Mozambique adventure holiday

This is a very low impact way to explore the Quirmibas Archipelago, using the ancient Arab tradition of sailing dhows for our main form of transport for most of the safari (journey). Not only does this reduce noise and pollution, it is far less likely to disturb or to directly harm the endangered marine mammals we are hoping to see, i.e. humpback whales and dugongs.’(In Florida, among manatees, the dugong's nearest cousin, 53% have visible propeller scars, and collision with speedboats is estimated to have caused 80 out of 396 (20%) of all manatee deaths in 2006.)

We shall be employing local boat crew and cooks and, wherever possible and making arrangements to camp directly with local islanders (from whom we shall also buy fish and seafood).

One of the key approaches of the Lodge on Ibo Island that we use has been supporting and creating projects that create income and livelihoods for other members of the communities. The Lodge directly employs approx 30 permanent staff. The extended families of these staff members will rely on these salaries ie. approximately 600 people's lives on Ibo. In addition, many third party services, food supplies and services are sourced from Ibo Island itself, directly affecting approximately another 20 to 30 individuals. Again these people support extended families of up to 20 people. Community Projects at the Lodge include a Tourism training project, marine turtle research and conservation, the market garden agricultural project, and the silversmiths jewellers program.

Our other Lodge is also wholly committed to the local community. All building materials were sourced locally with a 100% local work force which was followed through into operation where produce is sourced. The founders of the Lodge set up the Lodge as its commercial arm and a UK registered charity, as its charitable arm. The foundation receives 5% of the lodge’s revenue and is the department that implements projects. All our projects are community driven and managed. Social projects include health (malaria, HIV, hygiene and sanitation), water (training water committees, repairing water points and drilling new ones) and education (secondary school scholarships, primary school feeding programme and building new primary schools).

Our guide Jim was born and brought up in Zambia, and is very much an African at heart. From an early age, he developed an interest in the animals, birds and trees in the bush around him, and a passion for their conservation. He also cares deeply about the people of Africa, and in finding practical ways to improve their health and standard of living, while causing minimal harm to the natural environment. This experience and passion is shared with our expeditions members. Jim has always had a ‘soft spot’ for Mozambique, and regards the North of this country as one of Africa’s best, hidden jewels. His other, current projects there include evaluating a community health project on the shores of Lago Niassa, a planned, community tourism, canoe venture on the Rio Lugenda, and a cultural exchange with the Makoa people of Madagascar.

In order to keep the environmental and negative social impact of travel to a minimum, this expedition is only operated once in a year and our group size is limited to a maximum of 12 clients. Finally, we shall be visiting both marine and landward sectors of the new Quirimbas National Park, the first national park in the world to be created at the specific request of the people who live within its boundaries. Our park fees and the money we spend on the ground there will also provide some tangible benefit to local people for their foresight and participation in protecting this beautiful stretch of land and coast.