Strung out in the Indian Ocean, the two smaller islands are uninhabited, while the others have a few small villages scattered amongst wild orange and cashew nut trees. These are places to relax, to escape and to explore. The area is now protected as a conservation area and national park, including the coral reefs surrounding the islands, making it the only official marine reserve in the country. The park is one of the largest in the Indian Ocean and a crucial achievement in global marine conservation. A nearly untouched paradise on earth, the archipelago has earned its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.

Islands and beach lodges in the Bazaruto Archipelago

Benguerra Lodge

On the smaller, more populated, Benguerra Island you’ll find the well-established Benguerra Lodge. It’s the oldest lodge in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Benguerra Lodge is built amidst tropical gardens beside a long pale-sand beach and has a North African feel. It’s a peaceful destination for couples, and children’s chalets make it good-value for families. Benguerra offers a wide range of activities, but there is plenty of opportunity to just relax and enjoy the area. (Read more about Benguerra Lodge…)

Marlin Lodge overlooks the tranquil Flamingo bay. The chalets are built on wooden stilts and most have a private boardwalk directly onto the beach. Marlin Lodge is relaxed but luxurious, and very smoothly run. (Read more about Marlin Lodge…)

Azura Mozambique

The newest lodge – Azura Mozambique – is the most elegant beach lodge in the Bazaruto Archipelago. It’s situated within the marine national park and each villa is set amongst indigenous trees and bushes, only footsteps from the beach. Azura Mozambique is smart and romantic, with particularly good service and food. Azura’s choice of activities is wide, and its spa promises to be top quality. (Read more about Azura Mozambique…)

Indigo Bay Island Resort

Indigo Bay Island Resort on Bazaruto is quite substantial with smooth paths and small golf carts for moving luggage (and sometimes guests) between the rooms. The resort was totally rebuilt in 2001 and completely re-arranged and up-graded in 2006. Indigo Bay is the largest resort in the Bazaruto Archipelago, and in design terms probably the most like a conventional hotel. Indigo Bay is family-friendly, its amenities and facilities are excellent, and the standard of service is high. (Read more about Indigo Bay Island Resort.

Dugong Lodge

On the mainland, a short boat transfer from Vilanculos town, you’ll find Dugong Lodge – a good value lodge for simple relaxation. Dugong Lodge is situated in the Vilanculos Wildlife Reserve and Marine Sanctuary. Activities are possible here but the best reefs are distant – around the Bazaruto Archipelago.

On the islands walking is the only option and between the islands boat are the only option. Sand dunes are found throughout the Archipelago and tidal flats and inland saline lakes support a wide variety of seabird species. Coral reefs are also home to thousands of fish and coral species and marine mammal species. The largest dugong population along the eastern African coast can also be found here.

A few days of sea and sun in the Bazaruto Archipelago is the perfect way to round off the year!

Culled from go2africa