Situated just off the main land about 750km north of Maputo are the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa Carolina (Paradise Island making up the Bazaruto Archipelago. Declared a national park in 1971, the archipelago boasts among its wildlife 180 species of birds, endemic butterflies, Suni antelope and freshwater crocodile. The protected reefs and beaches support dolphin, dugong, game fish, giant lobster and several species of marine turtle. These combinations make for a diverse and unique ecosystem. The Archipelago are not the ideal location for those whose idea of a holiday is shopping as there are no shops, roads, or vehicles, just crystal clear water and squeaky white beaches.

Villanculos - the main land town servicing the island can be reached on tar roads. Access to the islands from the mainland is by boat, except for Bazaruto where the lodge's has arranged for a air transfer! There are flights Maputo and Johannesburg.

There are a huge variety of activities on offer at the island lodges. Fishing of all kinds is popular and a catch, photograph and release policy is encouraged. Diving on the many stunning reefs including an introductory talk and slide show on the corals to encourage conservation. Sailing safaris to outlying reefs or islands on a catamaran or take a hobie cat, wind surfer or paddle ski for a shorter excursion. There is also water skiing and paragliding. A sunset dhow trips is a beautiful way to the end the day in peace watching out for flamingos, dolphins, dugong and whales.

There are interesting walking trails on all of the islands leading visitors to the mangrove community, freshwater lakes and turtle nests. Bird watching during these walks can produce many interesting species there are over 115 different varieties. On Bazaruto go and see the centennial lighthouse, on Margaruque the ruined 19th century fort and on Benguerra take tour round a local village with the chief and herbalist.

Weather:

Weather is increasingly difficult to predict – below is a guideline of what can be expected:

• January : Hot. 28-35°C. Rainy season
• February : Hot. 28-38°C. Rainy season, mostly storms in afternoon.
• March : Cooling down. 25-30°C. Little rain.
• April : Weather settled. 25-30°C. Little rain.
• May : Lovely month, weather settled. 20-28°C. No rain.
• June : Fine weather. 18-27°C. No rain.
• July/August : Winter months, but warm. 15-25°C. No rain.
• September : Warming up again. Nice month. 18-28°C. Rain unlikely.
• October : Getting hot again. 23-30°C. Rains unlikely.
• November : Hot. 22-33°C. Rains could start.
• December : Hot. 23-36°C. Could rain.

To view resorts, click on the links below

BAZARUTO
Bazaruto Island Lodge
Indigo Bay
Benguerra Lodge
Azura Lodge
Marlin Lodge

Flights into Bazaruto
LAM
TTA