Matemo Island Resort

Situated in the magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique. Matemo Island is 8 kilometres in length and 3 kilometres wide - a magical destination with private beaches and countless coves to be discovered and blissful surroundings to be experienced. The island is accessed from Pemba by light aircraft transfer, a mere 20 minute flight which is included in the rate.

The magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago in Cabo Delgado Province, Northern Mozambique, is a captivating chain of 27 islands waiting to be discovered by you.

These idyllic islands stretch from the quaint city of Pemba in the south to the town of Palma in the north. Some of the charming islands in the south include a vast expanse of enchanted forest in the Quirimbas National Park. The park was established in 2002 as an answer to the local community’s need to nurture and sustain their precious natural environment. Feeding and nesting grounds for the park’s delightful population of sea turtles, dugong, dolphins, sharks and whales are found here.

The Quirimbas have enormous cultural and historical value, with a combination of Arabian, Portuguese, and African influences. The magnificent old fortresses on Ibo Island boast intriguing historical and fascinating sites. With mangroves, coral and palms, this island tells a story of slaves, pirates and ivory.

The impressive 1,500km2 marine area of Quirimbas National Park includes 11 coral islands stretching for 100km. These islands feature phenomenal vertical drop-offs, some up to 400 meters. These walls are abundant with coral covered caves and tropical fish ranging from gobies to mammoth Napoleon Wrasse and game fish including Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel.

Activities

Experience breathtaking snorkeling, scuba diving, a variety of beach games, deep sea fishing and sunset cruises. You can even take a “Water Taxi” to Ibo Island for a cultural experience. The ultimate in undiscovered Mozambique island adventure.

Enjoy a sunset cruise, or enjoy a scenic hike through the baobabs and palm groves on the island.

Accommodation

The Matemo Resort accommodation consists of a total of 24 thatched chalets with en-suite bathrooms fitted with indoor shower and separate bath as well as a private outdoor shower.

All chalets are beautifully furnished and are equipped with air conditioning, outdoor hammock, ceiling fans, fully mosquito screened, hair dryer, mini bar, personal electronic safe, satellite TV and the convenience of tea/coffee making facilities.

Restaurants and Bars

Chalets are set separately from the main building where you'll dine on sublime local seafood fare, relax at the swimming pool and enjoy exotic cocktails at the bar.

Health Requirements

Matemo Island Resort has a weekly malaria spraying programme. All the rooms are also equipped with mosquito nets and we provide mosquito repellent in the rooms. However we recommend that you take precautionary measures before going into a malaria area. Consult your medical practitioner.

What to take:

Camera, binoculars, film
Sunglasses, sun lotions and sunblock
Lip balm, wide brimmed hat, insect repellent
Lightweight, cotton clothes, good walking shoes
Swimming costumes, jacket for cool evenings

Prices valid to 17 DEC 2006

Price per person sharing : R 11 700 .00 based on today’s exchange rates

Includes:

flights Johannesburg – Pemba - Johannesburg
5 nights Matemo including breakfast, dinner and non-motorised watersports
return island transfers from Pemba

Excludes:

domestic and international airport taxes
marine national parks levy of $10.00 per person per stay (payable direct at resort)
tipping
items of a personal nature
Lunch
Beverages
Motorised water sports
Island excursions
Mozambique $10 per person departure tax - payable locally

Island Honeymoon - Marlin Lodge

The Bazaruto Archipelago is known as the 'Crown Jewels of the Western Indian Ocean'.

Benguerua is a glittering gem in this chain of islands and Marlin Lodge is the perfect spot for a magical escape. The island is set amid translucent waters flecked with dhow sails and rich in marine life - an unspoilt paradise for those seeking a haven of peace, something extraordinary.

The approach is flagrantly romantic. Your boat glides over a turquoise sea alive with dolphins, the shallows spangled with starfish like an underwater sky. You cleave towards the white sands and swaying palms of a quintessential island straight from the pages of fiction, silhouetted on the horizon.

At Marlin you can't escape the age-old rhythms of Africa, the heady sense of history. There's the legacy of Portuguese carracks, trading dhows bearing slaves and ivory to the East and whispered legends of the Queen of Sheba's Ophir pearls.

Each day you'll be reminded of the archipelago's colourful past as fishermen pole their beautiful dhows - a sight unaltered in centuries - out to catch the wind. The locals continue to live a laid-back island lifestyle - harvesting their crops, cashew trees and the ocean's bounty. And late at night you may hear the pulse of distant drums...

Weather: OCT – MAR hot and wet /APR – SEP warm and dry

Marlin Lodge:

"Imagine a private sit down dinner for two on your private patio watching the silver moon rising over the peaceful sea. Indulge in a unique African style bush bath, the patio is transformed into a secluded bush hide away, with two galvanised baths filles with warm water, bath salts and fragrant oils, watch the afternoon drift into evening like the dhows sailing softly along."

A Unique Setting

Marlin's 19 En-Suite Chalets stretch along the beach of Flamingo Bay. Each sea-facing chalet has a private patio with a walkway down to the sandy white beach. The wood-reed-and-thatch chalets are a blend of elegance and African Island beauty.

Decorated with a hue of creams, browns, and slight blues, the chalets reflect luxury and essential comfort. Drift into a slumber listening to the lap of waves and the breath of trade winds in the palms.

The elegant elevated wooden structures snakes along the back of the chalets, connecting them to the main area. It is beautifully integrated into the sensitive Island environment.

The centre-piece is a living-dining area where one can retreat from the African sun, sip on a Marlin Lodge cocktail or lazily catch up on some reading.

The freshwater pool is set in a glade of Coconut and Ilala palms. Upon occasion lunch is served here which creates an original African Island setting.

Health Note:

Malaria precautions necessary - consult your medical practitioner

Pricing

Feb 06 - Jan 2007

Price per adult sharing : R 10 100.00

Includes:

5 nights accommodation
3 meals per day, teas + coffees
Return flights JNB-Vilanculos-JNB on Pelican Air

Maximum baggage allowance 20 kilograms, hand luggage included, excess baggage will be charged for per kilogram. Passengers are required to carry their own baggage through security, to avoid breakage and lost items in normal terminal handling. Baggage should be soft and with wheels.

Return transfer Airport to Jetty
Return 25 minute boat transfer from jetty to the resort
Dhow cruise, island excursion
windsurfing, ocean ski paddling, catamaran sailing & snorkeling on the reef in front of the lodge

Honeymoon special inclusions:

staff will pamper you with a romantic African style bush bath
Sarong for the bride
T-shirt for The groom
African Fruit basket

Excludes:

Beverages
other + Motorised water sports
additional excursions
Items of a personal nature
Tipping
Marine National Parks fee of USD10.00 per person per stay (payable locally)