Mozambique, Ibo Island
From January 28 till February 5, Johannes PA5X (C93PA) and Gerben PG5M will be active from Ibu Island, Mozambique with the call signs C8X and C81G respectively. Ibo Island is in the Cabo Delgado District IOTA group and counts for AF061 which is claimed by 28%. Last activity was in 2015. WLOTA reference is 3447. Activity will be on 80-10 meters, including 60 meters and modes are CW, SSB and FT8.
Equipment is:
FT-5000 and Elecraft K3
Acom1010 and Expert 1.3K-FA
5-band Hexbeam with pentaplexer, 40/60/80m verticals and 30m VDA.
Ibo Island is one of 27 islands that from the renowned Quirimbas Archipelago. It is located off of the northern Mozambique coastline near the town of Pemba. It is renowned for its stunning scenery and world-class diving.Ibo Island
Ibo Island has a long and interesting history. Ibo Island was a centre for the slave and ivory trade, and was considered to be an important trading post on the East African coastline for 500 years. Remnants of the Arabs and Portuguese influence can be seen in the local architecture, particularly the old Catholic Church, three forts, and many trading posts. These ruins are from the 1500’s and still harbour many secrets. Visitors can go on tours of the islands and the locals can tell many stories about the pirates, slaves, gold, Ivory and intrigues of days gone by.
It is not just its interesting history that makes Ibo Island a wonderful tourist destination. The island is one of the most pristine beach destinations in the world. The island falls within the Quirimbas National Park which has some of the most un-spoilt reefs in the World. Divers can enjoy some of the best diving in the world. Turtles, Dolphins, Whales are often seen on dives. The Park is also a sanctuary for the rare Dugong. The Island also has a diverse and varied birdlife.
The Quirimbas National Park was declared in June 2002. In an unusual move, the park was created at the request of the local communities and stakeholders. They now work together to protect the region. This is founded on the understanding that conservation is only effective when it involves the local communities.
The park is home to rich marine life and is one of the last refuges of the endangered Dugong. Several species of turtles and three species of Dolphins occur in the park. The main goal of the Quirimbas National Park is to protect the regions great ecological diversity so that they can be used productively by both present and future generations. Tourism is of great benefit to the region, but can also damage this fragile eco-system and thus is managed carefully.
Our location
We will be staying at Baobibo Casa de Hospedes which is just a few meters from the beach, so we are well positioned. There is a free take-off in the direction of Europe and US. We have a good idea on how to setup the antennas but once on the spot we can explore the compound in more detail and decide on the setup.
Johannes, PA5X/C93PA/C8X is currently living in Beira and will drive by car in two days to Pemba. Gerben PG5M/C81G will fly from Amsterdam to Nairobi and continue to Pemba to meet Johannes. Both of us start traveling on January 26 and arrive in Pemba at the end of January 27. The next morning we will travel by boat to Ibo Island, a journey of approx 3 hours (100 km).