About Ibo Island Lodge
After 18 months of careful restoration work, three grand old mansions overlooking the ocean on Ibo Island ...
... were restored to make the very lovely Ibo Island Lodge. The Expert Africa team visited Ibo Island Lodge several times during its construction phase, and had high hopes even then and when we revisited Ibo to take a look at the final product and loved what we saw.
Ibo Island Lodge opened in December 2006, and since then it has carved out a very good reputation for itself – not only as lodge which offers a fascinating historical and cultural experience – but also as a base for days lazing on sunny sand-bars beaches, snorkeling and pottering about in canoes in nearby areas of mangroves.
Our view
Ibo Island Lodge opened in December 2006, and since then it has carved out a very good reputation for itself – not only as lodge which offers a fascinating historical and cultural experience – but also as a base for days lazing on sunny sand-bars beaches, snorkeling and pottering about in canoes in nearby areas of mangroves.
Country manager: Mozambique
Traveller reviews of Ibo Island Lodge
7 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the holidays. See our 57 pictures and 4 videos of Ibo Island Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryIbo Island Lodge: Our full report
After 18 months of careful restoration work, three grand old mansions overlooking the ocean on Ibo Island ...
... were restored to make the very lovely Ibo Island Lodge. The Expert Africa team visited Ibo Island Lodge several times during its construction phase, and had high hopes even then and when we revisited Ibo to take a look at the final product and loved what we saw.
Stop Press In February 2019 the FCO begun advising against all but essential travel to the area of Mozambique within which Ibo Island Lodge is located. However, due to the remote location of Ibo Island and its distance from areas with problems, we are hoping that this will soon be overturned. The owners of Ibo are vehemently contesting this decision. Thus, sadly we are not selling this property at present, but we hope to be able to do so very soon. Please speak to Tracy, who heads up our Mozambique team, for the latest details if you interested in visiting this lodge.
Ibo is definitely a place where ancient and modern cultures mingle. The island has been nominated for World Heritage status and the lodge is situated on the prime Rua Bela Vista Street (beautiful view), which aptly describes the position overlooking the sea and the islands impressive mangrove forests.
The heart of Ibo Island Lodge is the Bela Vista mansion – one of the largest houses on this street. It has high ceilings, exposed meter thick coral walls and a wide central corridor allowing the sea breeze to flow through from the sea front to the gardens behind.
Verandas are typical of Ibo Island culture, and even the tiniest village dwelling has one! The lodge is no different, with verandas at the front and back – either facing the sea, or into the tropical gardens. Wide, with impressive pillars, ceiling fans, and squashy plantation style chairs they provide a great place to relax with a view and a gin and tonic. There's also a traditional silversmith workshop here, beside the veranda, where you can relax, interact and observe work.
Inside, the lodge's main areas are air-conditioned with ceiling fans, and the lounge has antiques, comfortable sofa's and books and magazines to read. A sea facing communal veranda in the 'Bela Vista' mansion has comfy seating and is great to watch the dhows and a large number of wading birds in front of the lodge.
Outside are lush gardens with a well kept lawn, mature trees and shade. Dotted around are little areas for sitting – there's a garden bar and additional restaurant with a daytime chill-out area for resting, taking tea or drinks. A swing bench hanging from a giant Marula tree is another great spot to enjoy a lazy afternoon. The main swimming pool is an infinity pool, decked and 14m long. It faces the sea, surrounded by wide umbrellas, pool loungers and mature palm trees.
At the back of the adjoined Niassa mansion and within a walled garden, are lush lawns and tropical gardens planted with frangipani and bougainvillea – and there is an additional, smaller pool with 4 pool loungers.
Arriving at Ibo Island Lodge, you are usually met by friendly managers, Rob and Glynn Mckenzie and Harris Mupedzi, and the rest of the Ibo team. Check in is usually done in the elegant air-conditioned lounge with antiques and comfortable couches. This is also a perfect place to read a book, take afternoon tea or watch the dhows sail out to sea. There is a formal dining room with a 16-seater banqueting table which can be used for private dinners. However everyone's favorite place is upstairs on the roof deck, where the bar and restaurant maximizes the amazing views and sunset over the bay.
Dinners are generally served on the roof restaurant at Ibo Island Lodge. There are not usually any 'communal' dinners, unless requested. Afterwards, it's lovely to relax under the stars on the roof deck.
The 'Niassa mansion' used to be the head quarters of the Niassa Company in the colonial era. It has now been rehabilitated to accommodate 8 of the lodge's 9 rooms. (There will be further 5 more rooms planned to follow, now that the restoration of the third mansion is complete.)
Each room has been elegantly, yet simply furnished. Locally crafted king-size 4-poster beds or twin beds are the feature of the rooms and decorated with rich silk throws and cushions from India. (Historically there have always been strong trading links between Ibo and India) All rooms have air-conditioning and ceiling fans, and each room is different based on the lay out of the original architecture. Bathrooms are spacious with separate toilets, twin basins and wide marble showers with many offering a sea view from your shower. (Read more about the bedrooms at Ibo Island...)
