Conservation and Discovery on Vamizi Island

5 Nights / 6 Days

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.

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 pristine coral and over 400 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.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Stay in one of the beautiful Vamizi villas
• Get involved with conservation activities
• Vamizi Island and Water Sports 

Day 1: You will be warmly welcomed by a representative on your arrival at the remote and pristine Vamizi Island. Once you have settled into your sublime villa, and familiarised with the breath-taking natural surroundings, you have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy at your leisure – we highly recommend heading straight to the beach for a glorious dip in the ocean. A brief orientation session and presentation will be hosted in the evening to prepare you for your next few days. Additionally, enjoy a short presentation and discussion on the importance of mangroves and estuaries; what the threats are and how we can be a part of the solution.

Day 2: After a delicious breakfast, (tide dependent) make a splash as you embark on a kayak excursion in the Vamizi Estuary. Gain insight into the importance of estuaries and mangroves, and the role coastal ecosystems play in absorbing CO2. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and then meet up with the Vamizi Conservation Team to peruse the vast expanse of beach – clearing debris and litter, and seeing the effects of beach erosion. Gain an understanding about some of the key conservation challenges faced by tropical islands, and global marine life, and interact with a group of women from the local fishing village to better understand their needs and challenges.

Visit a school in one of the communities, learn about their alternative income projects and their island life. In the evening enjoy a discussion on reef ecology and learning the techniques to survey a reef.

Day 3: Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscopic depths of the ocean today. Learn about turtle conservation at Vamizi Island and do an early morning turtle nest survey, understanding why this is important for these turtles to breed, flourish and ultimately survive.  Then grab your snorkel gear and jump on to a boat for some time in the sparkling water, putting into practise your reef surveying techniques for the day. Learn how the measurements are done and recorded and the importance thereof. Learn how to compare a damaged reef to a pristine reef. The coral reef systems are vitally important to sustaining marine life and creating fish breeding habitats. However, with climate change, these systems are under threat.

After your day of being a marine biologist, sink into absolute tranquillity on a sunset dhow cruise followed by a presentation on traditional fishing methods, and the impact of industrial fishing and how we need to protect our waters – and the inhabitants populating them.