About Vamizi Lodge (currently closed)
Vamizi Island is located in the far north of the Quirimbas Archipelago, not too far from the Tanzanian border.
The island itself is very narrow and long – you can walk to the opposite side in only 45 minutes. It's also very photogenic. There are a few small fishing villages away from the lodge, but these aren't close and the lodge feels very remote.
However, sadly, on 2nd July 2019, due to several months of negative travel advisories, &Beyond Vamizi Island decided to temporarily suspend their operations on the island until further notice. They aim to open Vamizi again as soon as it's safe to do so, and tourist demand has returned. Please speak to Tracy, who heads up our Mozambique team, for the latest details if you interested in visiting this lodge.
Vamizi Island has struck an impressive balance: it's a stylish and high-quality lodge, a class act that has managed to remain unpretentious and in keeping with its surroundings. We view it as one of the best and most exclusive beach getaways on the coast of eastern Africa.
It is certainly currently the top beach lodges in the Quirimbas Archipelago – thanks to its remote location, stunning beaches and amazing rooms.
Our view
Vamizi Island has struck an impressive balance: it's a stylish and high-quality lodge, a class act that has managed to remain unpretentious and in keeping with its surroundings. We view it as one of the best and most exclusive beach getaways on the coast of eastern Africa.
It is certainly currently the top beach lodges in the Quirimbas Archipelago – thanks to its remote location, stunning beaches and amazing rooms.
Country manager: Mozambique
Traveller reviews of Vamizi Lodge
5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryVamizi Lodge: Our full report (currently closed)
Vamizi Island is located in the far north of the Quirimbas Archipelago, not too far from the Tanzanian border.
The island itself is very narrow and long – you can walk to the opposite side in only 45 minutes. It's also very photogenic. There are a few small fishing villages away from the lodge, but these aren't close and the lodge feels very remote.
However, sadly, on 2nd July 2019, due to several months of negative travel advisories, &Beyond Vamizi Island decided to temporarily suspend their operations on the island until further notice. They aim to open Vamizi again as soon as it's safe to do so, and tourist demand has returned. Please speak to Tracy, who heads up our Mozambique team, for the latest details if you interested in visiting this lodge.
The lodge on Vamizi Island (sometimes called Vamizi Island Resort – but it doesn't feel like a 'resort' to us!) has been built with a great amount of style and design, and its construction used some of the local villagers and many local materials. We first visited Vamizi when it was being constructed, and have seen it several times since then.
The main areas include a large lounge area and bar, with wooden decked floors and open sides. These rooms are spacious, open and have a great natural feel to them. There are plenty of comfortable sofas to lounge around on, and light wicker furniture and cream materials result in a cool crisp look. African carvings and wooden furniture add style and a character that is in keeping with your surroundings. With lots of use of wood and thatch it has a rustic feel, but fantastic art and well-made furniture add the signature of an interior designer.
The bar is well stocked and manned by a fantastic barman who can whip up a variety of cocktails to suit your mood. Marine books sit on a book shelf against the back wall – so guests can look up what they might have seen that day when they were out snorkelling or diving.
In a separate open-sided building, a restaurant area is set with tables and chairs. This is a cool shaded place to sit and enjoy your meals – in this unpretentious lodge you can come to dinner barefoot and not feel out of place.
The private villas at Vamizi are widely spaced up the beach, with about 70m space between adjacent villas. Set back slightly into the greenery, each covers a vast 165m², which includes a bedroom, the en-suite bathroom and a private outside deck. In keeping with the main areas, they make great use of neutral colours, wood and thatch. There is no glass in the rooms: the windows are wooden or grass lattice and the doors are woven grass. Because the rooms are set back off the beach, you can open the doors fully and retain quite a lot of privacy. African art is dotted around the rooms, but being large they remain uncluttered, and the result is an almost minimalist colonial feel.
The rooms have large comfortable beds, plenty of hanging space for clothes, a vanity table where you will find a hair dryer and a safe. There are two large fans in each room: one above the bed, and another in the lounge. There is no air-conditioning, but the open nature of the rooms makes the most of any natural breezes.
At the back of the bedroom is the open-plan shower area; the shower itself is built out of a large piece of marble. The marble twin sinks are set in front of the shower and you will also find a selection of lovely complimentary toiletries.
To one side of the bedroom, through a pair of French doors is the outside lounge area. There is a large cane sofa and comfortable colonial-style 'planters' chairs; this is a great place to relax in the evenings. There are also two sun-loungers, where you can sunbathe, and a further two for each villa on the beach itself – which is about a hundred paces in front of the room. Each villa is provided with a small selection of complimentary drinks.
Two of the villas are designed for families. Each of these have two bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. These two bedrooms share a large common lounge area – where there's ample space for four people.
There are a number of different complimentary activities available at Vamizi – including a 90-minute walk to the lighthouse, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, village visits and snorkelling from the shore. If you want to head out by boat, to snorkel on some of the reefs a little further out, then there's an additional cost for this.
