Conservation
@ Vamizi Island

First and foremost, Vamizi Island is a conservation project. It is directed by the Maluane Project and supported by a group of idealists, to make a dream come true and have tourism work for the planet.

Over a decade ago, the original visionaries of the project visited the Quirimbas Archipelago, where Vamizi Island lies.

Vamizi, as well as neighbouring Rongui Island, are set either side of an ocean basin that is extraordinary - with its vast fish stocks, abundant marine life and whale, dolphin and turtle populations.

They believed this undeveloped - and unprotected - area to be of huge natural significance as a marine nursery and sanctuary for the whole Mozambican coast.

Thus the Maluane Project began, combining tourism with wildlife conservation and community development to protect this unspoilt area.

In 2005, the 24-bed Vamizi Island Lodge was opened.

To succour the world's most demanding clientele on such an island, given the lack of infrastructure and remoteness, was madness. Only a wild determination to preserve Vamizi and its seas would be enough to make it happen.

Through continued donations and a conservation fee charged to every guest, the Maluane Project continues to support marine research, community outreach and direct conservation initiatives.

It's just a small drop in the ocean, but an altogether bigger thing, we hope, for eco-tourism.