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| Viewing: 5 Day Matemo Island Dive Safari, Mozambique |
Package ID: 1750 |
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| 5 Day Matemo Island Dive Safari, Mozambique |
Discover the remote Quirimbas Archipelago, Africa’s greatest secret. A wild-untouched destination! Be the first to discover this awesome area. Inclusive of 5 star lodge, meals, dives & local air fares
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Day 1: Johannesburg to Pemba (Quirimbas Archipelago)
On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport (O.R. Tambo International) you will be met by our representative, who will assist you while you book on to your 3 hour connecting flight to Pemba on the warm tropical coast of Northern Mozambique.
Pemba Bay is the third largest bay in the world and home to a number of breathtaking attractions including the beautifully untouched Quirimbas Archipelago, consisting of 37 islands. The scenery is breathtakingly rustic and gives you a feeling of being lost in a place forgotten by time where traditional palm leafed houses are nestled in between thick stands of baobabs that slowly meander to the emerald blue seas, while the coastline is dotted by hundreds of dhow sailing boats, remnants of a bygone era influenced by Arabic settlers.
The Pemba coastline is fast becoming one of Mozambique’s premier tourist destinations, with many undiscovered areas now opening up to the intrepid diver who dares to explore. There are 37 diveable Islands, some of which have not been fully explored. The waters are abundant with an extensive variety of hard and soft coral, a vast array of marine plants, countless different types of crustacean, a legion of fish species, great variety of marine invertebrates, 4 species of dolphin and 4 species marine turtles, while it is also not unusual to spot the rare Sunfish (known as “Moonfish” in Europe). Humpback whales are regularly sighted between August and October and Whale Sharks become extremely common between April and July. The water temperature is 30°C in summer and 26°C during winter, with visibility never below 12 metres, giving you an awesome all year round diving experience.
On arrival in Pemba, you will be met your Lodge representative, who will assist you in boarding your Air Transfer to your Lodge. This will give you an awesome view of the Quirimbas Archipelago from above, the different shades of blue and turquoise doted by Islands and filled with amazing sea creatures.
Check into your Lodge, a stones throw from the edge of the Indian Ocean, relax and enjoy.
Day 2, 3, 4: Matemo Lodge, Matemo Island
Located in the breathtaking Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique, Matemo Island Resort (5 Star) offers guests the quintessential tropical island experience, with beautiful white beaches and thousands of palm trees swaying in the breeze. A perfect vista of endless white sand and translucent sea mesmerizes those who visit, whilst the untouched marine environment allows for constant new discoveries of Mozambique, whether diving, snorkelling, fishing, or exploring unspoilt beaches.
For stylish Quirimba beach living, you need look no further than Matemo's blend of understated luxury. Each chalet is beautifully appointed, with spacious en-suite bathrooms, outside showers and deck hammocks for lazing in whilst watching passing local Mozambique dhows and the gentle undulations of the sea. Every effort has been made to ensure that the beach chalets blend into the natural Quirimba Island surroundings, with local Mokuti palm roofs offset by glamorous touches such as local white marble, ornate carved doors from Zanzibar and rich furnishings and rugs from Dubai.
The spacious guest areas are gently elevated above the sea, with the lively bar, dining area and swimming pool commanding sweeping views over the Indian Ocean. Fresh, seafood-oriented meals are served in a variety of locations, from the open dining area to the poolside or on the sand with the sea lapping at your feet. To ensure ultimate relaxation, a range of simple spa treatments is on offer and can be enjoyed wherever guests please.
The unspoilt coral reefs and outcrops surrounding Matemo Island are one of Mozambique's best-kept secrets. Flanked by the northern Mozambique coastline to the west and the Mozambique channel to the east, these protected waters boast an astounding diversity of marine species, all within close proximity of your launching point. Moray eels, stingrays, barracuda, kingfish and other pelagic game fish can be seen whilst diving here in Quirimba tropical waters that seldom drop below 26 degree Celsius. Dolphins are frequently encountered whilst humpback whales can be sighted between August and October. Leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles are often seen in the water, coming ashore to lay their eggs on the sandy island beaches. Whether you are a novice or experienced diver, we will help you experience the magic of scuba diving.
