Home. Benguerra Archipelago

Benguerra Island is the centre of the three biggest islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Its soft white beaches, crystal clear azure waters, colourful coral reefs, lay-back atmosphere is awaiting your visit to this Mozambique islands. A visit that will leave the body refreshed and soul replenished.

About the Island:

As a legacy of its mainland past, there are also three freshwater lakes, which host freshwater crocodiles as well as many bird species. The Bazaruto Archipelago was declared a National Marine park in 1971 and is Famous for some of the Worlds most beautiful diving & snorkelling spots as well as outstanding Marine & Bird life. The whole Bazaruto Archipelago is an ecological gem that has been granted National Park status. It falls into the Eastern African Marine Ecoregion, which stretches over a 4 600km coastline, from South Africa to Somalia.

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Benguerua Island is approximately 14km away from the African Coastline, The Island is named after a Local Tribal Chief. The Island is about 8km long and about 5km wide. The Bazaruto Archipelago's islands were formed when sand was deposited here hundreds of thousands of years ago by the waters of the Limpopo River. The river estuary has now been shifted through various tectonic forces several hundred kilometres to the south. During low tide many white sandy islands pop up, covered in shells. Only six hours later they will be ten metres underwater again

There are two lodges on the island - Marlin Lodge and Benguerra Lodge and they have both been involved with the ecological side of Benguerra Island. As the water surrounding the Archipelago comprise one of the last viable habitats for the famed Dugong, it has been a case of moulding modern conservation practices and eco-tourism with the co-operation of the local populace. This has been achieved to the benefit of all.

Activities:

Snorkelling/Diving
Benguerra is a snorkeler and scuba diver's paradise. To encourage visitors to enjoy the pristine reefs, a fully equipped dive school with dive master has been set up. There are numerous dive venues available, including the superb Two-Mile Reef.

The most striking aspects of scuba diving the reefs around the island is the sheer unspoilt beauty combined with the variety and abundance of marine life. Many exotic reef fish abound such as schooling banner fish, moorish idols, butterfly fish, blue striped snappers, barred sweetlips, goldies, trigger fish and hosts of others.

After snorkeling the reef, go to the deserted Pansy Island, a unique breeding ground for the legendary pansy shell.

Fishing
Mozambique boasts some of the finest saltwater flyfishing on the continent and the Lodges have experienced, professional guides to assist you in all your requirements. They will explain to newcomers and pundits alike what the expectations of their following day outings will be likely to encompass. Fly rodders can enjoy the luxury of having specialist flyfishing boats which are Lowrence-equipped (fish finders).

Fly fishers can throw a line for an absolute wealth of species. Most commonly encountered are kingfish (including Giant Trevally) king and queen mackerel, kawakawa and springer. Even the much sought-after bonefish is found around the island and is occasionally caught fishing deep.
The Lodges maintains boats ready to join battle with the monsters of the deep sea, including marlin and sailfish. Deep sea fishing boats are fully equipped with fighting chairs, outriggers, safety equipment, radios and 20lb. fishing rods for four fishermen. Each deep sea fishing boat is hosted by an experienced skipper and ghillie who know the waters intimately.

Marlin season is November to March. Each deep sea fishing boat has the equipment on board for tagging and releasing.

Bird-watching:
Because of the amazing diverse habitats existing on the island - coastal dunes, open grasslands, freshwater lakes, savannah and acacia woodlands - over 125 species of birds, including all the sea birds visit Benguerra. High on the list of the most wanted is the elusive Crab Plover, Olive Bee-eater, Green Coucal and Narina Trogon.

Dhow sailing:
Sail silently and peacefully in the traditional Dhow, which has been used since the days of the Phoenicians. With its unmistakable triangular sail, the local islanders will glide you up to the flamingos or link up with friendly dolphins.

You might even catch a glimpse of an elusive dugong, but even if the legendary "mermaid" does not make an appearance, there is always the opportunity to witness one of Africa's marvels - the magnificent sunset.