Ibo Island's activities offer a totally different take on the beach and island escape in the Quirimbas Archipelago. Ibo Island provides a fantastic beach and marine destination combined with a truly unique African cultural experience. There are 32 islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago, but there is only one Ibo Island!
An interesting way to begin your stay is with the guided “Ibo of old" experience walk. Harris and Cosmos, the lodge's professional guides, will help you explore the ruins and beautiful colonial architecture that house the island's history and legends. Ibo was the Portuguese's main settlement in northern Mozambique and played a strategic role in the Indian Ocean trading routes over 400 years ago. Today it is still a place where time has stood still and is full of mystique and intrigue.
Ibo's hidden jewel is a sand spit beach accessed 20 minutes by boat from the lodge. For those in search of a pristine and private beach: this is it! Every day this beautiful beach is revealed at low tide and swept clean again by the high tide allowing you to put your own foot prints on the sand. The team are flexible, and you can enjoy breakfast or lunch cooked out on the beach underneath a Bedouin-style tent. It's great for sunbathing or taking a leisurely stroll to its furthest point, or you can snorkel directly off into the clear blue water. It is not unusual to see pods of dolphins on the way from Ibo to the beach.
There is also a small tidal beach directly in front of the lodge, which provides a swimming option at high tide – but this isn't a very private beach, so most guests prefer to use the free boat transfer to the sandbank, which is lovely.
In early 2014 Ibo Island Lodge also opened its own PADI registered dive centre, where certified divers can experience local dive sites including some interesting wrecks. It is also possible to do courses here if you have never dived before.
Perhaps one of the major draw cards of Ibo Island is the chance to interact with the people of Ibo and really understand the local culture. Ibo Island Lodge is not a private island resort. This is one place where you can combine beach and culture and really experience a true slice of Africa.
The “Ibo of today" walk is a guided stroll through the islands villages, to experience life on Ibo Island today, as lived by the Kimwani people. A local guide will accompany you, and it's a personal, really friendly experience. Ibo is a fully functional little town, and you will get a chance to absorb it all. If you are lucky enough to be on the island on a Friday or Saturday night, then an optional highlight is a visit to the local disco!
Other activities from Ibo Island Lodge include guided sea-canoe trips into the cool mangrove forest and winding canals, where you can explore a fascinating eco-system and an abundant bird life.
Like all Quirimbas Archipelago islands, the entire area around Ibo Island is tidal. When the tide is low, this allows for great beach-combing walks exploring for ancient pieces of porcelain that are left over from the trading days. It is also an interesting birding spot, and it's not uncommon to get up to 100 wading birds in front of the lodge at low tide.
Ibo Island Lodge also operates the only mobile island hopping Dhow Safari in the Quirimbas - one of the most unique experiences in Africa.
Finally, if all the above is a little too strenuous for you, then Ibo Island Lodge is also a great place to just relax by one of the lodge's two swimming pools, in the gardens, or to enjoy a massage.
A daily trip out to the sand-bar beach, and the cultural and history walking tours, are all included within the daily rate at the lodge. Further excursions, and sea-kayak trips into the mangroves are charged as extras.
Geographics
- Location
- Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
- Ideal length of stay
- The minimum stay that we'd recommend here is 3 nights, to get a flavour of what Ibo Island is about – but it'd be very easy to spend a week here exploring and relaxing.
- Directions
- There is an airstrip nearby on the island, and Ibo is a short 20-minute flight in a light aircraft from Pemba. Pemba is accessible from Johannesburg with SA Airlink or Mozambique Airlines (LAM) and also from Dar-es-Salaam and Nairobi on LAM.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Wake-up teas and coffees (usually accompanied by a muffin or biscuit) are brought to bedrooms at your requested time. Early morning on your veranda watching the day begin on Ibo is a delight.
Breakfast: Starts with local tropical fruit, cereals, yoghurt and freshly baked bread and pastries. Followed by a cooked to order hot breakfast. Eggs done to your choice, tomato, bacon etc. Ibo Island coffee (Brought by the Arabs centuries ago and still grown on the island.)
Lunches: In keeping with the tropical atmosphere, these are lighter meals served Alfresco in the garden, in the shade. A chilled Ibo crab salad or king prawn kebabs with traditional Ibo sweet chili sauce, served with fresh bread are typical specialties, followed by a fresh fruit salad or home made sorbet.
Afternoon tea sees freshly baked cakes and biscuits being served in the gardens between 3 and 4pm. Then it's upstairs to the bar deck for sundowners and snacks at around 5.30pm.
Dinner: is usually a 5 course tasting menu. The signature dish here is the Ibo crab feast – which consists of giant freshly-steamed crab claws sautéed in garlic butter, followed by a traditional Ibo Island crab curry and coconut rice and sambles, and usually finished off with a light lime mousse and tea, or Ibo coffee.
Vegetarians are well catered for – but it's vital to let us know in advance. Ibo Island is remote, and so very complicated dietary requirements can be a real challenge here.
Children are easily catered for with pasta dishes, plain grilled seafood, and lighter options like pizza and burgers etc. The lodge is very flexible.
