EXPLORE WORLD HERITAGE MOZAMBIQUE ISLAND | ILHA DE MOÇAMBIQUE
This tour explores in and around the Island of Mozambique, an African World Heritage island floating in the Indian ocean.
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Duration
6 Hours
Tour Type
Heritage Tourism
Group Size
10 persons
Location
Ilha de Moçambique
Overview
One of the world’s unique travel destinations, Ilha de Mozambique (also known as Mozambique Island), has over 500 years of history etched in its streets and walls.
This small island, a calcareous coral reef, is just 3kms in length, and between 200metres and 500metres in width, yet holds unmeasurable significance in the history of Mozambique as a country.
The name Mozambique originated from this small yet influential island.
ABOUT THE ISLAND
The island was named after the Sultan, “Ali Musa Mbiki,” who ruled the island before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 1500s. With the Portuguese influence, the name evolved to “Moçambique.”
The mainland was soon referred to as Mozambique too, and with time, the island named Ilha de Moçambique (Island of Mozambique).
By 1507, the Portuguese (led by Vasco da Gama at the time), had established a port and naval base for their ships on the island. They frequented that route along their long journeys from Portugal to India. Ilha de Mozambique was one of many Portuguese trading settlements and ports that were created along a stretch of South-East African coastline, which soon came to be called “Portuguese East Africa,” which now forms Mozambique.
They introduced Catholicism and so built the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte in 1522, which is believed to be the oldest European building in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Portuguese settled in the North of the island (Stone Town), where you see a lot of the original buildings still standing today.
The famous “Fort of São Sebastião” that guards the island at the Northern end of Stone Town, took 50 years to build and was completed by 1608. This was fortunate timing, as they were able to withstand attacks from the Dutch in 1607 and 1608.
Ilha de Mozambique became a major trading post for the Portuguese along their maritime routes, and they traded in slaves, spices, and gold.
The years that followed, development on the island continued, including the erection of the famous hospital, completed in 1877, which was the biggest hospital south of the Sahara for many years.
The Suez Canal opened in 1869, and created a thoroughfare between countries in the Northern Atlantic, and the Northern Indian Ocean, via the Mediterranean, and so the importance of Ilha De Mozambique lessened, and by 1898, the capital was moved to Lourenço Marques, which is known today as Maputo.
The island today is entirely urbanized, with Stone Town in the North, remaining of great interest to tourists, for the unique and beautiful historical buildings, and the South, now known as Makuti Town, being highly populated by local residents in reed houses.
In 1967, a 3.8Km Bridge was built joining the island to the mainland of Nampula, which became a lifeline for the residents of the small island.
In 1991, Ilha De Mozambique was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🔰 Find below details and trip suggestions. They can be booked by selecting activities to add to this tour as extra prices.
DISCOVER ILHA BY BICYCLE
A full introduction to the island. In 2 ½ hours of easy riding your UNESCO trained, local guide will show you every historical site and take you deep into the heart of vibrant Makuti Town.
Your UNESCO trained, Makhuwa guide will show you every historical site and take you deep into the heart of vibrant Makuti town for a real slice of Ilha life.
Tour Duration: 2.5 hours
Included in Price
Comfortable British Royal Mail bicycle
Contribution to Hindu Temple and Slave Memorial
Garden Refreshment
What to Bring
Sunscreen
Bathers/swimmers
Rash vest/T shirt for sun protection
Hat
Water
SOULFOOD AND SUNSETS
Take the first step on your next great adventure. Whatever it is that wows you, we've got something for everyone.
What to Bring
Sunscreen
Bathers/swimmers
Rash vest/T shirt for sun protection
Hat
Water
KAYAK SAFARIS
Ilha Gardens: Kayak and Snorkel
Combine fantastic snorkelling with the thrill of sea kayaking. Begin with a paddle to the Fortaleza de São Sebastião and the small Capela da Nossa Senhora de Baluarte (the oldest European building in the southern hemisphere).
Tour Duration
3 hours
What to Bring
Sunscreen
Bathers/swimmers
Rash vest/T shirt for sun protection
Hat
Water
3 Fortalezas Loop: Kayak and Snorkel
There’s something very special about looping around the whole island. It is more challenging and you’ll feel a great sense of achievement when you’ve done it. Add to this fantastic snorkeling and a visit to an island fortress.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
What to Bring
Sunscreen
Bathers/swimmers
Rash vest/T shirt for sun protection
Hat
Water
Fortaleza & Mangroves
See if you can keep up with the fishermen in their local wooden canoes as you maneouver through the mangroves.
An easy paddle for beginners with challenging options for the more confident. Get the hang of your new kayak, then when you’re ready its off to the 16th Century Fortaleza de São Sebastião.
