We all dream of a remote tropical island as a paradise of sorts. We all want that Microsoft screensaver island. We want remote, small, beautiful and a touch of luxury wouldn’t hurt either. Now no island fills that screensaver image to perfection but Medjumbe Private Island off the coast of Mozambique comes pretty close.
Medjumbe Private Island is about a 40-minute flight from the northern Mozambique city/town of Pemba in a very small Cessna.
There is a small runway built on Medjumbe Private Island for the plane; which comes and goes with the demand of the guests.
Once on Medjumbe Private Island, it is you and the island and not much else. It is pretty much intoxicating. You can’t get enough of the remoteness, the privacy, the beauty and the service.
Medjumbe Private Island has several small but luxurious bungalows. Mine had a plunge pool on the porch and a hammock. The pool was perfect for both getting sand off your feet and for jumping in quick after trying to get some color from the hot Mozambique sun.
Mozambique has long been known for beautiful islands off its coast but until this trip, I didn’t realize how much luxury was available. My last trip to Mozambique was back in 2004 when I saw a dead guy in a bus station in Maputo-the capital of Mozambique. Needless to say, this time as much better!
Medjumbe Private Island offers several activities like diving, snorkeling, fishing and spa treatments. I went snorkeling and had a nice time. The reef was fine and the fish were good but nothing too crazy.
To me, the best things about Medjumbe Private Island were the service, food (if the birds don’t get it) and staff; the views; and the sheer knowledge of where you are and how away from it all you really are.
On Medjumbe Private Island, Wi-Fi works slowly in about a 10 square foot area in the main lobby area so Internet access is very limited.
You can walk around the whole island in about 20 minutes. That is always fun and you’ll come across an old lighthouse which I loved. I have a weird thing with lighthouses because there was one in Bridgeport, Connecticut where I was born!
You’ll also come across a lot of caterpillars and then to the end of the island past the volleyball net where it is basically just a sandbar that goes in and out with the tides but where the local seabirds gather. I loved hanging out down there and running at them to get them to fly. Makes for great pictures!
Medjumbe Private Island is a great place for a getaway or a honeymoon for a few days. I was by myself and was fortunate to meet two very nice honeymooners, Owen and Lauren, who live in New York City and didn’t mind me crashing their dinners. We had a nice time and I thank them for being so cool.
Being on a private island is great, don’t get me wrong but being on a honeymoon by yourself is not ideal. Trust me, I’ve done it a few times! That said, Medjumbe Private Island is a great place to chill out and really get away from it all.
It is a great piece of the world and one I won’t soon forget.
Disclaimer: I was hosted on Medjumbe Private Island; which included hotel costs and flights. I was not paid additional compensation and in no way did that impact this story. These are my words from my experience on the island.
Wow…I’ve never heard of Medjumbe. It really does look like paradise! Gorgeous pics!
Natalie, I had never heard of it either basically until I went there but it is gorgeous as you can see!
Needless to say, this place looks amazing and I am in fact 100% envious.
Cindy, it is great but don’t be envious…just go yourself!
The water there looks out of this world!
Hi Sofia, it really was perfect!
I’m pretty sure that you have the worlds best job. Great post as always, Lee.
Haha, thanks Edward and yes I like it!
Your photos have gotten progressively more amazing over the past few months. Did you get a new camera or have you got a new editing application?
Hi David, no I am using the iPhone 5 mainly but also have a backup point and click. I just use the editing app with the iPhone…works better than anything I’ve tried before.
Oh this looks great, had never heard of this island ever before! The pictures are great too, especially the one with the caterpillars and the sunsets
Thanks Caroline, the caterpillars were everywhere so I had to get a picture of them…sunsets are the best thing about an island usually!
WOW…I have nothing else to say
Haha thanks Laura.
Seriously Lee, can you to go someplace awful for a change! I liked it better when you only went to places like Turkmenistan that I have zero interest in visiting! J/K looks amazing!
Ya this has been a very luxurious trip that has given great pics…I hate to disappoint you though as I have some really nice places on my next few trips as well! Although you might get lucky and get Somalia in the Fall!
Strange but nice.
Brings back so many memories,,, will go there any time again,,,the best island holiday there is
Pleasure to have you at our table Lee. Next time you must order the crayfish / lobster. It was available the day after you left and is easily one of the best meals I have ever had.
Ugh, I tried to get there a few years ago for an assignment but it never happened. Jealous you’ve been!
Forgot how awesome these pics were.