Quilalea

Nestling in a forgotten corner of Mozambique's Quirimba Archipelago, the Quilalea Marine Sanctuary is one of the most bio-diverse marine areas in the world. Dugongs graze in sea grass meadows, Fish Eagles perch in tall mangroves, turtles nest on white beaches, and Humpback Whales shelter their young in Quilalea's deep channel. Quilalea offers a full range of diving experiences - with sheltered diving and snorkelling a mere twenty metres offshore and more demanding exploration on the big walls of the Montepuez channel, on the southern edge of the sanctuary. Here caves and currents combine to create an underwater paradise, inhabited by reef and pelagic fish of every size and description. The most adventurous divers will want head for the Saint Lazarus Bank, recognised as having the best unexplored diving in the world.

Accommodation at Quilalea is a haven of secluded luxury. Guests stay in nine large, 'island villas,' each with enormous windows to better appreciate sea views and breezes. Natural rock walls, makuti thatch and colonial ceiling fans keep you cool by day, while a king-size bed draped in a romantic net completes the African/Arabian luxury. At the north end of the island is the restaurant, set on a peninsula and offering fabulous ocean views to both the west and the east. Amongst activities available on Quilalea is to charter the Kiraku, an eleven metre yacht, and to sail around the Quirimbas either for a few hours, the day or stay for a few nights on a diving package

Days 1 & 2. London to Dar Es Salaam [D]

After clearing customs and immigration, take an onward flight to Pemba, then transfer to your lodge by light aircraft.

Days 3 to 8. [FB]

Enjoy the clear blue waters of the Qurimbas Archipilego with its untouched corals and varied marine life.

Day 9. Homeward [B]

Make the short flight to Dar es Salaam for your flight home.

Day 10. Arrive Home.