Quirimbas, Pemba and the North Coast
The Quirimbas are a string of over 32 coral islands stretching north from the coastal town of Pemba to almost the border with Tanzania.
Ibo Island is the most populated island and offers a fantastic cultural experience rather than a beach holiday, though trips to beautiful sand bars for snorkelling are possible. For dedicated beach stays consider Quilalea, Medjumbe, Matemo and Vamizi Islands, all of which offer remote desert island paradise with good scuba diving and snorkelling.
In recent years there has been a lot of individual beach resort development along the coastline. North of Pemba a few small lodges exist, such as Guludo Eco Lodge, whilst to the south near Ilha de Mozambique, the former capital, Coral Lodge sits in a private nature reserve on the tip of a peninsula. Nuarro Lodge is another very remote property, being some 4 hours’ drive from Nampula, the nearest commercial centre.