Benguerra Island is where tropical island fantasies are made real. Just off the coast of southern Mozambique, Benguerra is postcard-perfect: think powdery white beaches shaded by swaying palm trees, surrounded by a crystal-clear shimmering turquoise ocean. With just two intimate low-key luxury lodges, Benguerra feels like an undiscovered paradise – the ideal place for a castaway holiday.
Lazy beach downtime on Benguerra is punctuated with activities, and snorkelling and diving are the standout highlights. Part of the five-island-strong Bazaruto Archipelago, Benguerra lies within the Indian Ocean’s largest marine reserve. The island’s unspoiled coral reefs teem with marine life, from 2000 species of fish to five dolphin species, loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles, manta rays and reef sharks, while humpback whales and whale sharks also pass through these waters. The archipelago is home to Africa’s only population of rare and endangered dugong – it’s a lucky sighting to see one of these extraordinarily beautiful and gentle creatures.
Fill your days with island-hopping boat trips to visit uninhabited stretches of sand such as Pansy Island, glide on the glassy ocean on a beautiful traditional dhow boat or on a kayak, gallop across the island’s beaches on horseback or sink into deep relaxation with a marula oil massage.
Away from the beaches, the island’s interior is worth exploring for wild landscapes of huge sand dunes towering over freshwater lakes full of crocodiles and for the birding: lush indigenous forests and wetlands form a habitat for more than 120 species of birds.
WHY WE LOVE BENGUERRA
Pure relaxation on an unspoiled tropical paradise
Get-away-from-it-all feeling with only two luxury lodges on the entire island
The chance to see rare and endangered dugong
Fantastic snorkelling and diving on stunning coral reefs home to more than 2000 species of fish
A huge range of water – and land-based activities suitable for the whole family
If you’re thinking about a trip to this idyllic island please pop us a mail – we would love to help you to plan your dream Mozambique holiday
FEATURED LODGES
At Azura, just 20 thatched villas are spread out on the beach replete with all the luxury comforts you could ask for, including private pools, butler-hosts to look after your every need, a wealth of activities, an African spa to relax in and a community-based project where the local islanders benefit as much as you.
Set on the north western side of the island, &Beyond Benguerra Island lies under the shelter of a casuarina pine forest where thatched casinhas, two cabanas and exclusive three-bedroom villa feature private pools, decks and outdoor showers. The lodge is committed to environmental sustainability, founding Oceans Without Borders to conserve the archipelago’s marine ecosystem.
Photo credits: Jen and Simon Bellingham, Lodge photos by suppliers.
