Kevin and Fiona Record Fiona and Kevin Record, creators, owners and operators of Ibo Island Lodge, were both born and raised in Southern Africa and, with thirteen years' experience in travel on the continent, they are finely tuned to its rhythms, cultures, geography and delicate balance of ecosystems. Their dream of finding a secret jewel where visitors can enjoy the natural splendor of Africa. While the local community reaps the economic benefits started with an idea from Kevin to take the long way home following a stint in England. A year in the planning, Kevin and Fiona embarked on the Sawubona Africa expedition - a Zulu phrase meaning literally "I see you, Africa"-, and travelled 36 000 kilometres across the continent, exploring the many facets of its vast landscapes. It was on this journey that they encountered and fell in love with Ibo Island. "We will never forget that first arrival. Under dhow sail at night, with phosphorus flash bouncing off the warm water, we slipped into the ancient harbour of Ibo which in the moonlight appeared to us like a lost city," recalls Fiona. "Part of Ibo's charm was that it had fallen into decline, and harboured its history, culture and a marine world totally unexplored. The area's pristine beauty and the hospitality of the local people had a profound effect on us. We made a commitment to one day create a tourism project that would positively affect the lives of the impoverished community on Ibo." As founders of a successful Adventure Safari company, Kevin and Fiona were the first Tour Operators to operate tours to northern Mozambique in 1995 and in 2005 decided to buy and renovate three historic mansions on Ibo's beachfront which were to become Ibo Island Lodge. Their experience travelling through Africa prepared them for the vagaries of trying to build a lodge in a remote part of Mozambique. "We had to transport everything to Ibo by boat and were at the mercy of the weather and tides," says Kevin. "In addition we were scrupulous about ensuring the final product was in harmony with the natural surroundings and that we did not disturb the local environment in the construction of the lodge." He smiles as he recalls the challenges that they faced. "Fiona's petite frame belies her inner strength and resourcefulness that helped get us through it." Ibo Island Lodge today boasts fourteen en-suite bedrooms with verandas, tropical gardens and a spectacular roof top restaurant that presents sweeping views of the magnificent Indian Ocean. The lodge employs forty permanent staff and impacts on the lives of many other members of the community. Kevin and Fiona have established the Ibo Island Community Centre as well as implementing a series of education programmes and community projects. As guests on Ibo enjoy its unparalleled beauty, warm hospitality and rich ecology, they too might be thinking, "Sawubona, Africa".