MEDJUME PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT - QUIRIMBAS ARCHIPELAGO

General Info

Being the sister Island Resort of Matemo, the all new luxury Medjumbe Private Island Resort, which opened in November 2005 and underwent routine maintenance and upgrades in February 2007, is situated off the coast of northern Mozambique in the spectacular Quirimbas Archipelago, part of the Cabo Delgado Province. 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 the spectacular and 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 between 20m – 800m 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. Medjumbe Island is a mere 800m in length and 350m in width at high tide.

Fishing

The Quirimbas Archipelago has huge sport fishing potential and is still relatively unexplored. The game fishing is impressive and species found include high varieties of kingfish (over 12 different species), barracuda, dorado, queenfish, queen mackerel; king mackerel; pomano; jobfish; wahoo, yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna; and sailfish. All billfish fishing is strictly catch and release.
Fishing from the beach, off the sandspit and into these incredible drop offs makes Medjumbe a fly-fishing paradise. The drop-off directly in front of the lodge is 20-30m. 2km’s off the Island, North East boasts an impressive drop-off as deep as 850m. One may very confidently compare this to fishing the great Maldives. Fly-fishing equipment is not provided by the lodge, while very limited spinning equipment is available from the activities centre. Medjumbe currently runs a 31ft Gulfcraft Super Deluxe powered by two 115 hp Yamahas – N’Jovo. This craft is ideally suited to fishing the areas off the islands as the waters are generally calm. 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, tackle, bait and breakfast packs. Lunch packs are available on request. Shore fishing takes place from either the sandspit or the rocks below the bar area.

Accomodation

Accommodation at Medjumbe Private Island consists of 13 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 individual plunge pool, outdoor hammock, ceiling fans, mosquito screens, hair dryer, mini bar, electronic safe, satellite TV and tea/ coffee making facilities. The chalets are set separately from the main building. Further facilities include a restaurant where you can dine on local seafood fare, lounge/bar, swimming pool, activities centre, reception and an impressive upstairs loft (above the main dining area).

Location

Medjumbe Private Island is situated in the Quirimbas Archipelago in the Cabo Delgado Province of northern Mozambique.

Season

December/January can be very hot but sailfish are around in summer. January to March is best for Marlin. Most general game fish 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.

How to get there

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 return flights directly from O.R. Tambo International airport to Pemba on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Fares range from R2, 700.00 – R4, 100.00 return (excludes taxes of R1600). Once in Pemba, you will take a fifty minute air transfer to Medjumbe Island by one of the three small aircraft used by the resort with CFA. The airstrip on the island is tarred and maintained on a regular basis.

Other activities

Medjumbe Private Island Resort offers a range of activities other than fishing. With its pristine beaches and diverse marine life, Medjumbe is perfect for diving enthusiasts and honeymooners. Other activities on offer include water skiing, snorkeling, sailing, sea kayaking, hobie cats and various beach games. The lodge has a saltwater swimming pool (approximately 8m x 3m is size), with loungers set around the pool area for lazy sun soaking days, for those seeking privacy, each chalet has its very own private plunge pool.

Length of stay

There is a minimum length of stay (two nights) required when staying at the resort (except for peak periods when a min stay of four nights is required). At least one week is recommended.

Capacity

The resort can sleep up to 26 adults.

Docs required

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).

Rates

The nightly rates at Medjumbe start from US$435.00 per person sharing (low season) and go up to US$510.00 per person sharing (high season).

Included

It is a fully inclusive basis, which includes all meals; house wines; beers; local brand spirits; soft drinks; waters; teas/coffee; laundry; non-motorised watersports activities/ equipment hire and Marine parks levies and emergency medical evacuation.

Excluded

Specialised beverages not specified; boating; diving; gratuities; etc. Please contact us for your tailor-made package where we will provide you with the excursions price lists as well.

Special Notes

Mozambique is a malaria area. Please consult your GP or Travel Clinic for further advice and assistance with malaria precautions.

Rani Resorts often offer their agents exceptional specials, please be sure to contact us for your updated quote.

*CURRENT FREE NIGHT SPECIALS ON SALE*