MOZAMBIQUE MARINE ADVENTURE16-23 September 2017

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On this voyage, you will see first-hand how WWF and partners are helping to carve a new development future for the NMC by protecting its pristine waters, mangrove forests and coral reefs - while promoting sustainable livelihood options.

As part of this vision, WWF worked with the government and local communities to establish Quirimbas National Park in 2002. Staying on Ibo Island, the park headquarters, you will learn about marine conservation efforts first-hand and have the opportunity to fully appreciate this inspiring natural environment both above and below the waves.

You will then sail to Quilálea Island, a pioneer marine sanctuary, to discover a bounty of indigenous plants and

Fringed with fine-sand beaches and palm trees, Mozambique’s 2,700km coastline is an explorer’s paradise. Ocean vistas are dotted with the billowing sails of traditional dhows. This region offers rich cultural history, amazing marine and terrestrial biodiversity – and is home to crucial WWF conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable future for people and nature.

On this expedition you will travel to two islands in the Northern Mozambique Channel (NMC), the second most important site in the world in terms of coral reef biodiversity. Sustainability here is a delicate balance. Much of the economic activity and livelihoods of local seaside communities are dependent on the region’s coastal and marine resources.

magnificent baobab trees, along with brilliantly coloured reef gardens.

A visit to these protected sites wouldn’t be complete without meeting the local people leading the way in effective natural resource management. Learn about their local traditions and see how conservation is benefitting them.

You will be staying in carefully selected waterfront properties, dining on impeccably prepared local specialities, and immersing yourself in Mozambique’s rich culture. And, by the time you leave, you will have discovered a piece of Africa’s unspoilt paradise and learned a lot about the local people's commitment to protect their greatest asset – nature.

MOZAMBIQUE MARINE ADVENTURETRIP OVERVIEW

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YOUR DESTINATIONS

IBO ISLAND (4 nights)

After arriving in Pemba, a port city on Mozambique's northeastern coast, take a light aircraft charter (30 mins) to Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago. Enjoy breathtaking views during the short flight as your plane glides low over the ocean, perhaps permitting a glimpse of turtles or whales in the clear waters. Ibo, the best known of these islands, is an enchanting place, renowned for its silver artisans and religious traditions, as well as its magical sunsets and one of the largest mangrove forests in Africa. Ibo is home to over 700 bird species, 10 of which are endangered, and five threatened turtle species.

Local people here depend heavily on natural resources for their energy, food and construction needs. This pressure on the natural environment has led to habitat loss and depletion of fish stocks. Climate change is also impacting the people in this region. To address these issues, WWF and local partners have set up a series of community and marine conservation projects here.

In partnership with local communities, WWF works towards establishing no-fishing sanctuaries that allow for the recovery of depleted fish stocks and corals, and benefit local fishermen who in turn catch more fish in surrounding areas. WWF is also promoting sustainable tourism and alternative livelihood options.

The people of Ibo, with their ancient Mozambique customs and rich religious traditions, are a blend of European, Indian, Arabic, and Chinese. Allow them to introduce you to their unique culture and learn about some of the local initiatives on the island.

QUILÁLEA ISLAND (3 nights)

For the second leg of your adventure, sail in a traditional dhow on to secluded Quilálea Island and the Azura Quilálea Lodge, where a virtual ocean eden with a plethora of sea life flourishes.

The island, which spans a mere 84 acres, is covered in lush coastal vegetation including crucially important mangroves and is dotted with majestic baobab trees. This marine sanctuary was the first area in the Quirimbas Archipelago to be protected, and functions as a nursery for many marine species. Turtles now nest on the beach, dugongs have been sighted frequently, and a total of 375 known species of fish are found in the sanctuary area.

After 3 nights at this idyllic island hideaway, a private helicopter transfer will take you back to Pemba, bringing your unforgettable journey of discovery to an end.

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Your 8-day/7-night itinerary will include activities and visits such as:

• Meeting with community fishing councils, to learn about local fisheries management and community-based conservation efforts.

