Yacht Charters in East Africa – We Look at 2 of 1000+ Exotic Islands

Are you in search of something entirely unique – a place where culture and history come together to form a range of enticing island holiday destinations perfect for leisure and escape? East Africa is the undeniably the perfect place to immerse yourself in all of this. In its archipelago of islands, you’ll find holiday activities, breathtaking beauty, a myriad of exciting watersports and a tranquil experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. And, it’s not as far away as it seems.

While adventurous or peace-seeking travellers alike can visit islands such as the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Comoros Islands, there is something truly magical about chartering to the more remote Quirimbas and, of course, Zanzibar – both reasonably affordable holiday destinations that retain so much of their burgeoning culture, post colonialization. In fact, these islands, arguably, offer a more unique experience in that they are lesser known than their more commercialized counterparts.

Holiday activities in the Quirimba Islands and Zanzibar

Take a yacht charter through the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and take part in leisure activities such as:

      Fishing – With East African charters, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities to fish in the Zanzibar and the Quirimba archipelagos alike. In fact, in Zanzibar, there are no less than 6 different types of billfish alone, as well as tuna and mackerel. All-year fishing is not uncommon given that local and leisure fishermen alternate between fishing for tuna from August to October, then billfish and marlin from November until March, and game fish in the months in-between. In the Quirimbas, you’ll find sailfish and marlin throughout the year and a growing sports-fishing culture, which is taking shape nicely in the area offering more and more guidance and facilities to avid fishermen.

      Diving, animal-spotting and natural encounters – The rich natural heritage of East Africa means that nature-lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to viewing some of the animals indigenous to this area – both aquatic and land species. In Zanzibar, you can still view the Zanzibar Leopard, as well as the endangered monkey species – the Zanzibar Red Colobus. In the water you may find Bottlenose Dolphins, turtles and Spanish Dancers indigenous to the area. In the Quirimbas, you’ll have the chance to see coral-covered caves in-between viewing triggerfish, damsels and sweepers. Plus, there are dives where the water is nice and shallow – perfect for beginners or those who love the colours of the shallow reflections.

All told, you’d be hard-pressed to find more exquisite and memorable destinations  for sight-seeing, watersports and fishing. Taking a yacht charter through to the Quirimbas or Zanzibar is an experience you must have in your lifetime.  

Contact us now for more information.

Sports fishing charters in the Quirimbas, Mozambique

The Republic of Mozambique is a popular destination for lovers of the ocean and tourists searching for a rich cultural experience. From its unique musical sounds created from handmade instruments and accompanying dance featuring the intricate wood carved traditional masks to the rich Portuguese influenced cuisine, the mainland of Mozambique is an exciting and vibrant experience for locals and tourists alike.

Visitors to the country know however, that the real excitement lies not on the mainland but rather towards the Quirimbas Islands off the north-eastern shoreline where you’ll find some of the best young sports fishing areas on the planet. Avid fly and sport-fishers frequent these waters for a serene and once-in-alifetime fishing experience – perfect for beginners and experianced fishermen alike.

Sports Fishing

Sports fishing, fishing for pleasure of competition, continues to grow in popularity amongst its many styles. Armed with nothing but a rod and reel, it’s a simple, relaxing pleasure that anyone can enjoy - especially when surrounded by some of the most picturesque and beautiful ocean views on the globe.

With the increase in the popularity of sports fishing, demand for sports finishing charters in the Quirimbas, Mozambique has increased too and with Mozimbique Yacht Charters offering 4 night, 5 day charters in the area aboard our luxury Power Catamarans, complete with full board accommodation and meals, you can enjoy the Quirimbas Islands for your next sports fishing expedition!

What Can You Catch?

Whether you’re a big game fisherman or a flyfisherman, the Quirimbas Islands will delight - Kingfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Queen Mackerel, Queenfish, Dorado and Barracuda are some of the many fish that have been recorded in the Quirimbas Islands. We’ll fish the banks of St Lazarus too, where Dogfin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Black Kingfish and Ignoblis have all been recorded. Plus, the serenity and vast expanses of the area mean that you won’t have to fight your way through hoards of crowds or compete with a multitude of other visitors. It’s your own island paradise.

What Else Will We Do?

It’s not just fishing you’ll be experiencing on this trip either. Catch a light aircraft to Ibo Island where you’ll see the southern islands of Quirimbas from the air, snorkel and explore islands like Matemo and Rolas and overnight on St Lazarus Banks.

Book your adventure!

Experience the best fishing the Qurimas Island has to offer with sports fishing charters in the Quirimbas, Mozambique! Simply contact Mozimbique Yacht Charters to book your trip and start planning your next exciting fishing expedition now. 

