In the middle of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique lies a paradisiacal island world – the Bazaruto Archipelago. Benguerra island is the second largest with verdant jungle and an azure sea, an island completely unspoiled and without large resorts. Here you stay in “casitas” with traditional thatched roofs, outdoor showers and wooden decks leading to infinity pools facing the beach. You come down to the ocean from your casita via a sandy path through the bush, giving you privacy while enjoying sweeping ocean views from your accommodation. A beautiful and perfect base for exploring Benguerra Island’s flamingo beaches and pristine coral reefs, home to rare dugongs, manta rays and tiger sharks.
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Ecorating: 3.5
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
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This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Sample Itinerary
Let yourself be warmly welcomed by the wonderful staff at andBeyond!
Stay in one of ten casitas and two cabanas tucked away in a shady forest on the edge of a pristine beach.
These casitas have private decks with cool plunge pools. The spacious bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers, while the casitas also have a generous private lounge.
This includes activities such as diving, snorkelling, picnics, dhow cruises, island tours and horseback riding safaris.
Benguerra’s warm Indian Ocean waters host an exotic array of colorful marine life and there are a number of pristine coral reefs within easy reach of the island. Divers can encounter manta rays or stingrays gliding along the seabed and several species of sea turtles are found here.
If you’re really lucky, you may even experience dugongs. These rare marine animals resemble a manatee or walrus. Ancient sailors saw them as mermaids and believed it meant good luck. There are between 150 and 250 dugongs in the area, so although they are not that uncommon, you are lucky if you manage to see one.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a world-famous fishing destination. The shallow sandbars between the islands and the mainland provide an excellent breeding ground for bait fish, which in turn provide nourishment for the many species of abundant game fish in the archipelago. Enjoy a selection of fishing adventures – these include bay fishing, open sea fly fishing targeting the sword-wielding marlin. Hop aboard a fishing boat, fully equipped with fishing gear and safety equipment, ready for a fishing excursion unlike any other and accompanied by a professional guide.
Swim with horses or ride on the beach – a memorable experience! See the island on horseback and enjoy a different perspective of this part of paradise. Join a troop of nine eager horses and a dedicated guide as you traverse the lush island, riding over sandy and marked trails.
Why not go on a real island expedition? Explore the azure lakes and soft sand dunes on the north side of the island, visit the local church and meet the native Mozambican people in their lively village.
Climb golden sand dunes and have a drink as the sun moves to the other side of the earth and the sky turns from bright peach to inky black. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea. Head to the northwestern part of the island to seek out Green Malkoha and sightings of the shy Suni Antelope. Treat yourself to fresh fruit and vegetables from local farmers.
Centro Cumunitario Kanhe Kwedo is a fascinating excursion to the community center and reveals a wonderful community initiative where women delve into their creative entrepreneurial spirit and create beautiful beads, and men pursue conservation initiatives. So much to see and explore!
Enjoy balmy evenings and tropical sundowners in heaven.
Trip details
Ecorating: 3.5
Season: April – December, best May – November
Airport: Vilanculos (VNX) via Johannesburg
Included: Full board & drinks, activities, private transfers.
Not included: Insurance, visa, tip, vaccinations etc
Good to know about Mozambique:
Travel Ethics: Since 360,000 Portuguese left the country after independence, Mozambique’s population comprises 24 million people mainly from black ethnic groups, the largest of which are Macau and Shangaan. Nevertheless, the Portuguese language predominates and about 50% of Mozambicans speak it as a first or second language, despite the approximately 60 regional languages.
Traditional African religious beliefs are still strongly held in Mozambique despite approximately 56% of Mozambicans considering themselves Christian. Music and dance feature prominently in Mozambican culture – the famous marimba is a local instrument – while the Portuguese influence on Mozambique’s spicy cuisine will be evident to visitors.
Mobile network: Internet access are provided. The mobile network works ok, but maybe not completely reliable.
Visa: Swedish citizens need a visa to enter Mozambique. You need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity on the date of entry and you should obtain a visa well in advance of entering Mozambique. Please contact the Mozambique Embassy.
Time zone: GMT + 2
Pack: Swimwear, hat, shorts, t-shirts, light pants, sweater (if coming in the cooler season), sandals/flip flops, prescription medications, toiletries, at least two good books, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Please note that the maximum weight on the smaller aircraft is 15 kg and soft bags must be used!
Local currency: Metical but USD is also widely accepted.
Water: Clean water is available at the lodge.
Safety: Your safety is our priority. The Bazaruto Archipelago is considered a low crime destination.
Ecorating: 3.5
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Does my trip make a difference?
Read more
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
andBeyond’s lodges are founded on their vision that travel has the power to change. Extraordinary experiences transform you as a guest, while your support is the foundation that allows us to leave our world a better place by transforming the land, wildlife and people in the beautiful places where we operate.
From their larger conservation model down to the smallest details of the activities that take place at their campsites and lodges every day, every decision they make revolves around the core ethics of caring for the land, caring for wildlife and caring for people.
Impact and business strategies are fully integrated into andBeyond’s proven impact model.
The Africa Foundation is an independent, tax-exempt non-profit organization registered in South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Working hand-in-hand with non-profit community development partners for 30 years, &BEYOND and Africa Foundation’s long-term collaboration is built on shared values – caring for land, wildlife and people – and the combination of mutual strengths and expertise is thus leveraged to create the greatest possible impact .
The Africa Foundation tracks the lodges’ footprint in Africa, nurturing, restoring and protecting the natural wildlife systems associated with the operation, by empowering the communities that are the custodians of these systems. By working with communities, governments and the private sector, a symbiotic balance between land, wildlife and people can best be achieved.
Goal
In line with this shared vision, the Africa Foundation aims to facilitate the empowerment and development of people living within or near Africa’s protected wildlife areas by creating unique partnerships between conservation initiatives and local communities. In this way, these conservation initiatives become both meaningful and relevant to these communities.
Methodology
Africa Foundation’s methodology is based on a collaborative and consultative approach to working WITH community leadership. The foundation listens to the communities’ own identified needs and provides guidance where necessary. They continue to work directly with the community until the project is complete, ensuring that donor money and time are well invested.
Impact
The projects that the Africa Foundation supports are based on two important principles – they are based on community participation and driven by local leadership.
Partnerships with local stakeholders are critical to the success of projects and the Foundation plays a critical role in facilitating the relationship between communities, local authorities and &BEYOND.
On Benguerra Island, there is now an initiative for solar lights – a safe alternative to using light
– changing the lives of island communities without electricity.
Guests can support this project by purchasing a solar lamp for distribution from the lodge’s Signature Shop.
