Ibo Island Lodge

“A special place”

At Ibo Island Lodge you don't get the sanitised version of Africa that so many other, particularly very luxury, lodges offer. You hear the Muslim call to prayer, the big soccer game being watched, see the local people walk past or on their motorbikes, the fishermen out on their boats. And I loved... more

At Ibo Island Lodge you don't get the sanitised version of Africa that so many other, particularly very luxury, lodges offer. You hear the Muslim call to prayer, the big soccer game being watched, see the local people walk past or on their motorbikes, the fishermen out on their boats. And I loved this, witnessing island life. It is a beautiful and well managed lodge, with stunning decor that was obviously sourced over an extended period (and also made on site) and a fascinating history of how it came to be. The staff, in particular Kissinger, Gillie and Nito, can't be more friendly and helpful. Kissinger must have the biggest and best smile in Africa. All special or out of the ordinary requests were handled as if I asked for a G&T. Food was delicious - crayfish almost every day. The rooms are spacious and include everything you need. Beautiful garden, verandas and pool, with lots of areas to lounge. The sandbank excursion is a highlight, especially when you have the sandbank for yourself. Also good snorkelling close to the sandbank... the coral is in such a beautiful condition. Ibo Island feels like a place lost in time... but shaped by its history as one of the oldest settlements in Mozambique, once an important trading post for Arab traders and the Portugese, including slave trade, the site of conflicts between these nations and others, the slow demise when the capital moved to Pemba... this is seen in the architecture and old buildings, the forts, the ruins. And makes for one very unique destination. This is not your typical commercial Indian ocean island. It is as if you've been taken back in time, yet you're having an island holiday. The evidence of cyclone Kenneth is still visible in places - many homes are being fixed (or still need to be fixed) - but the lodge is fully operational and nature seems to heal itself. But the island's people need our tourism money to recover fully from this devastating disaster in early 2019.

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“Secret Island Paradise!”

We were absolutely blown away by our recent stay at Ibo Island Lodge!! It is a secluded island getaway that fully exceeded our expectations. The staff is incredible, so kind, helpful and spoke great English. Management was wonderful in helping accommodate our little one and we loved our staff. I ... more

We were absolutely blown away by our recent stay at Ibo Island Lodge!! It is a secluded island getaway that fully exceeded our expectations. The staff is incredible, so kind, helpful and spoke great English. Management was wonderful in helping accommodate our little one and we loved our staff. I cannot say enough good things about the room, food, decor and ambiance. We have traveled extensively in Africa and no other resort has compared.

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“A place with a soul”

If you are looking for a place with a soul to switch of, with no mass tourism and people with a soul and passion than that is the place to go. We were unlucky with the weather when we stayed for 10 days from Christmas till after new year as we planned a kayak island hopping but Kissinger went out... more

If you are looking for a place with a soul to switch of, with no mass tourism and people with a soul and passion than that is the place to go. We were unlucky with the weather when we stayed for 10 days from Christmas till after new year as we planned a kayak island hopping but Kissinger went out of its way to make the stay the best replacing it with half-day trips, snorkelling, dolphin tour and the like when he weather permitted. Weather can change in a day there so they are flexible and adapt to it. The efforts put into the restoration of the place is amazing and i hope the island recovers from the bad internet media reports on security in northern Mozambique ( they are completely unfounded for the Quirimbas which is in no way touched by main land issues at the far northern border with Tanzania ) . I must say that the island is VERY saved and is untouched by problems reported in the Province of Capo Delgado main land at the time of travel. In fact, Ibo Island is safer than most places i have visited you can walk anywhere day and night, people know each other well and will immediately see if there is an intruder. Kids and people greet you friendly and don't beg or are intrusive ( unlike other places less poor i visited outside Mozambique and even Namibia where we live). SO have a peace of mind the place is SAFE and probably safer from where you come from :) and NEEDS your support, the progress and hope on the island depend on you and the people give it back again. Kissinger the manager on-site with his admin colleague will keep you happy. Food is good and you can enjoy seafood and all the fish every day if your heart desires it . :) marine life is amazing and its worth going there at different times of the year to expierence it all .

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“Immersive Ibo”

We spent a week at Ibo Island lodge on a family holiday. The staff really makes the lodge and are extremely friendly and flexible. Travelling with small kids they are were flexible on meal times and menu The food is great and a seafood lover’s treat. Probably the most lobster I’ve ever had in o... more

We spent a week at Ibo Island lodge on a family holiday. The staff really makes the lodge and are extremely friendly and flexible. Travelling with small kids they are were flexible on meal times and menu The food is great and a seafood lover’s treat. Probably the most lobster I’ve ever had in one week. The bar is fairly basic and limited stock though. Wines on list mostly not in stock and during the day bar under lock and key and you need to call someone to open up, who will gladly do so with an ever friendly Ibo smile The lodge offers an authentic local experience with lots of love in restoring the old buildings. As with such an renovation you can expect some struggling water supply to some taps and plumbing but overall great to stay in these old buildings with so much history. Wifi did not work when we were there but the manager made a plan to let everybody access data via his phone in the dining area. Plans made, island style. While there’s no beach at the lodge there’s a small patch of beach about ten minutes walk away frequented by the local kids and the lodge offers a nice excursion to a sand bank in the ocean about 45 minutes away by boat. Do check the FI terms. It is the not the same amongst all lodges in the area. We will be back

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