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The Quirimbas Archipelago – Where on earth is that??
The Quirimbas Islands lie in the Indian Ocean off northeastern Mozambique, close to Pemba, the capital of the province of Cabo Delgado. The archipelago consists of about 27 islands, including Ibo, Matemo, Medjumbe, Quilaluia, Quirimba, Quisiva and Rolas Island.
Originally home to fishing settlements, the islands' population grew around Arab trading posts and thrived under the Portuguese slave trade. Today, many of the islands are uninhabited. The Quirimbas National Park, spanning an area of 7 500 km˛, includes the 11 most southerly islands, which are partly surrounded by mangroves. The park was established in 2002. These islands are known for their high-quality diving sites, including phenomenal drop-offs, some up to 400 meters. "The area has never been developed and remains an unexplored tourist paradise." "It is the 'undiscovered' nature of these islands that make it so special". These tropical islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago contain some of the richest coral reefs in the world and provide habitat for an abundant array of marine life. The Quirimbas must be the worlds best kept diving secret. Let Dive The Big 5 introduce you to the Quirimbas.
Day 1
On arrival in Johannesburg, own arrangements, you will walk the short distance to the Peermont Metcourt shuttle bus, which will transfer you to the Metcourt. Overnight at the Metcourt on a bed and breakfast basis. www.peermontglobal.com and click on "The Metcourt at Emperors Palace.
Included: Shuttle from Johannesburg International to Metcourt Laurel, accommodation.
Excluded: International air, breakfast, lunch, dinner, bar, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
Day 2
After breakfast you will transfer back to Johannesburg International on the Metcourt shuttle, where you will board SA Airlinks’ International direct flight to Pemba in Northern Mozambique. This flight departs Johannesburg International at 10h30, and being an international flight you would need to check in no later than 08h30. On arrival at Pemba at 13h20 you will be met by the staff of Rani Resorts who will escort you to Rani Resorts Lounge, before boarding the flight to Matemo Island. Rest of the afternoon free. Overnight at Matemo Island on a fully inclusive basis. www.matemoresort.com
Included: Breakfast, shuttle from Metcourt Laurel to Johannesburg International, dinner, accommodation.
Excludes: International air, Mozambique visas, which may be purchased on arrival at Pemba Airport, lunch, bar, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
Day 3
After breakfast, you will walk the short distance to the dive centre, which is situated on the Island, to kit up for your first of 3 scheduled dives of the day, and to complete the necessary indemnity forms. Once you have your equipment you will walk the short distance back to the launch site for the dive brief by the dive master, while the dive boat is brought closer to the beach for you to board. A 20 minute boat ride will take you to some of the world's new and undiscovered diving spots. Share the water with Napoleon Wrasse, schools of Parrotfish, Lionfish, Moorish Idols, Blue Spotted Stingrays and Emperor Angelfish, to name a few. Rest of the day free once you have completed your dives. This time can be spent snorkelling in the warm waters of the Indian ocean, or fishing from the beach, or participate in non-motorized sports such as Kayaking, windsurfing, and Hob Cat sailing. Highly recommended are the sunset cruises where you have the option of a 1 hour motorized cruise or a 2 hour sailing cruise. The cost of these cruises is not included in the tour and would be for your own account. Or simply laze by the pool sipping sundowners. Overnight at Matemo Resort on a fully inclusive basis.
Included: Breakfast, laundry, 1 x double tank and 1 x single tank dive, full diving equipment hire including weights/tanks/air fills (excluding dive computer), services of the local dive master, lunch, non-motorized activities / equipment, afternoon tea/coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, house wine, beer and spirits, dinner, accommodation.
Excluded: Mini-bar, motorized activities, spa treatments, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
Day 4
After breakfast, at a time advised the previous evening, you will again meet at the launch site for the day's dive briefing before boarding the dive boat for a double tank dive. After completing your 2 dives for the day you will be returned to the Resort for surface interval time as you will be flying to Medjumbe Island the following day. Please check with reception if you would like to take part in other activities such as sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing or a sunset cruise which would be for your own account. Overnight at Matemo Resort on a fully inclusive basis.