Contact us now for more information.

Nuarro Lodge in Mozambique

Nuarro Lodge in Mozambique

Mozambique can be found in Southeast Africa, bordered by the majestic Indian Ocean. The white sandy beaches and tropical climate is what attracts most tourists but the area has so much more to offer in terms of culture. The official local language is Portuguese but is mostly spoken as a second language, however, guides and hospitality staff are generally fluent in English. The crystal clear, warm water of the Indian Ocean, with its unspoilt coral reefs, makes Mozambique one of the top destinations in the world for scuba diving and watersports. Other popular water activities include; yachting, swimming with dolphins, island hopping, however, when you’re not on the water there’s horse riding on the beach and villages to enjoy.

About Nuarro Lodge

You’ll find the Nuarro Lodge in the North of Mozambique on the Baixo do Pinda Peninsula. It is situated within a marine reserve, so no fishing is allowed but this respect for nature makes it all the more beautiful. The Lodge was named after the holes formed in the surrounding coral rock. Quite literally, ‘holes’ is ‘nuarro’ in Portuguese.

This 4-star lodge is easily accessible, with direct flights from either Johannesburg or Maputo to the Nampula airport in the Northeast of Mozambique. From there, you have the option of taking a light aircraft, to the lodge, a 4x4 road transfer or a magical trip along the pristine blue waters via yacht charter.

Nuarro supports the communities in the surrounding areas by having almost everything at the Lodge made by local craftsmen. It also helps fund various NGO development projects, such as their sanitation and hygiene programme, by donating five dollars for every bed night and two dollars from every paid activity. Nuarro is 100% eco-friendly, using solar energy and a wind mill, as well as grey water (relatively clean waste water from baths and sinks) and dry sanitation. In 2013, Nuarro Lodge won the SATOA Award for responsible tourism – making it a clear choice for environmentally-minded travellers.

Why Nuarro Lodge?

• Nuarro is the only lodge in Mozambique where you can do wall dives from the shore.
• From July to December there are Humpback Whales that visit the bay, which you can see up close on boat rides.
• It offers you the opportunity to enjoy  getting up close and personal with the local dolphin colony.
• The Lodge is surrounded by 11 private and pristine beaches.
• Each of the 12 chalets available have a magnificent sea view and private path to the beach, as well as a private sundeck.
• 10 of the Chalets have a family option.
• Day-long excursions to the famous Lurio waterfalls provide an unforgetable and memorable experience to visitors.
• The 2 couples that own Nuarro are PADI Instructors/divemasters, with a combined 30 years of teaching experience.

Standard Inclusions

• Transfers by road from Nampula Airport to the lodge return
• Accommodation in one of the chalets
• Full board and a “wake up” tea and coffee room service
• Relaxing half hour back and neck massage
• Dhow cruises, kayaking and snorkelling
• Bush trails and bike rides

Stay for 7 Nights and your partner stays for free at Nuarro Lodge in Mozambique. Book Now.

Salt-water fly-fishing in East Africa

Mozambique has one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Africa. Breath-taking natural scenery and clear water, populated with teeming masses of fish and other aquatic life, make the spectacular coast and off-shore islands of Mozambique a world class location for keen salt-water fishing.

Casting flies into a stiff breeze and struggling to land a feisty game fish in strong sea currents is both demanding and exciting. This is why keen fishermen travel to Mozambique.

There are more than 2,500km of coastline, rocky protuberances, offshore reefs and
gorgeous sandy beaches. The area has some of the most challenging salt-water fishing
opportunities in the world, which is why signing up for a fishing charter in the company of an
experienced crew is by far the best way to make the most of this fabulous place.

A Rich Diversity of Fish Species

The area is blessed with a unique underwater topography that provides a thriving support
platform for baitfish. This attracts an incredible diversity of fish and there are literally
hundreds of different species to be found in the coastal waters. Spend a day or two on a boat drifting in the clear waters and you’ll have no problem catching some amazing fish.

Yellowfin Tuna, Giant Kingfish, Dogfish Tuna, Queenfish, Bonefish and even giant Barracuda can be found in these bountiful waters. The appearance of vast numbers of Mantis Shrimps usually heralds the arrival of great shoals of fish near the surface, so casting the right fly should net you a few big ones. Sailfish frequent the waters around Mozambique between April and July and catching one of these exquisite creatures has been the highlight for many the avid fly fisherman. The famous Kingfish is another inspiring catch to try your hand at.

