and have en suite facilitiesand there is a pool in the pretty garden. Thelodge makes good use of its waterfront location,with meals served up on the rooftop overlookingthe sea. The menu features home grown organicvegetables as well as tiger prawns, game fish andcrab. When staying on Ibo, you can explore theisland's town, with its crumbling colonialarchitecture, or can take trips to nearbysandbanks for snorkelling and picnics. www.audleytravel.com/mozambique ?01993 838 560 ?Mozambique69GULUDOBEACHLODGE,MOZAMBIQUEMAINLANDFacing the Quirimba Archipelago, Guludo Beach Lodge is located on a 12 kilometre beach on the mainland. Its owners Amy and Neal have created a sustainable lodge that directly benefits the local communities. The lodgeis simple but beautiful, all the staff are from thelocal villages and many community projects areunderway as a result of money generated fromthe lodge. Accommodation is in reed and thatchbandas and dining is under thatch or on thebeach. There is a wide variety of activitiesincluding diving, snorkelling, village walks, and boat trips to Rolas Island.Ibo Island LodgeAccess to the islands is by light aircraftView from Guludo Beach LodgeIbo Island streetQuirimba girlA villa at VamiziThe beach at Vamizi Island