Tour Duration: 1.5 hour
Included in Price
Kayak- single or double
Life vest
What to Bring
Sunscreen
Bathers/swimmers
Rash vest/T shirt for sun protection
Hat
Water
Baobab Dhow Safari
Sail away for a day like no other. Voyage to the deserted headland of the Cabaceira peninsula and the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. Seafood Barbecue lunch, mangroves walk, lime kilns and Swahili village.
Tour Duration: Full Day
Group Size: Minimum 2
What to Bring:
Camera
Bathers/swimmers: Sun protection (sunblock, long sleeved shirt)
Hat
Sturdy footwear (able to be worn in water)
Water bottle (can be refilled onboard)
Whale Watching Dhow Safari
Whale watching like nowhere else on earth - this is your chance to experience one of Africa's recently discovered and truly magnificent wildlife migrations.
Group Size: Maximum 15
What to Bring
Camera Bathers/swimmers
Sun protection (sunblock, long sleeved shirt)
Hat
Sturdy footwear (able to be worn in water)
Water bottle (can be refilled onboard)
Included/Excluded
Specialized bilingual guide
Bottle water
Motor boat excursions (to and from the lodge)
Drinks and beverages
Travel Styles
Cultural
Nature & Adventure
Marine
Activities
Special Interest
Facilities
Wifi
Mountain Bike
Satellite Office
Staff Lounge
FAQs
What should I do about money?
The answer is simple – use the ATM. There are currently 2 banks offering 5 ATMs all together and each dispenses local currency. Visa works best and Mastercard second best. Foreign banknotes including Dollars, Euro and Rand are not in demand and can be difficult to exchange. Large denominations of dollars can be exchanged on the street.
Can I pay for my tour in Meticais, the local currency?
Yes you can. In fact this is the method of payment we prefer in the shop.
Are Credit Cards accepted everywhere?
The main hotels and most restaurants now have POS machines (Flor de Rosa does not have POS). The island fuel station also accepts card payment.
Ilha Blue and Cafe Azulejo accepts Visa and Mastercard.
For attractions, barracas (local shack restaurants) and informal tours it is strictly cash payments.
When is the whale migration?
Fishermen are the first to report the arrival of the whales which is generally late June/ early July. The whales are at their highest concentration (and most acrobatic) through August and September and start to leave early October.
How far ahead should I book things?
This is a tricky one. If you are staying more than a week you have the flexibility to book tours and activities as you go. If your stay is only 2 or 3 days then you don’t want to risk missing out so book well in advance. Most people at least book a bike tour for the day they arrive or next morning (the perfect orientation to people and place). And we strongly recommend booking in advance during whale season as our boats usually get fully booked out.
How safe is the island?
“Welcome to the village.”
It’s the strong sense of community that makes Ilha the safest place you will ever visit. That’s worth repeating “the safest place you will ever visit”. So let go of your worries, wander the streets and alleys, day or night, with complete peace of mind.
Is Ilha good for kids?
Short answer – YES!
Many families visit Ilha, with stays of a week or longer becoming more popular. For teenagers there are all kinds of water based activities to keep them busy and smaller kids can just enjoy the friendly nature of this family focused place. It’s easy to make friends and everybody is watching out for the kids – just see how quickly little routines develop with visits to favourite shops, cafes, beaches and other hangouts.
INDIVIDUAL BOOKING: PAYMENTS
Payment must be made before your tour departs.
Payments can be made in Cash (local currency or USD), Bank Transfer or Credit Card. For payment by credit card Ilha Blue Lda reserves the right to charge a levy of 5%. For payment by bank transfer please present Proof of Payment (POP) before tour departure. The payer is liable for all bank and related transaction charges.
Cancellations, love and a whole lot of fresh ingredients go into preparing an Ilha Blue safari. We hope you don’t need to cancel but if you do, here’s what you should know:
Tours cancelled by you more than 24 hours before departure receive a full refund less 10% administration fee.
Payments made by credit card will incur a further 5% penalty. Tours cancelled during business hours on the previous day will receive a 60% refund.
Tours cancelled on the day of departure cannot be refunded.
There is no refund in the case of no-show. 100% cancellation fees will apply.
FORECAST
Ilha Blue Island Safaris provides outdoor and nature-based activities and operates in all weather. However, severe weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond our control may force a cancellation. In this case, we will do our best to reschedule or provide an alternative tour. If this is not possible, you will receive a full refund.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
There are inherent risks in adventure travel, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that we are in a remote location, with minimal medical facilities. The client assumes all such risks associated with participating in this tour(s). Ilha Blue Island Safaris strongly recommend all clients take out appropriate travel insurance prior to date of travel. Ilha Blue Island Safaris cannot be held responsible for any costs arising from such loss or injury.
Tour Location
This tour explores in and around the Island of Mozambique, an African World Heritage island floating in the Indian ocean.
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