Sure Travel Journey Vol 4.1 Summer 2018 | Page 31

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Q U I R I M B A S
Below: Remnants of the Fort of São João Baptista. Above: Dinner time at the Ibo Island Lodge, a low-profile jewel in the Quirimbas.
PLANNER
Q TRAVEL
A TOUCH OF HISTORY:
© IBO ISLAND LODGE
Ibo coffee grows wild on the island and is
highly sought after.
Our final evening is spent on the roof
terrace, sipping G&Ts as the sun sinks into
the shimmering sea. Dhows sail quietly
under a full moon. Festivities over, the
serenity of the island has returned, leaving
us to reflect on its fascinating past.
Arab traders established forts and
settlements on Ibo Island more than
1 400 years ago, trading gold,
slaves and ivory with ancient African
kingdoms. Portuguese sailors arrived
in the 1500s, and the remarkable
star-shaped Fort of São João Baptista,
built in 1791, still stands proudly in the
north of the island. At Ibo Island Lodge
daily guided walks unpack the rich
history of the island.
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT:
A visit to the silversmiths of the
Fort. Silversmiths have worked
here for centuries and their delicate
handcrafted filigree jewellery makes
for a memorable gift or souvenir.
DID YOU KNOW? Ibo Island is one
of 11 islands within the Quirimbas
Archipelago National Park, which helps
to conserve the sensitive marine habitat
that is home to whales, dolphins and
the endangered dugong.
WHEN TO GO: The winter months of
June – September are best: it’s the dry
season with mild temperatures and
clear skies. Migrating whales can also
be seen during this time.
BOOK IT: Thompsons Holidays has
a range of affordable packages for
Mozambique, or ask your Sure Travel
consultant to quote on an Ibo Island
holiday. Visit www.suretravel.co.za or
call 0861 47 48 49.
MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE // 31