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| DESTINATIONS |
| MATEMO ISLAND RESORT - QUIRIMBAS ARCHIPELAGO | |
General Info |
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The luxurious Matemo Island Resort is situated off the coast of northern Mozambique in the spectacular Quirimbas Archipelago, part of the Cabo Delgado Province. The remote Matemo Island is an unspoilt and unexplored paradise fringed by beautiful white beaches and dotted by palm trees. The archipelago is made up of a chain of 36 islands which stretch from the city of Pemba in the south to the town of Palma in the north. Some of the islands in the south fall within the Quirimbas National Park, which was established in 2002, to protect some of the precious natural environment of the area. Feeding and nesting grounds for sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sharks and whales are found here. The 1 500 square kilometer marine area off the park includes 11 coral islands which feature massive vertical drop-offs to depths as much as 400m and are home to many game fish species. The cultural and historical value of the Quirimbas is enormous and includes Arabian, Portuguese and African influences. |
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Fishing |
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The Quirimbas Archipelago has huge sport fishing potential and is relatively unexplored. The game fishing is impressive and species found include various kingfish, barracuda, dorado, queenfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and sailfish. The St. Lazarus Banks produce a wide range of species including dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, black kingfish and giant kingfish. All billfish fishing is strictly catch and release. Fishing from the beach, in estuaries and off a boat is available at Matemo and the lodge currently runs a 31ft Gulfcraft Super Deluxe powered by two 115 hp Yamahas. This craft is ideally suited to fishing the immediate areas off the islands. High quality trolling tackle is provided. Shimano fishing rods and reels and Rapala, Halco and Citer lures are used and maintained to the highest standard. VHF Marine radios, depth sounders, GPS/chart plotters and safety gear is standard equipment for all fishing trips. Fishing from the Gulfcraft can be either a half day or full day excursion and each trip includes skipper, fuel, tackle, bait and breakfast packs. Lunch packs are available on request. Beverages are available and will be charged on consumption at bar prices. Shore fishing takes place from either the sandspit or the rocks below the bar area and tackle can be supplied on a first come first served basis. Naturally we always recommend our anglers take a selection of their own tackle. |
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Accomodation |
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Accommodation at Matemo Island Resort consists of 24 thatched chalets with en suite bathrooms, including an indoor and outdoor shower and a separate bath. Each air conditioned chalet is fully furnished and equipped with an outdoor hammock, ceiling fans, mosquito screens, hair dryer, mini bar, electronic safe, satellite TV and tea/ coffee making facilities. Two chalets offer a private dining area. The chalets are set separately from the main building. Further facilities include a restaurant where you can dine on local seafood fare, lounge/bar, small swimming pool, activities centre and reception. |
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Location |
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Matemo Island Resort is situated in the Quirimbas Archipelago in the Cabo Delgado Province of northern Mozambique. |
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Season |
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December/January can be very hot but sailfish are around in summer. January to March is best for Marlin. Most general gamefish species are present year round, particularly kingfish (including giant trevally), queenfish, king mackerel ('couta) and queen mackerel (Natal snoek). The coolest and driest months are from July to August. |
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How to get there |
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LAM has regular flights that fly via Maputo from Johannesburg to Pemba. These flights go to Pemba on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with returns from Pemba on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. SA Airlink also offers direct flights to Pemba from O.R. Tambo International Airport on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Airfares range between R2700.00 – R4100.00 with taxes being approximately R1600.00. Once in Pemba, you will take a twenty minute air transfer to Matemo Island by one of the three small aircraft used by the resort through CFA. The airstrip on the island is tarred. |
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Other activities |
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Matemo Island Resort offers a range of activities other than fishing, such as diving, water skiing, snorkeling, sailing, sea kayaking and various beach games. An excursion to Ibo Island is also offered and historical information is provided during the walk-around while locally made curios are available for purchase at the fascinating fort, we do recommend tourist take time for this interesting excursion. |
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Length of stay |
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There is a minimum length of stay (two nights) required when staying at the resort (and 5 nights for peak periods). At least one week is recommended. |
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Capacity |
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The resort can sleep up to 48 adults. |
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Docs required |
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Visas are no longer a requirement for South African passport holders. Other passport holders are able to obtain their visas fairly easily on arrival at the Pemba airport (US$29). |
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Rates |
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The nightly rates at Matemo start from US$390.00 per person sharing (low season) and US$442.00 per person sharing (peak season). |
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Included |
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Included in the nightly rate at Matemo is three meals daily; bottled waters in room; teas/coffee; soft drinks; local beer and spirits; non-motorised watersports/ equipment hire and Marine Park levies and emergency medical evacuation. . |
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Excluded |
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Excludes boating; diving; additional excursions. Please contact your travel agent or our consultants for your tailor-made package. |
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Special Notes |
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Mozambique is a malaria area. Please consult your GP or Travel Clinic for further advice and assistance with malaria precautions *CURRENT FREE NIGHT SPECIALS ON SALE* |
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