The Quirimbas Archipelago consists of 32 coral islands stretching from Pemba (the capital of Cabo Delgado Province) to the Rovuma River, which forms the natural frontier between Tanzania and Mozambique. The area has never been developed and remains an unexplored tourist paradise.

The southernmost 11 of these islands and a vast expanse of mainland forest are included in the Quirimbas National Park - a conservation effort to preserve and protect the area.

The Gessner family have lived On Quirimba Island, (the main island of the Quirimbas) since 1936. Joachim Gessner's father arrived in Africa from Germany in 1922 and discovered Quirimba soon after. The family moved onto Quirimba to settle and created a coconut plantation which they continue to farm to this day. This plantation's private airfield is available to Quilálea guests and is just across the bay. At low tide, Quirimba Island is linked to Ibo by a narrow sand-spit.