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May through September is the best time to visit Mozambique, with no rainfall and temperatures in the mid seventies. The hot, humid rainy season lasts from October to April.
Most travelers from the United States fly via Johannesburg. Mozambique's national carrier, LAM, offers two flights a week between Jo'burg and Pemba; on other days you must fly to Maputo, then connect with the daily flight to Pemba. (Another option is to fly to Lisbon and pick up a direct flight on LAM or TAP Portugal.) The resorts will arrange for plane, boat, or helicopter transfers to and from Pemba and the islands. Visas ($25, cash only) can be obtained upon arrival in Mozambique; consult your doctor about required vaccinations.
WHERE TO STAY
Quilálea Island Resort
DOUBLES FROM $690, INCLUDING MEALS
44-131/661-6000 (RESERVATIONS)
www.quilalea.com
Pemba Beach Resort Hotel
DOUBLES FROM $242, INCLUDING BREAKFAST
AVE. MARGINAL, WIMBE BEACH; 800/524-7979 OR 258-272/21770
www.raniresorts.com
Matemo Island Resort
DOUBLES FROM $596, INCLUDING BREAKFAST AND DINNER
800/524-7979; www.raniresorts.com
Medjumbe Island Resort
A brand-new, exclusive 12-suite lodge, accessible only by boat. DOUBLES FROM $686, INCLUDING
BREAKFAST AND DINNER
800/524-7979; www.raniresorts.com
Guludo Base Camp
This shabby-chic tented camp is set on an isolated eight-mile stretch of beach on the mainland,
opposite the islands. Activities include sunset dhow cruises and guests-versus-villagers soccer
matches. DOUBLES FROM $352, INCLUDING MEALS
44-1323/766-655; www.guludo.com
Londo Lodge
Opening in November, this cliffside boutique lodge consists of 10 luxury villas built out
of stone, timber, and thatch, done up in an Africa-meets-Asia style. Amenities include Belgian
linens, king-sized beds, and designer bathrooms. DOUBLES FROM $550, INCLUDING MEALS
258-82/699-5070; www.londolodge.com
Maluane
A newly created eco-reserve—conceived in part by the London Zoological Society—with
three luxurious lodges on three of the archipelago's northern islands: Vamizi is already open;
Rongui and Macaloé are scheduled to debut in 2006. DOUBLES FROM $800, INCLUDING MEALS
44-1647/231-007; www.maluane.com
DON'T MISS
The deep channel and long reef east of the Quirimbas makes for some of the world's finest game fishing—the catch includes marlin, sailfish, and barracuda. All resorts offer their own game-fishing excursions. In Pemba, an even better option is to book through World Charters (27-35/571-0104 [South Africa]; www.world-charters.com; $500 for a five- hour trip, $700 for eight hours, including boat, fuel, tackle, and soft drinks). You'll find PADI-licensed dive instructors at every resort as well, but for the best diving and snorkeling trips (at bargain prices— $30 for a single dive), visit Pemba Dive (258-82/ 611-530) on Wimbe Beach.
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