Quirimbas National Park Guide

Quirimbas National Park, created in 2002 in Mozambique’s far-northern Cabo Delgado province, protects about 7,500 km² of coast, islands and inland bush. It includes the eleven southern islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago, among them historic Ibo Island, as well as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and a large area of mainland miombo woodland.

Ibo, with its old fort, churches and crumbling merchant houses, reflects centuries of Swahili, Arab and Portuguese trade along this coast. Fishing communities live throughout the park, and the park was set up with their involvement to protect both nature and livelihoods.

Wildlife

The marine areas support coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins and a wide variety of reef fish, and humpback whales pass offshore in the southern winter. Dugongs have been recorded in the wider region but are very rare. The islands and mangroves are good for waders, terns and other coastal birds.

The mainland section has elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog and antelope such as sable, although game is thinly spread and rarely seen.

Key wildlife

Sea turtles
Dolphins
Humpback whale
Reef fish
Elephant
Buffalo
Lion
Wild dog
Sable

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: May–Nov. Also good: Apr.

JanquieterFebquieterMarquieterAprgoodMaypeakJunpeakJulpeakAugpeakSeppeakOctpeakNovpeakDecquieter

Peak Good Quieter

The drier, cooler months from about May to November have the most comfortable weather and the best conditions at sea. The rainy season, from about December to April, is hot and humid, and the region can be affected by cyclones. Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about prevention.

Getting There

The gateway is Pemba Airport (POL), in the provincial capital, Pemba. From there the islands are reached by road and boat or by light aircraft. Arrangements depend heavily on the current security situation.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Mozambique’s conservation areas authority, ANAC, does not currently publish a fee for Quirimbas National Park. Travel guides report a small daily conservation fee, but we have not been able to confirm a current official rate, so check with the park or your operator before you travel.

Gate hours

Confirm with the park authority before travel

Health

Malaria risk: High. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Safety and Advisories

Since 2017, Cabo Delgado has been affected by an armed insurgency. Several governments currently advise against all or all but essential travel to parts of the province. Check your own government’s current travel advisory for Mozambique before making any plans, and follow it. We do not give travel advice beyond what official advisories say.

For other Mozambique destinations, see Bazaruto Archipelago and Gorongosa.

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Location

Where is Quirimbas National Park?

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Good to know

Quirimbas National Park FAQs

What is Quirimbas National Park known for?

It protects the southern Quirimbas Archipelago, including historic Ibo Island, along with coral reefs, mangroves and a large mainland area of miombo woodland.

Is it safe to visit Quirimbas National Park?

Cabo Delgado province has been affected by an armed insurgency since 2017, and several governments advise against all or all but essential travel to parts of it. Check your own government’s current travel advisory and follow it.

How much are Quirimbas park fees?

ANAC does not currently publish a fee for the park. Confirm the current conservation fee with the park or your operator before you travel.

When is the best time to visit the Quirimbas?

The drier, cooler months from about May to November have the most comfortable weather and the best sea conditions. December to April is hot, humid and can bring cyclones.

How do you get to the Quirimbas Archipelago?

The gateway is Pemba Airport (POL). The islands are reached by road and boat or by light aircraft, depending on the current situation.

What marine life is found in Quirimbas National Park?

Coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins and many reef fish, with humpback whales passing offshore in the southern winter.

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