Medjumbe Private Island is a glorious spec of an island surrounded by soft white sand and warm clear sea. The airstrip takes up about half the dry land, and this small lodge takes up the rest. So if you after sand and sea, look no further. The food is very good, principally fresh sea-food, the house wine a very drinkable South African blend, and the staff are friendly. Owned by the Arabian company, Rani Resorts, and managed by South Africans, this lodge has the quality and professionalism one associates with a South Africa product, in a delightful Mozambiquan setting. The style is an eclectic mixture of modern and traditional Arabic, African and Portuguese.
Accommodation
There are just 13 small but comfortable chalets, equipped with all mod cons including satellite phone (mobiles do not work here), satellite television, mini-bar, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, bath, inside shower and outside shower. On your private deck there is a plunge pool, sun loungers, armchairs and an outside table and chairs – to provide every opportunity to relax.
Facilities
The central building houses a bar, lounge area and restaurant. Upstairs is a quiet reading and games area, equipped with a computer. There is an outdoor seating area with a good size swimming pool. There is equipment for kayaking, wind-surfing, sailing, snorkeling, fishing and diving.
Diving and fishing
Medjumbe has a well-equipped dive centre and diving here is first-class with breathtaking coral reefs. ‘Beyond the Edge of Reason’ follows the southern wall that forms the ‘Medjumbe Passage’ and here divers can experience a wonderful feeling of weightlessness as the wall gives way to the deep blue waters beyond. The ‘Cliffs of Insanity’ is a spectacular 24 to 40 metre vertical wall descent offering a stunning array of colourful coral species, caverns and crevices encrusted with dazzling hard and soft corals, gigantic sea fans, moray eels, lionfish and angelfish along with large game fish such as barracuda and dog tooth tuna.
A well-equipped fishing boat is available. Both of these activities are at extra cost.
Access
A return air transfer from Pemba costs just £160 per person and takes approx 40 mins.