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Opposite the coastal town of Vilankulo, lies a chain of five islands. Once part of the mainland, this “spit” broke away from the African continent 25 000 years ago to form the Archipelago, comprising three larger islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, as well as the smaller Banque and Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island). The Archipelago, declared a National Park in 1971 sustains a diverse population of fauna and flora including forest, savannah and wetland eco-systems.
The real surprise for those who have not visited Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago recently is the improved quality of the lodges and easy accessibility to these world class operations. Over the past five years, we have seen the likes of Pestana Bazaruto Lodge; Benguerra Lodge and Marlin Lodge upgrade to world class standards following the rebirth of the disintegrated Sabal Bay into what we now know as Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa. For those who may still remember the old days of Sabal Bay, which after folding in the late 90’s, stood abandoned for two years before being rescued by Saudi Arabian businessman Adel Aujan, who saw in it exactly what he needed to initiate his ambitious and long-sighted plans for Mozambique. What Aujan has done for tourism in Mozambique has been awe-inspiring! Finding officialdom easy to work with, he has paved the way for massive investment in Mozambique’s tourism.
To further compliment the Bazaruto Archipelago, visitors can experience the epitome of luxury in the fist of its kind in the Bazaruto Archiplego Azura. Azura is the country’s first luxury "eco" boutique retreat. Built entirely by hand by the local community and operated in partnership with them, the villas have been designed for both pampering and barefoot escapism. Other lodges which are well equipped for angling and an array of tropical beach activities include the likes of Linene Island Resort; Rio Azul Lodge and Nyati Beach Lodge.
The summer months from October-March are main marlin time, Bazaruto Archipelago being the Southern Indian Ocean’s top black marlin destination, with January/February probably the top months. December/January can be very hot. Sailfish are plentiful in summer, but also usually appear off the archipelago in large numbers in July/August. Most general gamefish species are present year round, particularly kingfish/trevally, (including Giant Trevally), queenfish, king mackerel ("couta), and queen mackerel (Natal snoek), though warm-water types such as wahoo and dorado are uncommon during the winter months.
Rock and surf fishing is consistent year round, with Bazaruto, Linene and Nyati Beach Lodge being the top surfcasting destination and large Ignoblis kingfish the main species sought, either on live bait or casting tackle; big surface poppers being the most successful lure. Very big springer (ladyfish), bonefish, stumpnose, pompano and barracuda are also taken all year from the beaches, along with skates, rays and sharks, mostly blackfin.
All this, coupled with regular flights through the services of LAM or Federal Air, and regular air shuttle services with CFA to the islands results in, not only great fishing, but a quality tropical island experience on our very doorstep. Overseas visitors are streaming in, and finally South Africans too have woken up to the magic of Mozambique.
As if being spoilt for choice is not already an issue for visitors to the Bazaruto Archipelgo, again initiated by Aujan’s vision in developing first Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa, in the north of the Mozambique right up near the Tanzanian border lies Pemba and the Quirimbas Archipelago.
The spectacular Quirimbas Archipelago forms 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. Also with regular flights with LAM to Pemba, this gives visitors great options to holiday in one of the many resorts in the Quirimbas Archipelago. Featured resorts in this area are serviced by air shuttle with CFA, giving easier access to some of the most remote islands in the Indian Ocean.
After the successful opening of Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa, we soon saw the birth of another of Aujan’s visionary hotels, being Matemo Island Resort, a perfect family destination and Medjumbe Private Island, an exclusive island perfect for honeymoons and fly fishing enthusiasts.
Other featured resorts in the area are Londo Lodge – a luxury resort in the bay of Pemba focused on privacy, exclusivity, excellent food and various leisure activities. Further North East is Ibo Island, which has been nominated for World Heritage Status to ensure the protection of its incredible culture and history, here visitors can stay at Ibo Island Lodge.
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.
SportFishAfrica is South Africa’s only tour operator specializing in sport fishing tours to a wide variety of fresh and salt water destinations, both within Africa and to its Indian Ocean or Atlantic Ocean island resorts. Following the recent introduction of BAR rates (Best Available Rates) at most of our top Mozambique Resorts we are very often able to offer our already special package rates at even more affordable prices. However, the terms and conditions of these is that we quote according to the period in which you plan to travel, and that pending your acceptance of the special, we confirm within 48hrs to the lodges.
The BAR rates are unbeatable and we would be delighted to assist you -contact us for your tailor made packages.
TO BOOK YOUR SUMMER SPECIALS AND TAKE PART OF THE "FREE NIGHT OFFERS" AT ALL THE FEATURE RESORTS LISTED ABOVE CONTACT SPORT FISH AFRICA
Tel: +27 11 792 3043
Fax 2 email: 086 556 4309
info@sportfishafrica.co.za
We look forward to being of service to you!
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