Benguerra Island Lodge (Bazaruto Archipelago) Mozambique
Location:
Benguerra is the second largest island in the Bazaruto
Archipelago, which broke away from the mainland thousands of
years ago. The island is approximately 55 square kilometers
(11km long x 5.5 km wide), and lies 14km offshore. It is
famous for its unspoiled white beaches, remarkable dive
sites and excellent fishing (subject to a strict “catch &
release” policy).
Some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world is available off Benguerra’s shores with the surrounding coral reefs rich in sea life. The archipelago is one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered Dugong. A pale, voluptuous sea mammal fabled to have made bygone mariners believe in mermaids.
Inland, Benguerra Island comprises forest, savannah,
freshwater lakes and wetland eco-systems that sustain a
diverse population of fauna and flora. Fresh water
crocodiles can be found in the three lakes, bearing
testimony to the island’s mainland past. The island, which
is home to approximately 140 bird species, was declared a
National Park in 1971.
Benguerra Lodge and the Bazaruto
National Park strive, in conjunction with the community and
other related parties, to maintain the diverse and pristine
environment for the enjoyment of future generations. Since
the inception of the Lodge in 1988, its owners, management
and staff have been intricately involved in the ecological
preservation and conservation of the island’s heritage. The
co-operation of the island’s local community and the
adoption of eco-Tourism and modern conservation practices
have already demonstrated numerous benefits.
Getting There:
Benguerra Lodge is situated on the protected north-west side of Benguerra Island, which is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, off the coast of the Moçambique mainland.
Guests fly to the town of Vilanculos, and then on to the island. There are regular flights from:
Johannesburg International Airport & Lanseria
International
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in
Nelspruit
Chartered flights from neighboring countries
are also available on request. Alternatively, guests can
drive to Vilanculos.
A representative from Benguerra meets guests at the airport, and escorts them to the helicopter for the Island Transfer. We will organize boat transfers to the Lodge only if the helicopter transfer is not available.
Accommodation:
There are three different kinds of accommodation at Benguerra – each with their unique characteristics and attractions.
The Cabanas:
Cabanas are built right on the edge of the beach. Romantic and elegant, the suites offer guests the chance to experience the ultimate island getaway.
The Cabanas each have:
Queen-sized bed with mosquito net
Large bathroom with
bath, shower and outdoor shower
Overhead fan
Private
deck with jacuzzi/plunge pool and sun loungers
Mini-bar
Tea & coffee making facilities
The Casitas:
A home away from home, where the eco conscious traveller can relax and enjoy the spacious and luxurious comforts to be found in this African Island Paradise. The Casita embraces Benguerra’s unique blend of safari chic and Arabic style.
Each Casita has a Queen size bed with mosquito net
Tastefully appointed lounge area
100m2 of private timber
deck with plunge pool
Outdoor dining gazebo for starlit
dinners
Villa Chibuene:
Villa Chibuene is the epitome of exclusivity. The luxury furnishings and private facilities make it an ideal place for those wanting unsurpassed comfort and privacy, honeymooners and families. A personal chef prepares all meals at the Villa, although the main lodge's dining facilities are also available to Villa guests, if desired.
Villa Chibuene has:
Two double bedrooms (which may be converted into twins)
Mosquito nets and overhead fans
En-suite bathrooms with
beautiful copper baths
Outdoor showers with intricate
mosaic inlays
Intimate lounge and dining area
Personal
chef
Private wooden deck and swimming pool
Direct
beach access
Facilities:
The Main Lodge consists of :
Large Reception Area and Gift Shop.
Expansive Lounge
and Bar, Dining Room – all with large wooden decks and
indoor and outdoor seating areas.
There is also a
Swimming Pool and small Spa.
Indulge yourself in
countless hours of relaxation under coconut palms, delight
in the diversity of birdlife, visit the historic freshwater
lakes (and their crocodiles), sail in a traditional Dhow and
search the seas for the legendary dugongs... You can choose
to do as much, or as little, as you like.
Dining at Benguerra
Meals at Benguerra are comprised largely of freshly
caught seafood – with delicacies such as prawns, crab and
crayfish. Traditional Moçambican cuisine, Portuguese
flavours and a variety of delicious dishes make up the daily
menus. Breakfast and lunch are buffet affairs, while dinner
is a set menu. Guests with special dietary requirements can
be individually catered for.
The island and the lodge
provide a variety of settings for lunches and dinners which
contribute to the magic and romance of the island
experience.
Essential items
For more information on what to bring and what to expect from the weather, have a look at the guest information below.
Medical assistance
We have comprehensive Medical Rescue Insurance - so should anything happen while you're with us (which it won't) there is no need to worry - we will have you flown to Johannesburg in under 2 hours.
Activities:
There’s much to discover on and around the Island. On
foot or in an open Landrover, the choice of how you explore
Benguerra Island is entirely up to you. We take great pride
in our personal service – and whether you are snorkeling on
the Archipelago’s magnificent reefs, or casting a fly from a
boat – you will have an experienced guide with you.
Diving & Snorkeling, Fishing
Dhow cruises, Castaway
picnics
Landrover trips, Bird watching
Island walks
Village visits
Sea kayaking
Catamaran Cruises
Horse
Riding
Community:
Benguerra Island is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago – which is in a National Marine Park (Moçambique’s first), managed by the National Directorate of Conservation Areas within the Ministry of Tourism and supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
There is a community of approximately 1,000 people on Benguerra Island and a portion of every park fee goes into Trust for these islanders.
The Lodge works very closely with this Community to protect and preserve this idyllic corner of the world. It is understood that without the goodwill and support of the local Community no management strategy for this area can succeed – hence the establishment of a body representing the interests of the Government, the Community and the private sector.
This body is called Khani Kwedho – meaning “Our Home”, and its purpose is to:
Involve the local Community in conservation and
environmental initiatives.
Implement projects that will
improve the quality of life for the Community
Increase
and improve benefits to the Community through responsible
eco-Tourism.
Promote sustainable use of natural
resources.
Promote and understanding of the mutual
benefit inherent in a sustainable relationship between the
Community, protected areas and the Tourists who visit the
Island. Promote the principle of high value/low volume, and
thus low environmental impact, Tourism.
Accommodation Rates:- From $600 per person per night sharing. Please contact us for a quote and suggested itinerary.