Matemo Island Resort Cabo Delgado

To ensure ultimate relaxation at the Matemo Island Resort, a range of rejuvenating spa treatments are on offer and can be enjoyed wherever guests please.

The unspoilt coral reefs of Matemo Island are one of Mozambique's best-kept secrets. Flanked by the northern Mozambique coastline to the west and the Mozambique channel to the east, these protected waters are home to an astounding diversity of marine species. Moray eels, stingrays, barracuda, kingfish and other pelagic gamefish can be observed whilst diving here in Quirimba tropical waters that seldom drop below 26c.

Dolphins are frequently encountered by the divers whilst humpback whales can be seen between August and October.  Leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles are often seen in the water, coming ashore to lay their eggs on the sandy island beaches.

Whether guests are a novice or experienced divers, the diving instructors of the resort assist them to experience the magic of scuba diving. The Matemo Island Resort offers a range of diving courses, such as Discover Scuba, Open Water and Advanced Open Water. The experienced diving instructor co-ordinates the diving courses and plans every diving trip, taking care of all the details. The resort uses PADI Instructors and Dive Masters as a minimum standard and do not conduct technical or deep-water dives that warrant a chamber.

Matemo's seven major dive sites offer a range of diving environments which are breathtaking, taking in coral "bommies", reef banks, soft sponges, plate and lettuce corals. For more experienced divers there is the challenge of a 40 metre wall dive, with frequent sightings of pelagic gamefish, as well as a fascinating 90-foot-long wreck dive that needs to be experienced in calm conditions. One of the most popular sites for its sheer diversity is Rush Hour (16-30 metres), named after the schools of barracuda, kingfish, blue banded snapper and fusiliers that frequent this reef bank. Here divers are likely to encounter spotted and honeycomb Morays hiding in coral shelters as well as ribbon eels and blue spotted stingrays.

On shallower coral "bommie" dives, such as Rolas Rainbow (8-10 metres), divers are likely to see resident reef fish such as sweetlips, pufferfish, angelfish and triggerfish, with their rainbow colours allowing for fantastic photographic opportunities.

With deep water appearing close to the Matemo Island, fishing enthusiasts don't have to travel far for exciting encounters with big game fish. The protected Quirimbas waters around the Matemo Island Resort are home to some of the most exciting game fish to catch and release - kingfish, barracuda, dorado, queenfish, Sierra, wahoo, dog-tooth tuna and sailfish. Sailfish season is between July and December on the Mozambique coast, whilst peak activity for wahoo occurs from September to April and for Dorado from October to March.

Yellowfin tuna is a main target species, with big shoals found around Matemo all year round. Kingfish are also present all year round and their size and sheer power makes them one of the most sought-after quarry of serious fishermen.

The resort's fishing boat, Caldeira, is a Gulf Craft 31"Dolphin Super Deluxe, powered by two 115hp Yamaha outboard motors and offers an extended T-Top to shield guests from the tropical Mozambique sun. On board, the captain presents guests with tackle, lures and bait, and ensures that they have the best professional guidance, whatever their fishing ability.

One of the world's most renowned fishing destinations is accessible from Matemo.  The St Lazarus Banks, a sea mountain 20 x 30 km in extent, rises from 2,4 km deep to within six metres of the ocean surface bringing together a fascinating combination of marine life. The resort offers luxury live-aboard boat trips to St Lazarus Banks for the ultimate game fishing extravaganza.

Ibo Island, or as the locals call it 'Ilha do Ibo', lies in the Quirimbas Archipelago of northern Mozambique and features a fascinating history. From the 15th to the 18th century, Ibo Island was a prosperous trading post, and the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado.

Grand colonial administration buildings lined its streets, and three majestic forts stood guard over the ocean. This little mangrove, coral and palm-fringed island has a history of slaves, pirates, silver, ivory and intrigue. Present day Ibo retains its boundless secrets, history and culture. The island is home to three historical forts, a beautiful old catholic church and numerous ancient administration buildings. Zoned for World Heritage Status and part of the Quirimbas National Park, Ibo Island is one of northern Mozambique's most authentic secrets.

Ibo Island is a developing destination and not at all commercialised. The resort's optional Ibo Island experience and guided walk provides a chance to interact with the amazing local people and observe their unique island culture. Traditional silversmiths still operate from the main fort, and a guided walk will include a visit to the school, the ancient cemetery, the Catholic Church and other buildings of interest. A truly traditional Mozambique Island experience.

With a setting of white sandy beaches surrounded by the crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean and an historical journey back in time with the original east African dhows that have been sailing the Mozambican coast line for centuries, Allan Cameron from Survivor Media has created a unique "Dhow Chasing" activity, exclusive to Rani Resorts.

This once in a life-time experience offers guests a chance to play the original Survivor games - from "Skull Swings" to "Abacus Blocks" to sailing in a local hand-crafted dhow, where teams are pitted against each other to compete for "hostages" which are traded at each challenge. To ensure everyone's participation, no matter their age or fitness level, the challenges are split into either physical (battle) or mental (bargain). Available exclusively at the  Matemo Island Resort  for Groups and Incentive guests.

A wide range of activities allows guests at the Matemo Island Resort to delight in the natural environment around Matemo Island, as well as to explore the region's fascinating local culture. The resort's Activities Centre provides all the equipment guests need to enjoy the water-and land-based sporting activities.

For guests who like water sports, the Matemo Island Resort in Mozambique offers windsurfing, water skiing, wake and knee boarding, as well as sailing (Hobie Cat or Gypsy Sailing Dinghy). Children and fun-loving adults can enjoy volleyball, beach tennis and cricket, whilst kayaks are available for guests to explore the clear waters around the island point.

The hotel also offered to take guests by boat to explore the surrounding Quirimbas marine life, which includes dolphins all year round and whales from August to November. The area's colourful fish life can also be explored by snorkelling around the coral "bommies" that are dotted around Matemo island. Guided and unguided snorkelling is available. Local dhows can be hired for dhow cruises around the island, particularly popular during the magical Mozambique sunset hour.

For guests wishing to explore Matemo island, the resort offers guided village tours by landcruiser giving guests the opportunity to experience Quirimba island life and customs, and to witness the age-old skills of dhow building and constructing local homes. Nature lovers can follow one of the many footpaths on this Mozambique island, enjoying the call of the fish eagle and looking out for giant coconut crabs along the way.

Bird lovers will delight in the wide range of Palaearctic migrants around the island, as well as the many waders frequenting tidal pools.

The Matemo Island Resort features a magnificent swimming pool which invites for a refreshing swim.