Within the Quirimbas National Park, close to the mainland, Ibo Island is unlike any other here. From the 1500s, Ibo was a prosperous trading post. It's had a turbulent history, but now its streets stand quiet with just a few people going about their ordinary business. The fading colonial buildings remain: some crumbling, others lived in, and a couple being restored. There's a large church and three forts.
Wander around one and you'll see where the slaves were kept, find cannons on the battlements, and watch local artisans painstakingly make silver filigree jewellery to sell.
You can visit Ibo for the day from Matemo or Quilálea, or, after around August 2006, the new Ibo Island Lodge will be open. Three grand old mansions overlooking the ocean have been restored to make this lodge. It will have 12 individual rooms featuring antique furniture, huge wooden doors, high ceilings and traditional shutters. Its owners have a track record of community development initiatives here, so we wait with fascination to see how this develops.
Diving & snorkelling: Particularly good diving in this remote area of northern Mozambique
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Diving & snorkelling
Traditional Cultures: Fascinating place for insights into the history and culture of a remarkable old Portuguese trading post - in a remote location in northern Mozambique
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Traditional Cultures
We want you to understand more about Ibo Island Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Ibo Island Lodge home page Click here to for more information on this historical island, with details about the lodge and various activities and places of interest on Ibo.
