It is hard to imagine islands more ‘Robinson Crusoe’ – white sandy beaches, lush vegetation and an azure blue sea.
All year around
The Benguerra Archipelago comprises the larger Bazaruto Island, Benguerra island, as well as several smaller ones. It lies just off the Mozambique coast near Vilanculos with its daily flights from Johannesburg. Empty white sandy beaches, lush vegetation, superb dive sites and an azure blue sea are the story of the day. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling amongst the rich coral life. These idyllic island retreats are laid-back, romantic and peaceful. The focus is on enjoying the unspoiled marine environment.
Stay on Bazaruto Island or Benguerra island if you are looking for a relaxing romantic holiday or honeymoon. Even the mainland resorts offer a glimpse into a slower, less commercially pressured way of life. Here time is measured by the moon and tides. And happiness is a good catch!
The protected reefs support dolphin, game fish and giant lobster. The shallow, crystal-clear waters offer spectacular snorkeling and diving, protected by the dazzling soft coral reefs.
Both Benguerra and Bazaruto Island have a mosaic of forest, savanna and saltwater lakes sustains a diversity of flora and fauna. Birders will not be disappointed with over 125 species recorded. This includes the rare crab plover, olive bee-eater, green coucal, narina trogan and Paradise flycatchers.
There are no shops, no real roads and very few vehicles on Benguerra Island – only a couple of fishing villages surrounded by wild cashew nut and orange trees. So if you want a cosmopolitan bustling resort experience, then the islands are not for you!
We arrange trips to more than 100+ destinations throughout the African continent.
We stayed at Azura Benguerra for two short days and nights. On arrival we were allocated a private butler to tend to our every need, Mozambican style – ie not overly obsequious, but always around when you needed something. Azura Retreat is on a daylight saving programme which is one hour ahead of the other lodges on Benguerra Island and the rest of Mozambique. They decided to do this so that they could maximize the daylight hours. On the first evening sun downer drinks were offered to us on on our private deck.
The staff at Azura were very friendly, helpful and informative and the lodge has a really stunning beach setting.
Rooms have inside bath and shower, enclosed toilet, outside shower. The inside bath and shower look out onto the beach.
The food at Azura was excellent! Dinner was really nice - on the beach at candle light with little fires and lanterns all over the beach. Highly recommended if you have the budget!