Solio Lodge
**Due to unrest in the area, Vamizi Tartaruga will be closed as of 01 September 2019 until further notice.
Set among the Quirimbas Archipelago, in a marine conservation area off the coast of northern Mozambique, the idyllic coral island of Vamizi beckons to lovers of sun, sand and azure waters. Blessed with a tropical climate and offering immaculate powder-soft beaches that rival those of the Maldives, Vamizi is the perfect escape for families and groups.
Seemingly endless stretches of wild, deserted beaches lend themselves to quiet hour-long walks as pristine Indian Ocean waters lap along the coastline, enticing snorkellers and scuba divers to explore its kaleidoscopic reefs. Tuck into a mouth-watering castaway picnic, toast the sunset from a traditional dhow, try your hand at deep-sea fishing and welcome the seasonal arrival of baby green turtles as they hatch from protected sites along the island.
This a destination to be explored at your own pace. A setting to not only reconnect with loved ones but with yourself, and the opportunity to enjoy island living at its finest. The waters surrounding Vamizi Island boast some of the most significant and endangered habitats and wildlife in the western Indian Ocean, with over 180 species of unbleached coral and over 300 species of reef fish. They have been deemed one of the healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the world, drawing in diving enthusiasts from around the globe – most notably to Neptune’s Arm, which features as one of the ultimate dive sites to explore. The island is also a sanctuary for mangrove forests, one of the earth’s most threatened habitats.
Ideal for families or groups, the luxurious, five-bedroomed villa boasts a bespoke design with a casual yet stylish eastern influence. Three ensuite rooms feature private decks and spacious sitting rooms with chic interiors. The master bedroom also has an adjoining area that can accommodate two young children. A further two rooms are situated in the lush canopy of the forest, in the villa’s enchanting treehouses. These rooms offer three single beds, which can be converted into a super-king bed, as well as an ensuite bathrooms. The treehouses are perfect for older children and young adults alike and are linked by a stargazing deck.
Scuba diving; Seasonal whale watching; Kayaking; Traditional dhow cruises; Sailing; Castaway picnics; Guided nature walks; Local community visits; Deep-sea fishing; Fly-fishing; Seasonal turtle nesting and hatching excursions
Fishing
The waters off &Beyond Vamizi Island, in the Quirimbas Archipelago are renowned for exceptional fishing opportunities, from deep sea fishing excursions to thrilling catch-and-release fly fishing expeditions. More than 50 of the species commonly targeted by sports fishermen can be found in the waters surrounding the islands and most of these are present in large numbers year round. Thanks to the destination’s remoteness, fisherman can be assured of an exclusive experience, with virtually no other boats to be seen.
Scuba Diving
Home to one of the healthiest coral reef systems in the world, the waters of the Quirimbas Archipelago offer the ideal holiday destination for divers of all abilities. A combination of wild underwater landscapes, the bounty of tropical ocean currents, and an abundance of aquatic life, makes &Beyond Vamizi Island a truly world-class diving destination. Invitingly warm water and exceptional visibility throughout the year, the Quirimbas are also relatively untouched thanks to their isolated location. Tropical ocean currents attract a variety of marine life, from large game species to colourful reef inhabitants. Research has shown that the reefs around &Beyond Vamizi Island are a breeding area for both fish and corals and are home to a mass spawning of coral that has not been witnessed anywhere else off the African coast.
Access is possible via:
International scheduled flights to Pemba International Airport (POL) from Johannesburg, Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. This is followed by a one hour connection on a charter flight, aboard a mono-propeller plane to the Vamizi airstrip OR
Private charter from Dar es Salaam direct to Vamizi airstrip
Upon landing on the island’s airstrip, guests will be collected by their personal chauffer for a 30 minute scenic drive to their villa.
For more information on &Beyond Vamizi Tartaruga click HERE