The Vamizi Island beaches are numerous, long and often very photogenic – complete with white powder-sand and palm trees. Vamizi Lodge itself stands on a beautiful stretch of beach, from which it's always possible to swim at any time of day.
The lodge has a fully-equipped dive centre. During our most recent visit, in October 2008, a typical (single-tank) dive cost an extra US$60. During that visit, we dived several different sites around Vamizi; this was certainly the best diving we did anywhere in the Quirimbas Archipelago. Several of the dives were quite mind-blowing for the huge number of pelagic fish and various sharks that we saw – including two great hammerheads.
It's also possible to hire boats from Vamizi for big game fishing (on a catch-and-release basis) which, given the abundant pelagic fish, can be very good. You can expect to catch sailfish, marlin, tuna and giant trevally. There is also some great salt-water fly-fishing, but the lodge doesn't currently have the right kit for this – although visitors who are keen are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
Whale-watching by boat is also an option; pay for the hiring of the boat locally. Between the months of August and October, humpback whales migrate up the coast of Mozambique. Head out with the team here to watch them breaching and playing. When we were last out in October 2008, we were lucky enough to see a mother teaching its young calf how to breach and it was a stunning sight.
The service at Vamizi was very friendly. Many of the people employed here are from nearby villages on the mainland; most are still relatively new to tourism and so although the service isn't always polished, it is friendly and they certainly try hard to please. The kitchen do a great job with high-quality food; the lodge is well run and the rooms are beautifully maintained by house-keeping.
Vamizi is certainly a high quality lodge, but its focus is not purely on tourism; it tries hard to benefit the local community and environment. A donation of U$20 per visitor per night is set aside to help the community and environment. Due to the efforts of the Vamizi lodge team, we're told that this area is in the process of being designated as a 'marine reserve'; it already has the biggest turtle conservation operation in East Africa.
Geographics
- Location
- Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
- Ideal length of stay
- Because Vamizi Island is fairly time-consuming and costly to reach, and most visitors spend at least four nights here. You could easily spend much longer – 7 or 10 nights to enjoy the superb diving, lounge on the beach and indulge in the good food would be magical!
- Directions
- Vamizi Island is a two-hour flight from Dar es Salaam, and these flights are not daily, hence your itinerary will need to be planned carefully around the flight schedule. You can also access the island via Pemba which is a 50-minute flight.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Breakfast is a buffet served between 07:30 and 10:00. There are a variety of cereals including bran-flakes and muesli, as well as fresh fruit and yoghurt. Continental breakfast goods including muffins, cheese and meat are on offer. As are cooked items such as bacon, sausage and egg which are cooked to your liking at the live cooking station.
Lunch is then a buffet of salads, fresh seafood and sushi, meat and hot options such as pizza, lasagna, prawns and rice. Cakes, fruit, mousse and other light desserts are also on offer. We really liked the variety on offer for lunch which suited those with a lighter appetite and also for those looking for a hearty meal.
For dinner you typically will be offered a few options for each of the three courses. During pre-dinner drinks, Vamizi's chef will usually come around with the menu and discuss with you the two choices for each course. On our most recent visit, Adamo encouraged us to try his fish tartar, sushi, and cream of spinach soup starters. Then the main courses included a large crab salad or fresh tuna served with crunchy vegetables and potatoes. Beef Wellington and grilled chicken with pasta were also on offer. Then for desert you could try a lighter option such as ice cream or fruit salad, or treat yourself with something more indulgent like a cheesecake.
The variety of the food was fantastic – there was always fresh fish and seafood bought from local fishermen. For lovers of seafood Vamizi is very spoiling! However there were also plenty of meat dishes and vegetarian options as well. We were also impressed by the amount of style that went into the cooking – it rivals a top restaurant in Europe. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes
- Drinks included
- Drinks at Vamizi are included, apart from Champagne and speciality spirits.
Special interests
- Private villas & houses
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Mozambique
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Vamizi welcomes children and families.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Vamizi Island
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities for children at Vamizi Island.
- Equipment
- Cots, high chairs and also baby-sitting can be arranged with prior notification, but remember that child minders here will be local lodge staff, and so not qualified to European standards.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes - Vamizi is relaxed lodge and we don't feel that children would feel unwelcome here; the family chalets are great.
Communications
- Communications
- There is internet access at the main lodge office, and there is some cell phone coverage available. Internet WiFi is around the main areas and free. You can borrow a laptop or bring your own.
- TV & radio
- No
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is first aid at Vamizi's dive shop. Flying doctors are also on hand in emergencies.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is a small safe in each room at Vamizi.
- Fire safety
- There are fire-extinguishers outside the rooms and main areas at Vamizi.
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included and retuned within 24 hours when possible.
- Money
- There are no currency exchange facilities here.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can settle your bill for extras with Visa, Mastercard or with Travellers' cheques however there is a 5% charge for all of them. You can use cash in US dollars, Euros or pounds sterling.
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Vamizi Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Vamizi Lodge.
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.
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 Vamizi 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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