This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
Azura at Quilalea
Azura at Quilalea
Azura at Quilalea
Azura at Quilalea
Azura at Quilalea
Azura at Quilalea

About Azura at Quilalea

Azura at Quilalea is the second luxury Indian Ocean Retreat from the Azura Retreats group.

It is bringing Azura's trademark African-chic style to Quilalea Private Island, a private, wholly uninhabited island paradise, with just 9 handcrafted seafront villas, ensuring total privacy and exclusivity.The island is approximately 86 acres in size, and boasts 4 fabulous beaches. Snorkel the island's shores, dive the house reef that spans the main beach, picnic on remote turtle beach, kayak through mangroves or relax in a hammock beneath the giant baobabs that stand sentinel over the island.

Accommodation
9 luxurious villas
Children
Open
All year

Activities

Boat trip

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Fishing

Fishing

Helicopter

Helicopter

Kayaking

Kayaking

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Azura at Quilalea: Full Report

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Traveller reviews of Azura at Quilalea

17 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


98%
17 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
15
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ms P & familyfromBelgium

Arrived 15 Sep 2018, 7 nights

"Simply blown away by Quilalea !"

"...what an amazing place!...probably the best place we have ever stayed at... …" Read Ms P & family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr AfromWashington DC

Arrived 24 Oct 2016, 4 nights

"Azura at Quilalea review"

"A truly beautiful luxury resort set on its own private island amid the magnificent …" Read Mr A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms HfromHammersmith

Arrived 3 Sep 2016, 3 nights

"Azura at Quilalea review"

"Incredible like a dream, we had such an amazing time, incredibly food beautiful …" Read Ms H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

EvolvingPatientfromUK

Arrived 29 Aug 2016, 7 nights

"Island paradise"

"Quilalea is en exceptional place to relax and unwind. The setting in Qurimbas …" Read EvolvingPatient’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr BfromNetherlands

Arrived 5 Sep 2015, 6 nights

"Relaxing at its best."

"We chose Quilalea because it is one of the very few places where you can go …" Read Mr B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs PfromSurrey

Arrived 20 Sep 2014, 6 nights

"Quilalea Island Resort review"

"This was an amazing resort. Really friendly team, excellent service and food …" Read Mr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs WfromKensington

Arrived 7 Jul 2014, 6 nights

"Great retreat after safari"

"This resort was fabulous. From the moment the pilot picks you up in the helicopter …" Read Mr & Mrs W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromBerkshire

Arrived 9 Nov 2013, 7 nights

"Quilalea Island Resort review"

"Beautiful island. Very relaxing. Beaches slightly disappointing in that entry/exit …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

G familyfromTwickenham

Arrived 23 Aug 2013, 4 nights

"A very peaceful place"

"Quilalea Island Resort is a beautiful and very peaceful spot. We spent …" Read G family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr S & Miss GfromLondon

Arrived 21 Oct 2012, 7 nights

"Quilalea - Honeymoon deal is great value"

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable 7 nights here. The rooms are good (but not …" Read Mr S & Miss G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Azura at Quilalea reviews

Azura at Quilalea's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Azura at Quilalea.


When to go to Quirimbas Archipelago

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Azura at Quilalea in Quirimbas Archipelago


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Mozambique in January

January is one of the wettest, hottest and most humid months in Mozambique, with average daytime temperatures reaching the low 30s °C, dropping only to around 24°C at night. Although the rain falls mostly as tropical downpours in late afternoon/evening, with the rest of the time sunny, there are definitely better times to visit.

Diving is generally good, but visibility can be limited. Dolphins are abundant, but humpback whales have moved out and this is the last month with a reasonable chance of spotting whale sharks and manta rays. On beaches, turtles lay their eggs and by the end of the month some are beginning to hatch.

After the busy Christmas/New Year period lodges are almost empty, so it’s a good time to avoid the “crowds”.

  • One of the wettest & hottest months, with high humidity
  • Diving is fair but visibility can be poor
  • Great for dolphin viewing
  • Turtles laying eggs, which begin to hatch by end of month
  • The low season so lodges much quieter, but for a reason

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in January

Mozambique in February

The hot, wet weather continues, with rainfall at its peak in February in the south, and temperatures as high as those experienced in January; this is also the start of the cyclone season. Such storms are relatively rare but when they do occur they bring widespread devastation and disruption. Although the sea is wonderfully warm, beaches can be pretty windy and diving at this time of the year can be more challenging, with choppier waters and sometimes pretty poor visibility.

As such, lodges tend to have good availability. The chances of seeing manta rays and whale sharks are minimal now, but turtles are still laying eggs followed by hatchlings making a dash for the ocean.

