Sand and Seas – The Ultimate East-African Adventure!

There is no greater adventure than setting sail on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world to explore the rich natural seascapes of East Africa – until you land safari there too. By travelling between land and see, you’ll have a chance to experience everything this expansive area has on offer from its historical significance and colonial legacy to its cultural diversity and, of course, it’s unique indigenous wildlife.

The beauty of a land and sea adventure in East Africa is that you can just as easily go from snorkeling and diving, to bird watching and hiking in the same day, thanks to the close proximity of famous beaches and natural, reserved land habitats.

Mozambique

In Mozambique your safari may include the opportunity to whale watch, particularly between June and December. During these months, migratory whales and their calves come very close to shore, allowing you to see them by boat or land. The most common of these majestic creatures are Southern Wright and Humpback Whales but you may also see baleen whales, which don’t have teeth but rather a filter system inside their mouths.

However, if you’re not in the mood for an aquatic adventure, you can enjoy a memorable safari in true African style, from the back of a ranger vehicle, inland.

Kenya

Part of Africa’s magic is the mythology, ritual and vast nature of its history, culture and landscape. On safari you’ll get a taste of this as you learn more about the brave and majestic Masai warriors.

Kenya is also a fantastic starting point for any traveller as it is home to the Tanzanian Serengeti, where you can witness the annual wildebeest migration or visit one of numerous reserves, such as Tsavo, Samburu or Amboseli. This is the perfect destination for family holidays or honeymoons, all of which are equally well catered for at reputable reserves and establishments in the area.

Tanzania

Tanzania is one of East-Africa’s most iconic destinations and one that every traveller should visit within their lifetime.  Imagine being able to say that you have seen the African Serengeti, Tarangire or Lake Manyara up close and in person.  For the brave, Kilimanjaro is a must-see and the perfect challenge for experienced climbers. It’s a five day guided hike, classed as a safari. However, for those more interested in avoiding physical exertion and dizzy heights – there is the magic of the low-land safaris. Then, enjoy the perfect wind-down at the Indian Ocean’s Spice Island – Zanzibar.

These are just some of the many exotic destinations that could serve as the perfect backdrop to your East-African safari with East Africa Yacht Charters. 

Contact us now for more information on how you can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, with a choice of over 100 islands.

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.

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. 

The Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique

The Quirimbas Archipelago is located in Mozambique of the coast of east Africa.

The Quirimbas Archipelago consists of 37 coral Islands of which only a handful is permanently inhabited. The term Coral Island is given to these Islands because of what they are made of; ancient prehistoric coral reefs were alive and under water. The sheer number and proximity to one another are a clear indication that they once formed a barrier reef of several hundred kilometers.

The Quirimbas Archipelago has become known as the 'African Caribbean' because of its breath-taking diving, snorkelling, fishing and surroundings. The natural beauty of the area includes mangroves, coral reefs, tall coconut palms and endless white beaches.

The Quirimbas islands lie in the Indian Ocean, off the north-east coast of Mozambique and stretch for 100km along the coast. Getting to the islands is not as difficult as one would imagine – there are direct flights from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Islands were formed due to continental upliftment, receding ocean levels and erosion by relentless wave action. Today, as individual Islands of varying size and shape, they protrude approximately 2 to 4 meters above the high-water mark. Passing currents have deposited Casuarinas seeds, Coconuts and Mangrove seeds that have germinated and thrive in varying combinations and concentrations, providing a unique Island vegetation.

The Quirimbas Archipelago is undeveloped and remains a largely unexplored tourist paradise.

To find out more about Mozambique and make a booking to the Quirimbas Archipelago click here

The Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique

Quirimbas Holidays - Mozambique holiday destination - East Africa

The Quirimbas Archipelago is the perfect Mozambique holiday destination with various Mozambique island resorts and beach lodges to choose from. Quirimbas Holidays offers  Quirimbas Archipelago packages to Mozambique's best island resorts.

The Quirimbas Archipelago is virtually unknown to the outside world. In the Quirimbas Archipelago the people who inhabit the islands quietly go about their daily business - local fishermen build Arab style dhows hand-hewn from trees. They navigate hundreds of kilometres of winding channels and mangrove lagoons casting their nets and lines much as they have done for the last 1000 years.

It is the ‘undiscovered’ nature of the Quirimbas Archipelago that make it so special. This is a place in the world where there are no cars, no roads, few hotels and therefore few tourists. For anyone looking for a very special location, the Quirimbas Archipelago is it!

For the best in Quirimbas Archipelago Islands Travel Packages, Contact us now.

Quirimbas Archipelago - Mozambique -East Africa