Vamizi Island, Olumbi, Palma, Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique
Vamizi Island is located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, in the far north of Mozambique. The island is widely regarded as one of the most important luxury private islands and conservation projects in East Africa and the Indian Ocean. Vamizi is home to about 180 different coral species and over 400 different reef fish species. A large portion of the island is protected, and various conservation efforts are underway. Previously exploited for turtle shells, the island’s turtle population is now protected. The island contains some of the best pristine coral reefs in the world, including ‘Neptune’s Arm,’ which is rated as one of the top ten dive locations in the world. The first private villa was finished in 2010, and there are currently six enormous private villas on the island. Construction initiatives on the island, such as roads, an airfield, staff housing, and private houses, have produced a great number of jobs and helped the local population develop skills.