Top Fishing Locations

St Lazarus Banks and the Quirimbas Archipelago offer some of the most amazing salt-water fishing opportunities for anglers. A huge variety of fish make this vast underwater mountain their home and fishing in these waters will therefore be a tremendous experience for novice and experienced fishermen alike. The islands surrounding the Bazaruto Archipelago lie approximately one third of the way up Mozambique’s rich coastline. The vast sand banks and shallow waters here are teeming with baitfish and, consequently, are very popular with large pelagic and resident game fish, including the world’s largest Bonefish.

Tourism is a relatively new industry in Mozambique, so there has been very little pressure on fish stocks in the most popular areas, which means that the fishing opportunities are truly fantastic. However, if you want to find the most elusive fish, it’s best to explore the waters in the company of an experienced guide. Try Mozambique Yacht Charters for your fly-fishing adventure.

We now have an 80-foot yacht that’s perfect for our popular fly-fishing tours in East Africa.
Contact us now for more information.

Discovering the Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique

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Africa is a magical continent, long overshadowed by many popular western tourism 
destinations, simply because so many people aren’t aware of what it has to offer. 
While visiting the world’s most developed continents and countries has its own 
advantages, there’s an element of romance and adventure that can only be found in 
Africa. Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of this majestic place is the Quirimbas 
Archipelago in Mozambique. 

Not only does is provide travellers with some of the most scenic views in the world, 
it’s also a hub for exotic wild and aquatic life, offering nature-lovers, adventurers and 
historical enthusiasts a wealth of unique experiences that can only be found in the 
islands. The best way to see the area is by yacht, as you’ll have the opportunity to 
fully explore the Quirimbas, from both land and sea. Mozambique Yacht charters can 
help you plan and enjoy your trip, with visits to a number of islands within the 
archipelago. 

Quisiva Island 

As early as the 2nd century, it’s believed that Oriental and Arabic sailors graced the 
shores of Quisivia, where they met the Swahili people. As a result, Quisiva is the 
poster child for a mix of cultural influences, offering a rich and diverse heritage that 
can still be experienced today. The island is a sanctuary, where you’ll have the 
chance to witness local green and sustainable design at its best. Infrastructure is 
built with both the locals and travellers in mind, and is exquisite in it’s simplicity and 
with its stone detailing. 

Quilalea Island 

Quilalea is quite a small island in comparison to some of the others comprising the 
archipelago, making it the perfect resting place for travellers who enjoy the charm 
and intimacy of it. The shoreline serves as a home to hundreds of exotic fish that 
swim and live within the coral. The number of visitors is kept to a minimum to ensure 
tranquility and peace. 

Matemo Island 

Matemo is essentially an island resort and ocean paradise, where adventurers 
travellers go to enjoy themselves. Laze on the beach and soak in the sun or explore 
the countless coves that exist on the island in-between swimming, dining and 
enjoying the local entertainment. You’ll also have the opportunity to partake in diving 
and other eco-friendly watersports. 

Medjumbe Island 

Medjumbe is a small, private island most famous for its quite beach chalets and 
hammocks that are perched within the ocean itself. Every year, travellers from across 
the world visit to get a glimpse of local dolphin species, which are known to come 
quite close to the shore. However, get on your diving gear and you’ll have the 
opportunity to witness rare turtle and fish species too. If you’d rather relax and enjoy 
a cocktail, you’re more than welcome to do so, with a view that stretches out for 
miles. 

 All told, visiting the Quirimbas is an unforgettable experience for any traveller, 
offering serenity, leisure and exploration, along with a wealth of cultural heritage and 
a passageway into a bygone era. 

If you would like to book a yacht charter trip, contact us here. 

Sail and Safari in Mozimbique

Mozambique is the shining jewel of the Indian Ocean, with sandy white beaches and a 
pearly necklace of spectacular islands. It is the perfect location for isle hopping and 
experiencing true tropical bliss. 

You can hope for no better view than when sailing breezily past the jaw-dropping mangrove 
forests speckled with red-listed birds and hemmed with isolated beaches - ideal for 
snorkelling but you can explore them too because what many travellers aren’t aware of is 
that your trip to the Mozambiquan seas is also the perfect opportunity to enjoy an inland 
safari! In this regard, Mozambique Yacht Charters is a fantastic company to start planning 
your trip with. 

Set sail! 
Enjoy spotting lurid bird life, snorkelling, paddling in a two man kayak, swimming and taking 
in the scenery on your yachting adventure, which can take you to places like: 

Ulumbwa Island - Beneath the waters of this island, you can find miles of coral seascapes 
in-between exploring little fishing villages, sampling some freshly caught kingklip and going 
on guided tours through the lush mangrove forests. Ulumbwa presents its own singular 
share of bright birds and untouched natural beauty. 