When we last visited Ibo in October 2008, we thought the food was fantastic. There was plenty of fresh seafood on offer, including lobster, king prawns and tuna caught fresh that day. We thought the menu was varied, the ingredients fresh and the food beautifully presented. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- There is no set room service menu, but guests can request drinks to be brought to their room.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included here; they are paid for as extras.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Ibo Island Lodge makes your family beach holidays in Mozambique a fascinating historical and cultural experience. Activities include snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, football and encounters with local children. Under 12's by special arrangement.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Mozambique
- Honeymoons
- Ibo Island Lodge is the lovely spot for a romantic honeymoon to Mozambique – the lodge can arrange private dinners, honeymoon picnics and romantic excursions to the sandbank beach. Moonlit strolls are also possible around the quiet, old town of Ibo.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Mozambique
- Birdwatching
- As part of your birdwatching holiday in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago it is possible to head out with a professional guide for a birding walk - many coastal wading species can be seen at low tide right in front of the lodge.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Mozambique
- Diving & snorkelling
- Northern Mozambique has areas of pristine corals and good snorkelling is possible from the light house, and also from the sandbank's beach. Diving in this area can also be very good, although there commercial diving operation here are limited.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Mozambique
- Photography holidays
- Ibo Island is very good choice if you're a keen photographer. The island is very traditional, and there's a range of subjects from people and dhows, to architecture and ruins, not to mention the usual birds, sunsets and 'tropical island'-type shots.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Mozambique
- Cultural Experiences
- Ibo Island Lodge offers a rich cultural and historical experience. Once a Portuguese stronghold, the island’s past is still evident, with guided walks to villages and colonial sites showcasing its fascinating architecture and heritage.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Mozambique
- Wellbeing
- With a permanent resident massage therapist on hand you can enjoy various treatments in the privacy of your own room, or even tucked away in the in a secluded part of the garden. Alternatively there is a treatment room in the Niassa mansion.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Mozambique
- Luxury
- Carefully restored, Ibo Island Lodge retains the colonial-era ambience. Each luxurious room features a private veranda, locally made elegant four-poster beds, and rich Indian silk décor, creating a stylish and opulent atmosphere throughout.
- See ideas for Luxury in Mozambique
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Older children who are going to be sensitive to the lodge's sometime-fragile interiors are very welcome and well catered for.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children under the age of 12 are only accommodated by special arrangement.
- Special activities & services
- There are specific activities that are suitable for older children like guided bird walks, kayaking, football, swing-ball, snorkelling and visits to Ibo's schools.
- Equipment
- The lodge has children’s beds suitable for under twelve’s allowing some of the rooms to be made up as triples.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes – although only for older children, not toddlers.
- Notes
- The garden facing rooms in 'Niassa' are most suitable for families and children and there is a separate small children friendly pool aside from the main pool in the Niassa garden.
Communications
- Communications
- There are no phones in the rooms. There is mobile phone reception on the island, and in some areas of the lodge. There is no internet unless by special request.
- TV & radio
- No TV or radio – although there is satellite TV at the town disco, often used for sporting events!
Sustainability
Shaping traditions into entrepreneurial realities
A paradise for travellers who want to ramble every corner of places which resemble gems of a lost world, Ibo Island induces a sense of rich history, present in its ancient architecture and way of life. A melting pot of Chinese, Arab, European, Portuguese and Mozambican cultures, it is evident why tourism on this small island needs to be managed in a responsible manner.
As the first tourism investor on the island, Ibo Island Lodge was faced with the challenges of tourism development in a remote environment, including securing locals’ approval for the lodge to be consolidated. In doing so, not only has the lodge erect a community school simultaneously, but soon after the construction, educational programmes and training schemes were implemented, thus offering local people significant development opportunities.
The school is now known as the Montessori English School, and English, hospitality and tourism training programs are being taught free of charge to anyone from the island.
A similar initiative is the Silversmith Project, which provides income opportunities for the Ibo community. Traditional silversmiths are sought after for their handcrafted and unique jewellery. The project aims to expand the benefits of tourism across the island and to provide artisans with high-quality raw materials. The growth of jewellery production and the employment it provides is largely the work of Fiona and Kevin Record, the owners of Ibo Island Lodge.
See more great sustainability projects in Mozambique
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- For minor injuries there is a first aid box. The nearest doctor is in Pemba, on the mainland, about a 20-minute flight away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Guards patrol at night, and senior lodge staff sleep close by.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers throughout the lodge, and emergency procedures in place.
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- There is a laundry service available, which takes 24 hours, and is an extra charge.
- Money
- Each room as a chest with a lock for storage of money and small valuables.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash is required for any payments made on the island – US$, Mozambican MTS or South African Rand are fine. There are no credit card facilities here.
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Ibo Island Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ibo Island Lodge.
Other lodges in Quirimbas Archipelago
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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.
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.
Mogundula Private Island
Brand new to the Quirimbas Archipelago, Mogundula Private Island looks set to be a superb luxury option.
When to go to Quirimbas Archipelago
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Ibo Island Lodge 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
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