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Ibo Island Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Luxury boutique property
- 14 rooms set in restored historic mansions
- Snorkelling, diving, mangrove excursions
- Multi-day island-hopping dhow cruises

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Overview

Ibo Island Lodge is a top notch, boutique property located on a peaceful, serene island in the Indian Ocean off Mozambique, well away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The island is one of over thirty that make up the remote Quirimbas Archipelago, a chain of islands that stretches along the east coast of Mozambique right up to its northern border with Tanzania. Ibo Island has played host to Arab traders and Portuguese colonists in the past, and this charming property’s 14 bedrooms are set out across 3 lovingly-restored historic mansions dating back over 150 years.

The accommodation boasts a fresh, contemporary feel combined with traditional, historic Mozambican design features. There are four room options to choose from: the historical rooms, the garden-facing rooms, the premium sea-facing rooms and the Paradiso Villa. The villa is the largest and most luxurious choice, comfortably accommodating up to a dozen guests at any one time. All accommodation options are air conditioned and come with private verandas and four-poster beds with luxury bedding.

There’s a broad menu of activities to choose from including guided visits around the island showcasing its culture and history, mangrove sailing trips, kayaking and beach picnics. Snorkelling and scuba diving are also a real treat given the area’s abundant and colourful marine life. One of the highlights of the lodge’s offerings is the bespoke Ibo Island Dhow Safari, a multi-day, island-hopping experience in a traditional dhow that can be customised according to preference.

The lodge has no fewer than three swimming pools, along with a rooftop terrace where dinner is served. Breakfast and lunch are served in a variety of locations from guests’ own rooms, to the beach, the tranquil gardens or even beside the island’s historic fort. The food is largely inspired by Mozambican and Swahili cuisine and special dietary requirements can be catered for.

Children are more than welcome. There is a babysitting service – although note there’s an extra fee for this - and plenty for all age groups to do in the area. Given the waterside nature of the property, parents are reminded to ensure that their children remain under constant adult supervision.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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