  • Rain & hot weather peaks, as does the humidity
  • Start of the cyclone season
  • Diving conditions can be more challenging
  • Great month for turtle watching
  • Warm seas

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in February

Mozambique in March

Rainfall is still high, peaking in the north – where it continues for longer than in the south – and the threat of tropical cyclones remains (2019 saw Idai wreak havoc). Temperatures fall ever so slightly but it’s still hot, with daily temperatures averaging 30°C and nights around 23°C. It’s still pretty humid but this begins to drop away towards the end of the month when the weather generally starts to improve.

Diving, as in previous months, can be OK with warm seas, but conditions are unpredictable, and visibility is still only fair. Of the key marine species, only dolphins are now regularly seen and the last of the turtle hatchlings make for the sea. Availability is usually good, but when Easter falls in March, lodges can get booked up early.

  • Rainfall eases but still a chance of significant downpours
  • Cyclones remain a threat
  • Diving is reasonable, but visibility can be hit and miss
  • Turtle spotting excellent
  • Although low season, Easter can get booked up quickly

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Mozambique in April

Although rain still lingers in the north, the rainy season in the south draws to an end. Temperatures are still high but as the rain peters out, humidity drops considerably and so it feels much more comfortable. There is still a small risk of tropical cyclones (as in 2019, when cyclone Kenneth hit), but these are usually extremely rare.

Diving conditions improve with increased visibility and the sea is still warm, so April can be a lovely month for diving or a beach holiday. It is also excellent for fishing, with most of the game fish species being present. Lodges begin to see more visitors and can get especially busy over Easter.

  • Rainy season comes to an end in the south
  • Good weather for a beach holiday sets in
  • Diving, improves with increased visibility & warm seas
  • Excellent fishing conditions
  • Visitor numbers begin to increase, especially around Easter

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Mozambique in May

As the rains cease in the north, May marks the start of the dry season across Mozambique (although the odd freak cyclone has been known to make landfall, this is exceptional). The days are warm and sunny, with low humidity and temperatures around 27°C, while evenings start to cool to around 16°C. It’s a really good month to visit coastal areas and as such the lodges get a bit busier and prices start to rise.

Diving continues to improve with good visibility and calm waters, and the excellent game fishing conditions continue. Lastly, Mozambique’s biggest international music festival, Azgo, takes place in Maputo during May.

  • Start of the dry season: virtually no rainfall & humidity drops
  • Diving continues to improve with good visibility & calm seas
  • Excellent fishing conditions continue
  • Azgo international music festival in Maputo
  • Lodges get busier & prices increase

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Mozambique in June

Good weather continues with pleasantly warm days, clear skies and a bit of a breeze – ideal for a relaxing beach holiday. Diving conditions are near perfect with good visibility, though note that sea temperatures are dropping by a couple of degrees. Southern right whales start appearing along the coastline. The excellent deep-sea fishing continues. On Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, 24 June sees the Feast of St John the Baptist – celebrated as Kueto Siriwala (“to not forget your roots”) day. Expect dhow races as well as traditional music and dance.

Lodges are getting busier and with Mozambique’s month-long summer holiday beginning in late June, it’s advisable to book well in advance. This is one of the best months and prices increase, reflecting the move into this peak season.

  • Weather now very good
  • Southern right whales start appearing along the coast
  • Diving conditions are superb
  • Kueto Siriwala festival on Ibo
  • Lodges getting busier & therefore prices higher

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Mozambique in July

The dry season is now in full swing so clear blue skies abound. Warm, sunny days and cool evenings continue, with average temperatures between 25°C during the day and 16°C at night. July is definitely one of the best months to visit the Mozambique coast, though beaches can be a little windy. Humpback whales begin making their long annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters off East Africa to calve; if you’re lucky you may get to see them, especially at the end of the month.

Diving and snorkelling conditions are reaching optimum levels with generally excellent visibility, though the water is now chilly by Mozambique standards. Fishing is still very good for most game species. Lodges are filling up due to northern hemisphere school holidays.

  • Warm sunny days & cool evenings
  • Diving conditions now almost perfect
  • Humpback whales begin arriving
  • Fishing still very good
  • School holiday time, so lodges are filling up

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Mozambique in August

As in July, the days are lovely and warm – great for lying on a beach, though there’s a slight chill to the evenings and the sea is at its coolest at around 16°C. This is one of the best times to visit Mozambique, and is a great month for diving as visibility now reaches its peak, but it can be a bit windy. Humpback whale numbers are increasing, and manta rays and whale sharks start to appear, though are not a common sighting.

Fishing drops off a bit but some species such as sailfish and queen mackerel are still taking bait. August is very popular – probably the busiest month – so lodges can be quite full and family-friendly resorts will have more children around.