Included: Breakfast, laundry, 1 x double tank, full diving equipment hire including weights/tanks/air fills (excluding dive computer), services of the local dive master, lunch, non-motorized activities / equipment, afternoon tea/coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, house wine, beer and spirits, dinner, accommodation.
Excluded: Mini-bar, motorized activities, spa treatments, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
Day 5
After breakfast, at a time advised the previous evening, (remember you have a 24 hour surface interval time after your last dive and before flying), Rani Resorts will transfer you back to the airstrip on Matemo Island, where you will once again board their Cessna "Caravan" for the 20 minute "Island hop" to Medjumbe Island. You will be collected from the airstrip by Medjumbe Island staff and transferred the 3 minute distance to the Resort. Rest of the day free. Again, non-motorized water sports are complimentary and you have the option of either a motorized or dhow sunset cruise, which would be for your own account. Overnight at Medjumbe Island on a fully inclusive basis. www.medjumberesort.com
Included: Breakfast, air transfer to Medjumbe Island, laundry, lunch, non-motorized water sports including kayaking, windsurfing and sailing, afternoon tea/coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, house wine, beer and spirits, dinner, accommodation.
Excluded: Mini-bar, motorized activities, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
Day 6
After breakfast, at a time to be advised, you will walk to the dive centre to kit up for the first of 3 dives, (a double tank dive and a single tank dive) and complete the formality of signing the indemnity forms, before meeting at the launch site for the pre-dive briefing. After a 30 minute boat ride you'll reach the dive site, and a world of untouched coral reefs, and drop offs of over 400 meters. Explore coral covered caves and swim with tropical fish which range from Gobies to giant Napoleon Wrasse. After the dives, the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the paradise that is Medjumbe Private Island. As this is a very tiny Island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, we suggest that you simply take advantage of this unique Indian Ocean jewel. Overnight at Medjumbe Island on a fully inclusive basis.
Included: Breakfast, laundry, 1 x double tank and 1 x single tank dive, full diving equipment hire including weights/tanks/air fills (excluding dive computer), services of the local dive master, lunch, non-motorized activities / equipment, afternoon tea/coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, house wine, beer and spirits, dinner, accommodation.
Excluded: Mini-bar, motorized activities, spa treatments, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
Day 7
Another double tank dive, after which you return to shore for surface interval time before going out for the third dive of the day. Rest of the day free. Overnight on Medjumbe Island on a fully inclusive basis.
Included: Breakfast, laundry, 1 x double tank and 1 x single tank dive, full diving equipment hire including weights/tanks/air fills (excluding dive computer), services of the local dive master, lunch, non-motorized activities / equipment, afternoon tea/coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, house wine, beer and spirits, dinner, accommodation.
Excluded: Mini-bar, motorized activities, spa treatments, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
Day 8
Only two dives today following breakfast as you will be flying back to Pemba tomorrow and need 24 hours surface interval time. The afternoon is spent enjoying the facilities on offer at Medjumbe Private Island. Overnight at Medjumbe Island on a fully inclusive basis.
Included: Breakfast, laundry, 1 x double tank, full diving equipment hire including weights/tanks/air fills (excluding dive computer), services of the local dive master, lunch, non-motorized activities / equipment, afternoon tea/coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, house wine, beer and spirits, dinner, accommodation.
Excluded: Mini-bar, motorized activities, spa treatments, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
Day 9
After breakfast, at a time advised the previous evening, you will be transferred back to Medjumbe airstrip where you will be given a hearty farewell by Medjumbe staff before boarding Rani Resorts' Cessna "Caravan" for the return flight to Pemba, in time to connect with the international flight which departs Pemba at 14h15 and arrives in Johannesburg at 17h10. Own arrangements. End of services.
Included: Breakfast, air transfer to Pemba Airport.
Excluded: Mozambique departure tax, international air, lunch, dinner, bar, accommodation, items of a personal nature, gratuities.
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