• Joining a marine sanctuary monitoring expedition with local experts and community leaders to observe resource-building efforts in action.

• Getting involved in a health and hygiene lesson at a local school, and meeting girls who have benefited from an education scholarship programme initiated by WWF.

• Kayaking through giant mangrove forests for bird-spotting and visits to marine turtle nesting sites.

• Snorkelling or optional diving at a variety of sites amid protected reefs, where you can expect to view vividly hued corals and a rich diversity of tropical fish and marine life, including sharks, manta rays and turtles.

• Spending time with the silversmith project, a local collective that designs and crafts exquisite jewellery for tourists, providing income opportunities for the Ibo community.

• Testing your sailing skills in a traditional dhow, or simply enjoying a cruise on the serene azure waters to a nearby white sand bank island beach.

• Visiting a local coffee association and discussing the merits of coffee as an alternative source of income.

• Exploring Ibo Island's Stone Town and the ancient fort of St Joao Baptista on a guided historical walking tour.

• Stargazing on the beach during a guided telescope discovery of the African night skies.

YOUR ITINERARY

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YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Ibo Island Lodge is set amid lush tropical gardens of fragrant frangipani, brilliant bougainvillea and graceful palm trees.

Three swimming pools beckon as an escape from the heat of the day. The Bela Vista Lounge is a wonderful vantage point for mesmerising views over the bay at high tide.

The lodge is the centre of numerous community schemes providing training, income and development opportunities. The owners of the lodge have also built a community school to provide free education and training to anyone from the island.

IBO ISLAND LODGE (4 nights)iboisland.com

AZURA QUILÁLEA PRIVATE ISLAND (3 nights)azura-retreats.com/azura-quilalea

This private paradise island in the stunning Quirimbas Archipelago is considered to be among the finest accommodation in northern Mozambique.

Each of the luxurious villas was built with locally sourced materials – natural stone walls, carved wooden beams, makuti thatch roofs, and timber wooden decks.

A commitment to the local people and preservation of the pristine environment is central to the concept of this private island lodge. The resort aims to be a model for ethical sustainable tourism and the community are major contributors and stakeholders. A park ranger is also employed by the lodge specifically to protect marine turtle nesting sites.

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START AND FINISH

Start of the trip: Pemba, Mozambique 16th September 2017End of the trip: Pemba, Mozambique 23rd September 2017Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• All accommodation: Ibo Island Lodge (4 nights) and Azura Quilálea Private Island (3 nights)

• Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and refreshments• Park fees and local guide fees• Accompanying WWF staff and conservation experts• All activities outlined in the itinerary• Light aircraft transfer from Pemba to Ibo Island• Boat transfer from Ibo Island to Azura Quilálea• Helicopter transfer from Azura Quilálea to Pemba• Transfers to and from all airports• All internal road, sea and air travel as outlined

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

• International flights• All expenses of a personal nature (including telephone)• Luggage in excess of airline restrictions• Any non-stated entrance fees or guided visits• Gratuities and tips for guides, drivers, etc. • Travel Insurance• All events described as “optional” (such as scuba diving)• Visa fees - participants on all journeys are responsible for

obtaining their own visas

CLIMATE

The Quirimbas Archipelago has a tropical climate, with daytime temperatures reaching around 30°C for much of the year. Temperatures rarely fall below 24°C even at night. Water temperature is warm, ranging from 26-30°C. The East African trade winds bring some welcome cooling breezes. September is towards the end of the dry season.

TRIP COST

USD 10,000 per person (excluding international flights)Single supplement USD 1,500

To take part in this exclusive WWF field trip, we respectfully request that participants also make a donation of USD 10,000 per person (tax deductible) in support of WWF's conservation work in the Northern Mozambique Channel.

Trip cost per person based on group of 8 particpants.Maximum 12 participants.

Elisa MorenoTrip Planner, Brown + Hudsonelisa@brownandhudson.comTel: +44 (0)203 358 0110

TRIP DETAILS