Mozambique Sea Kayak Route
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- 22 Aug 2022
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In 2003, four young adventurers set off to kayak down the entire coast of Mozambique, a distance of 2600km. Their journey (leaving from Cape Town, South Africa) took them four months and included a long overland journey to arrive in northern Mozambique.
These explorers’ pioneering adventure allowed them to meet locals (many of whom thought that this group of Mzungus (Swahili for ‘white people’) were quite mad) and to experience the fascinating sea life and conservation trials.
APE Tours:
APE Tours stands for Advanced Personal Expeditions. The company offers the ultimate service in adventure holiday planning. They aim to include aspects of culture, conservation and heritage in their tours – all while pursuing an outdoor adventure lifestyle. Groups are encouraged to create their own dream expedition and APE Tours will design and package everything from activities and transport to accommodation.
Every 18-24 months the company undertakes an epic sponsored expedition (such as kayaking down the Mozambique coast) with the aim of collecting information about various conservation, cultural and tourism developments. Through these efforts new destinations for future exploration and other commercial trips can be planned. Open Africa collaborates to establish Afrikatourism routes where appropriate conditions exist.
From the information gathered and experience gained on their Mozambique expedition, the intrepid kayaking team has identified two areas along that beautiful coastline suitable for the average paddler or for a family adventure:
- Ibo Island in the Quirimba Archipelago; and
- Ilha Bartholomeau Dias.
There two areas are the focus of this route.
Ibo Island, Quirimba Archipelago
Main Destinations:
Quissanga, Ilha do Ibo, Ilha Matemo, Ilha das Rolas, Ilha Macaloe and Pangane. Ibo Island will serve as a main base as it is situated about 10km from the coast and about 80km north of the provincial capital Pemba. It is about nine square kilometres in size.
Paddling Routes:
Although there is no recommended A to B route for paddling, the area has many day or overnight trips to explore. For all overnight excursions it is recommended that you take all your provisions with you, especially enough drinking water, sunscreen and maps.
The following are a few suggested excursions:
- Paddling from Bela Vista Lodge through the mangrove channel to Ilha Quirimba (You will need a guide to show you the way). Take note of the tides and also take mosquito repellent with you! The distance is roughly 15km one-way. From Ilha Quirimba, it is possible to kayak to Ilha Sencar for an overnight stay. Much of this route will become exposed with either mud flats or coral reefs at low tide so a tide timetable is an essential source of information.
- An overnight paddle to the island of Matemo (just north of Ilha do Ibo) is a great route of about 10km–12km. The inside section of the island has stunning little bays and sandy beaches to camp on. Be aware of the tides, especially in the main channel when crossing over from Ilha do Ibo, as the waters can become quite choppy.
- Another trip idea is a three-day paddle from Ilha do Ibo northwards past Ilha Matemo to Ilha das Rolas, a small beautiful conservation island just north west (roughly 25km) of Matemo Island.
- Day trips include paddling to the lighthouse on the seaward side of Ibo Island, roughly 6km on high tide and 10km on low tide. Paddling among the mangrove channels or fishing in the main channel are also options. A visit to Baixo de Sao Goncalo in the main channel, which becomes exposed at low tide, is also an exciting trip of roughly 6km.
Kayak fishing is a spectacular and fun way to catch yourself a wholesome fish for supper and if you are a fisherman by heart you will love the abundance of sealife, which include big kingfish, barracuda and mackerel in these waters.
How to get there:
The Quirimba Archipelago is situated in the far north of Mozambique. It stretches from the Mozambique/Tanzania border (Rio Rovuma) in the north to only 32km (20 miles) north of Pemba in the south. Pemba is the capital of the province of Cabo Delgado and provides most services expected in a small city. Read More...
