Fim Do Mundo Dhow Safari's
Ibo Island & Lazarus Banks Mozamabique
Email us: bookmozambique@madbookings.com
If you're an adventurous sea-loving soul looking for a unique experience,
then you've arrived at the right spot.
Fim do Mundo means ‘End of the World’ and it describes our
concept of living in the north of Moçambique, an area still largely
unexplored by travelers and unspoiled by flashy tourist ventures.
Having closed the traveler's haven Bay Diving lodge in Nacala, from April
we are based at historic Ibo island to explore the Quirimbas with liveaboard
dhow safaris in our custom built 42ft traditional wooden dhow with the
chance to dive 80 km offshore at the famous St Lazarus Banks.
We believe that being a diver is something
you are,
not just something you do.
Iessegrimmige Ietermagog – (which means Cantankerous
Pangolin and you can get the full story behind the name while sailing)
is the culmination of a four year project building a 42ft dhow from scratch
starting on the shores of the estuary at the original Fim do Mundo in
Mogincual. Made from solid teak, each rib was cut to order by local woodmen
in the surrounding forest. The only blueprint was that in the memory of
an old boat builder who used the traditional Arab jahazi sailing dhow
as a model for the hull, the rest was crafted into existence in Nacala
according to plans existing only in our dreams. And what an incredible
thing it is to have something turn out even better than you imagined.
She is designed to embody our lifestyle, and for select months of the
year we invite you to share her magic.
Follow in the wake of the ancient mariners who explored these unchartered
waters and lands centuries ago. Stop along the way to dive or snorkel,
fish for dinner, count the barnacles on the visiting Humpback whales,
anchor overnight in a protected bay, explore the coastline populated with
baobabs, cashew trees and mangroves, kayak all over and live the maxim
"getting there is half the fun", knowing the other half will
be getting back. Most of the sailing is within the borders of the Quirimbas
National Park and there are opportunities to see animals on the mainland
in a truly wild and spectacular piece of Africa.
Sleeping a maximum of six passengers, plus the owners, this dhow was created
for people who want to spend more time in the water than an airconditioned
cabin. Check the dhow details page for more info and specs.
We are, as ever, open to new adventures and keen to help you realise yours,
so if you have an idea involving unconventional travel in the north of
Mozambique, an underwater photographic project, an enviromental survey
or any work that needs to be done in, on or around the water, please contact
us with your questions and we'll see what we can do to help. Fim do Mundo
is registered and licensed under our Mozambican company WaterWorks Lda.
Combining the romance of the old with the convenience of the
new, we offer the chance to escape from the world as you know
it and embrace the simplicity of times past. Each trip on our dhow is
a unique adventure and life experience. It is not a package deal that
hundreds of people have taken before. Although we are rigged and have
a passion for diving, this is by no means our sole objective and non divers
are able to snorkel and discover shallow coral reefs, kayak and explore
the shore, fish or simply laze away part of the day in the tropical sun
away from all hassles. There is also interest from specialist groups of
kite surfers, underwater photographers and expedition kayakers, and trips
can be planned according to these needs. The coastline is ruggedly beautiful,
dotted with baobab trees, natural bush and inselbergs and, away from the
main ports, minimal human habitation.
Accommodating intimate groups of four to six guests, she is crewed by
her owners, and guests are encouraged to involve themselves with all aspects
of the voyage. (Read between the lines: there is no room service)
You don't need a sailing certificate in order to pull a rope. All you
need is the ability to shout back an insult and salute the pirate flag
fluttering on the stern mast. The central galley and social braai on the
stern deck ensures good food and wine is an integral part of each expedition.
If the fishermen amongst us can land a gamefish, there is always wasabi
and soya sauce onboard for the freshest of fresh sashimi.
Each night Ietermagog anchors in a sheltered bay or estuary (except for
diving trips to Lazarus Banks) and although there are cabins below deck,
most prefer to lie on deck under the night sky and scoff at the notion
of only having a five star holiday. Because she hosts a minimum of four
and maximum of six guests, it is advisable to arrange a small group of
likeminded friends to book the boat, or join a trip with a mix match of
independant travelers. Any personality disputes will be dealt with in
classic pirate fashion.
The Diving
Diving in this area is gloriously unexplored. Expect warm tropical water
24-29C with coral packed reefs and gamefish - yellow fin and dogtooth
tuna and marlin as well as barracuda, kingfish and all the fish species
typical to this Indian Ocean region. We can't promise you anything, but
there are plenty of dolphins around, mantas, turtles, a few sharks and
from late August to early November, Humpback whales.
Some sites are fringing reefs and others dramatic drop offs of the continental
shelf. Certain areas are tidal bound and subject to strong currents. Dives
sites are chosen according to the weather and sea conditions.
All divers must have a minimum of 30 logged dives with experience deep
diving and have dived within 1 year of commencing a trip.
Both owners of the boat are experienced instructors but not now actively
teaching. Dives commence from the dhow with a giant stride entry, or a
backward roll from the rubber duck tender depending on the reef position.
Exit onto the dhow is via a ladder permanently fixed to the side.
The nearest reliable recompression chambers are in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
and Pretoria, South Africa. Conservative dive practises are enforced and
zero tolerance is exercised for dive cowboys. Dive computers are strongly
recommended. No removal of any species is permitted while using SCUBA.
