About Vamizi Island Villas (currently closed)
Located on Vamizi Island is a remote and exclusive collection of private villas.
None of our team has visited Vamizi Island Villas to give a firsthand report on their experience, so here is a factual description in the meantime.
If you are looking for an exclusive beach hide-away in a remote destination, with service to match, consider Vamizi Island Villas.
Accommodation
6 Private Villas
Children
Open
All year










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View galleryVamizi Island Villas: Our full report (currently closed)
Located on Vamizi Island is a remote and exclusive collection of private villas.
None of our team has visited Vamizi Island Villas to give a firsthand report on their experience, so here is a factual description in the meantime.
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.
Separate to the existing Vamizi Lodge which is currently closed for refurbishments, Vamizi Island Villas consists of six exclusive villas. The Villas are independent of each other, offering complete privacy. They are located on a secluded stretch of Vamizi Island. Each Villa boasts five or six double en-suite bedrooms with private deck and beach access, a children's wing with two connecting bedrooms, and a central communal area. The latter houses a lounge, dining room and plunge pool surrounded by hardwood decks and outdoor seating. The design is contemporary and airy, using locally sourced natural materials.
A personal hospitality team caters to guests' individual needs and preferences with tailor-made menus and a flexible activity programme. A range of activities are available. The complimentary options include walking trails, shore-based snorkelling, beach picnics, sea kayaking, dhow and laser pico sailing, and village visits. Additional activities can be arranged through the Villa manager at extra cost; such as fishing, scuba diving and PADI scuba courses, boat trips around the islands, whale watching (in season) and holistic spa and wellness treatments.
Guests at the Vamizi Island Villas also have access to all the main areas of the original Vamizi Lodge.
Geographics
- Location
- Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
- Ideal length of stay
- There is no minimum stay at Vamizi Island Villas but we recommend at least 5 nights.
- Directions
- Vamizi Island is reached on a two-hour flight from Dar es Salaam. These flights are not daily so your itinerary will need to be planned carefully to fit in with the flight schedule. You can also reach Vamizi Island via Pemba which is a 50-minute flight. Private charter flights can be arranged on request.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- The Villa hospitality team includes a dedicated chef. Meals are catered to suit, from tailor-made menus to your choice of dining location.
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Guests staying on a full board basis at the Vamizi Island Villas will have most drinks included, with the exception of champagnes, cocktails, premium wines and imported premium spirits which will be charged at extra cost.
Special interests
- Private villas & houses
- Each of the six separate Vamizi Island Villas in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago has four or five bedrooms. These luxurious, remote beach hide-aways come with private beach access and a dedicated team to organise activities.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Mozambique
- Luxury
- The exclusive Vamizi Island Villas are individually designed with contemporary décor and stylish furnishings. A dedicated team caters to each guest’s needs, creating a highly personalised experience – perfect for a luxurious beach escape.
- See ideas for Luxury in Mozambique
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is no child age restriction at Vamizi Island Villas. Children can be accommodated with parents or in their own wing which has bunk beds and a connecting twin room for a nanny or adults if required.
- Notes
- Children of all ages are welcomed at Vamizi Island Villas, however they must remain under the supervision and responsibility of a parent at all times.
Communications
- Communications
- Vamizi Island Villass have limited access to a telephone and internet service.
Sustainability

Conservation to protect the marine eco-system
The strategy at Vamizi Private Villa Collection focuses on the preservation of endangered species such as turtles. Hawksbill turtles in particular are considered a highly endangered species and green turtles are equally marked on the IUCN Red List. As a keystone species, the eating habits of turtles help maintain biodiversity by managing the balance of the ecosystem.
The location of Vamizi Villas on the Indian Ocean coastline creates a unique opportunity for research and conservation in this critical part of the marine eco-system. A conservation initiative was developed with help from Oceans Without Borders and aims to secure biodiversity by protecting and monitoring endangered marine species such as Green and Hawksbill Turtles, Dugongs and Humpback whales.
Only one in 1 000 turtles survives to adulthood and it takes 20 to 50 years for a turtle to reach sexual maturity. Given that turtles nest all year round at Vamizi Island, it has become the only data collection centre in Mozambique where turtles are monitored daily.
A percentage of guests’ fees are set aside to contribute to this conservation project. Community members are also encouraged to participate in the project and workshops on how to monitor the numbers of Green and Hawksbill Turtles, Dugongs and Humpback whales are held for local fisherman.
See more great sustainability projects in Mozambique
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A daily laundry service is complimentary whilst staying at Vamizi Island Villas.
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Vamizi Island Villas's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Vamizi Villas.
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 Villas 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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