Quilalea Island - Only recently re-opened, in 2011, this private vacation retreat is 
refurbished and luxurious. It’s another spot where you can enjoy coral outcrops, winding 
pathways and lush greenery. Here you can get a real castaway feel between the luxuries 
offered by secluded beaches, beautiful villas and looming baobabs. 

Welcome to the bush 
Enjoy a memorable safari in Mozaimbique when on honeymoon, a trip with the family or 
simply when in search of an unforgettable island holiday. We recommend a marine safari – 
explore the natural wildlife of Mozimbique and visit many of the eco-friendly camps on 
uninhabited islands. You can also visit: 

The Quirimbas Archipelago - Ibo Island 
This Muslim trading port houses one of the most alluring attractions in the entire archipelago. 
Though many of the isles have relics of its silversmith expertise and slave trade, you can find 
no better worksmanship than on Ibo. This ghost town is two centuries old, boasting forts 
from a faded history along with ancient ruins and trade buildings. Safari on the island to 
witness rare aquatic species such as Hawksbill and Green turtles, as they migrate on and 
off-shore. 

Guided nature and bird walks - Mozimbique’s mangrove forests are floral kigdoms, home 
to over 700 rare and exotic bird species, including Sunbirds and Lilac-breasted Rollers. 
Safari through the forests for a rare glimpse of these indigenous creatures, along with a 
qualified guide. 

Experience both the allure of sailing, as well as the adventure of exploring natural 
Mozambiquan habitats when yachting and safariing in and around Mozambique this year.  

Contact us for a unique Sail and Safari Holiday in Mozimbique

Discovering Mozambique – a truly African adventure on a yacht

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When you think of travelling to any African country, you’ll most likely be confronted 
with a mosaic of typical imagery, from traditional dancers to local food stores and 
over-priced souvenirs. Needless to say, these are the memories you could take back 
from any trip, but beneath the façade of what Mozambique is to travellers, lies a 
wealth of scenery and experiences just waiting to be uncovered. Nestled in the 
Indian Ocean and bordered by countries such as Malawi and Tanzania, Mozambique 
is the perfect African paradise for travellers with a rich and diverse heritage 
embodied by its developing communities, as I was able to find out first-hand. 

A close friend recommended I see Mozambique by yacht, as this would give me a 
good mix of an inland experience with the beauty, leisure and comfort of being at sea 
with a reputable yacht company. My travelling companion and I opted for a tour with 
Mozambique Yacht Charters given that they operate all year round. This is what I 
found on my travels. 

First stop, Ibo Island! 

Within the Quirimbas National Reserve lies Ibo Island, a peaceful and scenic place 
originally used as a Muslim trade port and also a resting place for Vasco Da Gama in 
1502. This coral island can best be described as mostly untainted by humanity, 
offering breathtaking sunsets and natural scenery. The few signs of humanity that 
can be found are echoed in some of the oldest buildings in Mozambique – 
established by Arabic traders along the coastline. 

On to Matembo 

Moving on to Matembo was quite an interesting experience, given that this island is 
more of a resort and a far cry from the quiet and barely developed Ibo Island. Tall 
palm trees grace the coast, while the locals craft small boats and mostly trade by day 
trying to barter with visiting travellers. Long stretches of white beachfront and 
turquois ocean make for a beautiful view but admittedly a contrast to the conditions in 
which the locals live in old buildings reminiscent of a bygone era. Still, kids play 
joyfully in the streets and many of them help their parents to gather wood and other 
supplies. 

The waters of Majumbe 

Majumbe is heaven, or at least as close as anything can get. Crystal Clear blue 
water is home to friendly schools of dolphins that come unexpectedly close to the 
yacht. The island itself is private, making it rather an exclusive destination and 
understandably so. It’s barely populated with a few luxury chalets, sitting comfortably 
in the Quirimbas archipelago as a beacon for the absolute beauty and remoteness 
that Mozambique offers. 

Home stretch - Vamizi 

It was with a heavy heart that we reached Vamizi in Northern Mozambique – the final 
stretch of our journey, but we were anything but disappointed. This area has an 
affiliation with the WWF due to its exotic and extensive range of marine life, and local 
government places strict regulations in order to maintain wildlife conservation. The 
waters are nothing short of pristine, which made for a wonderful snorkeling 
experience. I will never forget the day I saw my first Leather-back Turtle, swimming 
with strength and grace like a king of those blue waters.  
In fact, there are many things about Mozambique I will never forget. 

Contact us today for a unique yacht charter holiday in east Africa.