About Medjumbe Private Island
In 2004 and 2005, two sister-resorts opened in the Quirimbas Archipelago - each on its own island.
The first was Matemo, and the second was Medjumbe Private Island − which was originally named 'Medjumbe Island Resort'. This is the smaller and more exclusive of the two − and in many ways it's the flagship of Rani Resorts in Mozambique. The island of Medjumbe lies about 130km north of Pemba, and perhaps 40km north of Matemo.
We though the island of Medjumbe was stunning – the beach was a pristine powdery white and the sea a perfect turquoise blue. We loved the fact that Medjumbe Private Island is so small, as it makes it feel really exclusive. In regards to the location and surroundings it is probably our favourite island in the Quirimbas.
That said, although the island is very beautiful ... the lodge itself is slightly less memorable. The rooms are quite close together and there is a lack of coherency in the furnishings. But if you can live with the slight disappointment of the lodge on Medjumbe, and especially its rooms, then the island is well worth a visit.
Our view
We though the island of Medjumbe was stunning – the beach was a pristine powdery white and the sea a perfect turquoise blue. We loved the fact that Medjumbe Private Island is so small, as it makes it feel really exclusive. In regards to the location and surroundings it is probably our favourite island in the Quirimbas.
That said, although the island is very beautiful ... the lodge itself is slightly less memorable. The rooms are quite close together and there is a lack of coherency in the furnishings. But if you can live with the slight disappointment of the lodge on Medjumbe, and especially its rooms, then the island is well worth a visit.
Accommodation
13 thatched chalets
Children
Open
All year