The Lodge offers a range of diving courses, co-ordinated by experienced diving instructor who also plans every diving trip, taking care of all the details. We use PADI Instructors and Dive Masters as a minimum standard and do not conduct technical or deep-water dives that warrant a chamber. Matemo's 7 major dive sites offer a range of diving environments that are simply breathtaking, taking in coral "bommies", reef banks, soft sponges, plate and lettuce corals. For more experienced divers there is the challenge of a 40 metre wall dive, with frequent sightings of pelagic game fish, as well as a fascinating 90-foot-long wreck dive that needs to be experienced in calm conditions. One of our most popular sites for its sheer diversity is Rush Hour (16-30 metres), named after the schools of barracuda, kingfish, blue banded snapper and fusiliers that frequent this reef bank. Here you are likely to encounter spotted and honeycomb Morays hiding in coral shelters as well as ribbon eels and blue spotted stingrays. On shallower coral "bommie" dives, such as Rolas Rainbow (8-10 metres), you are likely to see resident reef fish such as sweetlips, pufferfish, angelfish and triggerfish, with their rainbow colours allowing for fantastic photographic opportunities.
A typical day will start with wake up call from the Resort in the way of a snack filled breakfast tray packed with light delights and freshly brewed coffee and tea, after which you will meet the resorts professional dive master, who assist you in checking your dive equipment, and will take you through the specifics of the dive location for the day. You will then head out by boat to one of the many dive sites in the area, stopping on your way to view dolphins, whales, turtles and other sea creatures. After the dive you head back to the lodge for a much deserved brunch. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the island on one of the many additional activities offered by the Resort or you may choose to lounge around on the beach enjoying the tropical sun or even take part in another dive. The choice is yours. Lunch will be served in the restaurant with its panoramic sea views, while dinner can be served anywhere you like it.
Day 5: Matemo Lodge, Matemo Island / Johannesburg, South Africa
All dreams have to come to an end, and unfortunately, this is your final morning. After breakfast and some last minute sightseeing, you will be escorted back to Pemba.
You will then have time to do some final curio shopping in the local markets, where we are sure you will pick up a few fantastic bargains.
You then board your onward flight to Johannesburg International Airport (O.R. Tambo International).
(Tour Ends: 17:00)
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Itinerary Highlights
Matemo Lodge, Matemo Island (Quirimbas Archipelago)
• 4 nights, 5 Star Private Lodge accommodation, at Matemo Lodge on the Matemo Island, with en-suite facilities
• Daily Diving Excursions with professional dive master
• Wide variety of complimentary activities including Wind Surfing, Kayaking, Kite-Flying and Catamaran Sailing
• Several optional activities: Snorkelling, Sunset Dhow Trips, Cultural Tours, jet ski’s and skiing
What Is Included:
• 5 star luxury accommodation, with en-suite facilities
• Local Flights from Johannesburg to your Lodge
• All air, boat and ground transfers
• All Meals
• Scheduled Dive excursions daily (except on days of arrival and departure)
What Is Not Included:
• Long Haul International Flights
• PADI Dive Course or Dive Refresher Courses
• Optional Activities and Excursions
• Drinks & refreshments
• Tips for porters and restaurants
• Telephone calls, laundry & other incidental personal expenditure
• All Nature Reserve fees where applicable
• Visa fees, where these apply
• Airport departure taxes, where these apply
Important Notice
• All activities are subject to prevailing weather conditions
• We are able to organize PADI Certified Beginner Diving Courses and Refresher Diving Courses on requests
• All guests will have to provide Proof of their Diving Qualifications and complete a Medical Assessment in order to take part in the diving excursions.
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