  • Days still nice & warm with cooler, but pleasant evenings
  • Optimal diving conditions.
  • Whales numbers increase; the odd manta ray & whale shark may be seen
  • Fishing starts to tail off a little
  • Lodges at high occupancy levels, so can be busy

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Mozambique in September

In September, temperatures begin to climb and warm, sunny days continue, although evenings are still cooler (averaging around 28°C in the day and 19°C at night); this is historically the driest month in Mozambique. Whale watching is getting even better as numbers increase and, as in August, diving and snorkelling conditions are excellent with great visibility.

Sightings of whale sharks and manta rays begin to increase, and while dolphins are seen throughout the year, September is the start of the best dolphin-viewing period. The fishing is good with marlin, sailfish and kingfish all possibilities. Although the school holidays have ended it is still high season and still a popular month – it’s our favourite month here.

  • Arguably our favourite month
  • Temperatures start rising – the weather is beautiful
  • Superb diving & snorkelling conditions continue
  • Sightings of whale sharks & mantas rays pick up
  • Great for dolphin viewing & whales still present in good numbers

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Mozambique in October

October is the hottest of the dry months with daytime temperatures peaking at around 30°C and evenings feeling balmy at around 20°C. With the heat building, the rains can begin right at the end of the month. The fishing is very good, especially for the bigger game fish like marlin.

October is also considered the best month for whale watching, and one of the best for dolphins, which are present in good numbers. The chances of seeing whale sharks and manta rays also increase as the seas warm up; this, and the next two months, are best for sightings. Like August and September, October is also excellent for diving and snorkelling, with superb visibility, thus it’s another popular month, and carries peak season prices.

  • Hottest of the dry months
  • Excellent whale & dolphin watching
  • Chances of seeing whale sharks & mantas increase
  • Diving conditions remain excellent
  • Fishing for certain game fish species is very good

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Mozambique in November

As the dry season ends and the wet season starts, the weather becomes a lot more unpredictable. Days are very hot with humidity increasing, though rainfall is still fairly low. November heralds the return of turtles coming ashore to nest and lay their eggs. With visibility still pretty clear, diving and snorkelling conditions remain good. There is still a decent chance of seeing humpback whales before they begin heading off towards the end of the month, whilst sightings of whale sharks and manta rays remain good, and dolphin sightings excellent.

Fishing for certain species, especially kingfish and marlin, remains excellent. It’s no longer high season so prices of some lodges come down.

  • Days hot but weather becomes a somewhat unpredictable
  • Diving still good
  • Start of the turtle-nesting season; humpback whales begin to leave
  • Good month for dolphins, whale sharks & mantas
  • Lodge prices starting to come down

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Mozambique in December

Days are still hot, with rising humidity making it feel a lot stickier. Average daytime temperatures hit 31°C+, with evenings around 23°C. December is one of the rainiest months, but expect short sharp thunderstorms as opposed to lengthy rainfall. The turtle-nesting season is now in full swing, so seeing females laying their eggs becomes a possibility. As humpback whales head back south, sightings become scarce, but dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays are still present in good numbers.

Fishing for marlin, bonito and kingfish is still excellent. Sea visibility is generally good, but it can become a little hit and miss as the sun and warm seas encourage plankton blooms. Christmas and New Year are very popular periods despite invariably carrying price supplements.

  • Days are hot & a lot more humid
  • Turtles laying their eggs on beaches
  • Whale season is now largely over
  • Dolphins, whale sharks & mantas are still present
  • Christmas & New Year get booked up early, & cost more

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Mozambique fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Azura at Quilalea


Other lodges in Quirimbas Archipelago

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Lodge offers an amazing insight into traditional Mozambique island life, plus relaxing dhow trips and canoe excursions.


97% (7 reviews)
Vamizi Lodge

Vamizi Lodge

Vamizi Island is the ultimate barefoot getaway, with stunning beaches, wonderful private villas and fantastic food.


92% (5 reviews)
Ibo Dhow Safari

Ibo Dhow Safari

Island hopping safaris offer swimming in turquoise waters, stunning snorkelling, camps on sandy islands and beaches, and exploration of the islands' history.


100% (2 reviews)
Medjumbe Private Island

Medjumbe Private Island

Medjumbe Lodge stands on a tiny and fairly remote private island, in the middle of the Quirimbas. It's the flagship lodge of a small chain and the snorkeling and diving in this area is excellent.


No reviews yet
Vamizi Island Villas

Vamizi Villas

Vamizi Island Villas offers an exclusive beach getaway. The individual Villas are hosted by a dedicated hospitality team.


No reviews yet
Mogundula Private Island

Mogundula Private Island

Brand new to the Quirimbas Archipelago, Mogundula Private Island looks set to be a superb luxury option.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa