Matemo Island, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique

Located on Matemo Island, Quirimbas Archipelago, northern Mozambique

Matemo Island is one of a chain of captivating islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago, a tropical island paradise in northern Mozambique. The island itself is a mere 8km long and 3km wide and is accessed via a short 20 minute flight from Pemba,the capital of Cabo Delgado Province.

Swaying palm groves, lush vegetation, white beaches and an azure sea provide an idyllic setting for this quintessential island hideaway. Gently elevated above the sea, the guest areas include a bar and restaurant and a swimming pool with sweeping views over the ocean. Fresh, seafood-oriented meals are served in a variety of locations, from the elevated dining area to the poolside or on the sand with the sea lapping gently nearby. To ensure ultimate relaxation, a range of simple spa treatments is on offer and can be enjoyed wherever guests please.

Twenty four thatched chalets are dotted along the beach within a few steps of the sea. They have been designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and comprise Mokuti Palm roofs, local white marble, carved doors from Zanzibar and rugs from Dubai. All the chalets are air-conditioned and have mini bars and coffee and tea stations. The king or twin beds are covered by crisp white linens and lavish mosquito netting. The en-suite bathrooms are fresh and roomy and private alfresco showers offer uninterrupted views of passing local dhows and sunsets. Verandas with lazy hammocks overlooking the ever changing sea complete each room.

The tropical waters around Matemo are one of Mozambique's best-kept secrets. Here in clear waters that reach 30c in summer explore some of the world's richest coral reefs which host an abundance of marine life. Matemo's seven major dive sites offer a range of diving environments that are simply breath-taking, taking in coral "bommies", reef banks, soft sponges, plate and lettuce corals. For more experienced divers there is the challenge of a 40 metre wall dive, with frequent sightings of pelagic game fish, as well as a fascinating 90-foot-long wreck dive that needs to be experienced in calm conditions.

Fishermen can revel in the fact that, with deep water close to the island, one doesn't have to travel far for thrilling encounters with big game fish. Still little explored, the protected waters around Matemo produce some of the most exciting game fish to catch – Kingfish, Barracuda, Dorado, Queenfish, Sierra, Wahoo, Dog-tooth Tuna and Sailfish... Fishing charters are offered to legendary St Lazarus Banks which lies 90 nautical miles to the east. This towering sea mountain, rising from 2.4 km deep to within 6 metres of the ocean surface, brings together a fascinating combination of marine life and is considered one of the world's most exciting game fishing destinations.

The Quirimbas Archipelago has enormous cultural and historical value with a combination of Arabian, Portuguese and African influences. Nearby Ibo Island, or as the locals call it 'Ilha do Ibo', is steeped in history and provides a riveting cultural experience where you will have the chance to interact with the local people and observe their unique island traditions. Watch silversmiths hand-fashion intricate silver jewellery as they have for generations, visita local school, the ancient cemetery, the Catholic Church and other historical buildings.

Want more? Consider combining with these great properties...

Lugenda Wilderness Camp

Lugenda Wilderness Camp is situated close to Mozambique's northern border with Tanzania. Explore an Africa wild and undi...

Visit Lugenda Wilderness Camp

Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Lodge lies in the Quirimbas Archipelago of northern Mozambique and is accessed from Pemba via a scenic 30 min...

Visit Ibo Island Lodge

View all Quirimbas Archipelago lodges & hotels

View all Mozambique lodges & hotels