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View galleryMedjumbe Private Island: Our full report
In 2004 and 2005, two sister-resorts opened in the Quirimbas Archipelago - each on its own island.
The first was Matemo, and the second was Medjumbe Private Island − which was originally named 'Medjumbe Island Resort'. This is the smaller and more exclusive of the two − and in many ways it's the flagship of Rani Resorts in Mozambique. The island of Medjumbe lies about 130km north of Pemba, and perhaps 40km north of Matemo.
Stop Press Recently (February 2019) the FCO has begun advising against all but essential travel to the area of Mozambique within which Medjumbe is located. However, due to the remote location of Medjumbe Island and its distance from areas with problems, we are hoping that this will soon be overturned. 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.
It's a tiny speck of an island, hardly visible on most maps – including our own satellite map of the archipelago. It is less than a kilometer long and maybe 350m wide. In essence, it's little more than a large sand-bar – notable for a lighthouse and little else. The beach and sea here are absolutely stunning!
The bar and dining area sits above the beach in a large open-sided building that looks out over the sea. Dark wooden floors and high thatch ceilings offer a rustic feel, which suits the beach-side location and concept of barefoot luxury. The interior décor is mostly Arab-Swahili in style – with lovely brass lamps hanging from the ceiling, dark-wood Swahili furniture and Persian rugs on the floor. However some of the soft furnishings don't match the over all style very well – the chairs in the dining area are deckchair material and intermixed with heavy wooden furniture are wicker chairs. We assume that it was meant to look like a colonial mix of styles, but instead the overall look seemed a bit haphazard to us.
Below the bar is a large stone terrace with a swimming pool, sun loungers and shady parasols. It is a lovely place to relax and there are some tables and chairs where you can enjoy a drink – it is a great place to have a sundowner whilst watching the sun set over the ocean.
Medjumbe Private Island has just 13 chalets, all of which are spread along the beach and have wooden slatted walls and thatched roofs. Steps lead up from the sandy beach to a small shaded veranda where you have the choice of a hammock or a wooden chair to relax in. There is also a broad outside deck with a private plunge pool and comfortable sun loungers.
Each chalet comes complete with an impressive range of mod-cons, including air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito screens, hair driers, a fridge/mini-bar, an electronic safe, satellite TV and tea-/coffee-making facilities.
As with the main areas, Medjumbe's rooms have an unusual combination of styles, from Persian rugs on the floor, to stripped 'deckchair' material curtains. The wooden walls are painted cream and so the inside looks a little like a luxury beach hut, which matches the striped curtains but not the Arabian brass lamps.
The en-suite bathroom was spacious, nicely tiled and bright. You have a choice of a bath, an inside or an outside shower. There is a single sink and a separate toilet, toiletries are also provided.
There are lots of water based activities on offer at Medjumbe Private Island. Non-motorized activities such as sailing, kayaking and windsurfing are all included in the rates.
Other activities – such as scuba-diving with the PADI dive centre, snorkelling, fishing and water-skiing – all command an extra cost. The lodge will also organize periodic sunset cruises, and there's beach volleyball equipment available. Between August and October you can also head out to watch the humpback whales, as they migrate southwards past these islands.
As with other parts of the Quirimbas Archipelago, the marine life around Medjumbe is fantastic, and so the diving and snorkeling is very good. When we were last here, in October 2008, we were impressed by the few dives that we did. We saw a huge variety of fish, from large pelagics to several species of ray, and particularly enjoyed the bright, undamaged corals.
Geographics
- Location
- Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
- Ideal length of stay
- Spend at least 5-6 nights at Medjumbe Private Island, unless combined with another island in this archipelago
- Directions
- Medjumbe is a relatively short 30-minute flight from Pemba.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Breakfast is a buffet which is served from 7 – 10am. Cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt and home made breads and pastries are laid out for you to help yourself to. Then a waiter will come and take your order for a cooked breakfast if you want. Tea, coffee and fresh fruit juice is also available.
For lunch there is a light a la carte menu, which you could order from between 10:30 and 17:00. During our last visit to Medjumbe, light meals such as a chicken salad, Cesar salad, lamb and hummus sandwiches were on offer. Though there were also heavier meals such as burgers, spaghetti bolognaise and grilled fish and chips. The lunch menu isn't hugely imaginative, but the food is well cooked and tasty.
Depending on how full Medjumbe is, dinner will either be a buffet or a three course meal from an a la carte menu. When we were there in October 2008, the lodge was not full so we were able to choose from the a la carte menu. Starters such as lobster cocktail, minestrone soup, calamari rings, and asparagus were on offer. The main course usually included a meat option such as lamb chops, fresh fish caught that day like red snapper or crayfish thermidor in a lobster shell. Dessert might be fruit salad, apple pie or chocolate mousse.
The food at Medjumbe was fine and the seafood was always correctly cooked, but it was a bit unimaginative and lacking in any real style or flair. It was also served on very cheap cutlery and crockery, which didn't add to the overall experience. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes - generally possible.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are included except for Champagne and premium imported wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Luxury
- Directly accessing a pristine powdery white beach, each chalet at Medjumbe offers mod cons and a plunge pool to unwind in privacy. Also enjoy your luxurious beach holiday to the fullest whilst getting spoiled by a relaxing spa treatment.
- See ideas for Luxury in Mozambique
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Medjumbe's really quite an adult environment – it's not a place for young children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children under 12 are not accepted here – unless the island is booked out by one party on an 'exclusive' basis.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special facilities or services for children at Medjumbe Private Island
- Generally recommended for children
- We wouldn't recommend Medjumbe Private Island for children
Communications
- Communications
- There is internet free of charge - WiFi is available in the upstairs in the lounge if you have a laptop. There is no cell phone reception, but you can call internationally from your room – this is via a satellite link so costs $6 a minute.
- TV & radio
- There are TVs in all of the rooms with about 5 channels.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a dive centre on site where the staff are first aid trained. They also have links to flying doctors for emergencies.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- At Medjumbe Private Island there are safes in all the rooms.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all the main areas and chalets, and fire hoses dotted around as well.
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Included
- Accepted payment on location
- Medjumbe accepts payments for extras with MasterCard & Visa credit cards (there's a 3% surcharge for these), valid travellers' cheques, and cash in either US$, Euros or South African Rand.
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Medjumbe Private Island's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Medjumbe Private Island.
Other lodges in Quirimbas Archipelago
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

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

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.

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 Medjumbe Private Island 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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