Benguerra island | Mozambique
The Bazaruto Archipelago is located opposite the coastal town of Vilanculos and is accessible by land. It was declared a national park in 1971 as a result of the abounding nature on and around the island in particular. It is also an outstanding tropical beach destination. You will find numerous markets on the archipelago's five islands - Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Banque - in addition to small villages and friendly local people, who will be happy to allow you a glimpse into their daily lives. You may for example be invited to help pull in the nets in one of the fishing villages.
The idyllic archipelago has clear, warm turquoise waters and unspoilt beaches, where palm and casuarina trees provide ample shade. There are hardly any animals of prey on the group of islands, but it is renowned for its 'dugongs', or Indian sea cows, and five different types of dolphins (on Marque these come very close by). Whales can also be spotted here in the summer. You can dive and snorkel, or go fishing for mackerel and marlin.
Jungle dominates the inland area of four of the five islands. The exception to this is Carolina, which is the smallest and most northern island and is made up of rocks and coral.
The largest island, Bazaruto, is distinguished by the casuarina, coconut and cashew trees that line its beaches. High dunes take you inland to an abundance of lakes and a lighthouse that is over a century old looks out from the northern tip.
Bird spotters can aim their binoculars at 160 different types of birds on Benguerra and shallow white reefs, which are strewn with shells, emerge around the island at low tide. Six hours later these reefs are submerged three metres below sea level.
The various fishing villages are certainly worth a visit. Inharosso, for example, is directly opposite Bazaruto on the north side of the archipelago. Here you can view the old hotels from the colonial times that are still standing and enjoy a reasonably priced delicious meal at Hotel Seta, in the shade of mahogany trees.
If you'd prefer to be in the hustle and bustle however, you could visit Vilanculos - the friendly coastal town on the mainland opposite the archipelago. Vilanculos has beautiful beaches, a small harbour, various markets, good restaurants, a dynamic nightlife and good, affordable lodges and hotels. The Donna Anna Hotel was once the stunning centre of Vilanculos, but it has now fallen into disrepair; nevertheless, it still gives you a good impression of what life was like in the colonial era.
If you drive from Maputo to Vilanculos, you can stop and have a break in the Arabian-style city of Maxixe. Or you can take a dhow (traditional fishing boat with a sail) trip from Imhambane across the lagoon to Maxixe, which is pronounced ma-shaysh and is named after an African tribal leader.
There are great places to eat and shop in Maxixe.
