Ibo Island Lodge | Quirimbas Archipelago Luxury Mozambique Beach Lodge

As we explore Ibo Island Lodge we sense that we’re becoming detached from everyday worries and cares, and we’re reminded that this picture-perfect island was once all but forgotten by the rest of the world. Today, lovingly restored mansions overlook an ever-changing tidal bay, with palm fronds waving in the breeze. The mansions are surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and Ibo Island’s fascinating history is never far away, represented by romantic ruins and the silversmiths plying their trade by the old fort. Natural history is present in abundance, in the shape of mangrove forests and coral reefs busy with many different species of fish. From the rooftop terrace we have glorious views of the ocean stretching to the horizon. In the distance we can see the sails of passing dhows, small fishing boats returning with the day’s catch and even exuberant dolphins leaping from the sea. My partner points out that the columns of the old colonial architecture mirror the straight trunks of the palm trees, reinforcing the sense of place.

Our room is a sea-facing one, and we’re delighted with it. It’s at the front of the Niassa Mansion, a building with a proud trading history that nowadays deals only in dreams. Above us, the pitched roof still has the original red tiles that were shipped here from France. And while we love the palpable sense of the past, we’re equally thrilled that our every present need has been taken care of, from the billowing mosquito net above our four-poster bed to the freestanding ceramic bathtub. We spend a few moments on the outside terrace, leaning against the pillars as though to recover from the sheer magnificence of the view. Our reverie is gently interrupted by the cry of a fish eagle, and we drift back indoors to lose ourselves in the incredible attention to detail with which our room has been decorated. My eye is caught first by an antique gramophone, and then the beads of moisture on a flask of iced water. A whispered rumour of petals on the bedcovers at turndown reaches my ear, and I smile.

This luxury Mozambican beach lodge adopts a respectful approach to the local wildlife, and the people with whom it shares this Quirimbas Archipelago island. With an eye also to the future, the lodge supports a local preschool and a silversmith empowerment project. Treading so lightly on the earth imbues the lodge with a relaxing and yet romantically indulgent ambience that we tune into the moment we we arrive. Warm, welcoming smiles and impeccable service are perfectly balanced with the freedom to be ourselves, and to come and go (and eat!) exactly as we please. The range of activities on offer make Ibo Island Lodge the perfect spot at which to do everything, or nothing. All we have to do is choose which, but the delightful desert island approach to life means that we don’t feel even slightly pressurised. The certain knowledge that our every whim will be instantly accommodated adds to the sense of luxury.

• Luxury beach lodge comprised of 14 guest rooms (sea-facing, historical and garden) and the private Villa Paradiso spread across three restored mansions. The authentic tropical island setting includes three swimming pools overlooking a tidal bay.
• Remote island location with World Heritage status, flexible schedules and private dining available. Villa Paradiso includes a private host/butler and a private guide.
• Snorkelling (additional cost), diving (additional cost), sailing and dhow sailing (additional costs), sea kayaking (additional cost), dolphin encounters (additional cost), fishing (additional cost), swimming, island-hopping excursions (additional cost), Quirimbas island trip (additional cost), sandbank beach experience, castaway beach picnic, guided nature and bird walks (additional cost), guided historical excursions, cultural visits and spa treatments (additional cost).
• Children are welcome.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.