Most diving is done within the borders of the protected Quirimbas National
Park, an 7500km2 zone incorporating 1500km2 of sea, 100km of coastline
and 11 islands.
Infrastructure & Amenities
· Sail and 65hp inboard marine motor
· Three cabins below deck and plenty of mattresses for sleeping
up top.
· Electric flushing toilet and separate fresh water shower
· 200litre fresh water tank
· Galley with gas stove and 80 litre fridge
· Solar panels and 400 amp hour battery pack for onboard 12v electricity
needs
· Invertor (8000 watt) for 220V requirements – no hairdryers
permitted
· HF and VHF radio communication
· Satellite phone for emergency communication
· First Aid, oxygen and lifejackets
· Dive compressor 100 litre p/min
· 3,4m rubber duck tender with 15hp 4 stroke motor
· 2 seater Kayak
· Rum
· Please note you will be required to sign an indemnity form on
arrival, and although we have comprehensive insurance (the policy of which
will be uploaded shortly), it is recommended all divers have DAN insurance
and personal travel insurance.
Routes & Schedules 2009
A typical trip will start in either Ibo or Pemba, sailing, diving and
snorkeling for as many days as is wanted, and best followed by a few days
spent on Ibo island where one can explore the historic town, walk through
the mangroves to the lighthouse, even hike at low tide across to Quirimbas
island, kayak around and watch the traditional dhow builders practise
their craft on the beach and go shopping at the local silversmith for
a unique piece of jewellery. Or enjoy some pampering at the exquisite
luxury lodge. There are flexible package deals available through experienced
tour agents which will encompass your flights, accommodation and dhow
trip.
Ibo Island to St Lazarus Banks
St Lazarus Banks is famous for being a remote, not easily accessed, spectacular
atoll 80 km out to sea and a hotspot for gamefish. To get to Lazarus,
we must leave from Ibo Island. If a trip is booked for four days, we pick
the best two to sail across overnight, dive all day, spend a night out
there, and then the rest of the trip will be spent sailing, diving and
exploring around the Quirimbas. Should the weather not permit an offshore
trip, the safari will continue amongst the island archipelago.
Note there are not detailed itineries above. This is how we like to run
our charters, whereby there is a broad plan and complete flexibility within
it, making each trip a unique experience, and for many, the adventure
of a lifetime.
Costs
Liveaboard Charters set rate Mtn 3000 / $120 pp pd
· We are working with specialist agents to develop package deals
which include airfares, transfers, accom, sailing, diving, taxes etc etc
which will altogether be cheaper and much easier for you.
· All liveaboard trips take a minimum of 4 (or value thereof) and
maximum of 6 pax.
· Additional cost of Mt 1200 / $50 pp for a pick up in Pemba
· Includes meals, hot and soft drinks onboard.
· Dives from a liveaboard trip are charged at Mt625 / $25 each,
includes cylinder, fill and weightbelt. The Quirimbas National Park is
reviewing their tax system on divers and we will keep you updated.
· The Quirimbas National Park charge a once off entrance fee of
Mt 200 / $8 pp
· Beer and wine is carried on board and accounts for this are payable
at the end of the trip. Guests are welcome to bring their own tipple of
choice along.
· Any accommodation or meals pre and post excursion are for the
clients own account, as well as any meals ordered at a restaurant on shore
during a trip. (for eg on Ibo island)
You Will Need To Bring:
· A lot less that you think.
· Please ensure bags have a maximum weight, excluding dive and
camera equipment, of 8kg
· All bedding is supplied
· Divers must supply own mask, fins and wetsuit. Regulators and
a limited range of BCD's available for hire. Cylinders, weightbelts and
weights will be provided. Water temp ranges from 25-29C. Divers will each
be issued with a whistle and SMB. No gloves please.
· Towel and sarong (even the boys)
· Motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness.
· Personal medications and toiletries. Be aware that Mozambique
is a high risk malaria area.
· Hats and sunscreen – not easily available here
· Insect repellant and outdoor type sandals for onland excursions
· Light jacket for wind and rain and rash vest or similar
· Swimwear and a minimum amount of clothes
· Charger or spare batteries for camera
· Music – there is an iPod speaker system on the boat
· Cash for alcohol account or any extras bought on land
Availability of Liveaboard Expeditions on Ietermagog
Ibo Island and Quirimbas Archipelago
As a general guideline, the year is divided as below with flexibility:
April to May – liveaboard diving the islands and, if the weather
permits, an overnight trip 80km offshore to the atolls of St Lazarus Banks
and a hotspot for gamefish
June to July – due to stronger, predominantly south winds, this
time is best for kite surfing with long runs up the coast and overnight
stops at predetermined sheltered spots. We work with a kite surfing lodge
based in Murrubue outside of Pemba to book these specialist trips. Please
contact Carlo at Pirate Kites directly to discuss liveaboard kitesurfing
trips.
We also do day diving excursions during this period around the islands.
September to October – liveaboard diving and kayaking with fantastic
opportunities to observe the visiting Humpback whales with their calves
December – overnight or day trips around the islands with diving
and kayaking
Email us: bookmozambique@madbookings.com
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