Bazaruto is a relatively large, resort-style lodge at the far north end of Bazaruto Island. It's been here for many years, and has always been owned by the Portuguese Pestana group, and so has a distinctly Mediterranean air and a laid-back feel.
There are 40 chalets at Bazaruto Lodge, which are all built in A-frame style with thatched roofs and yellow walls. These can be divided into 28 'deluxe rooms', which are built right on the beach, and 12 'standard rooms', which are all set slightly further back, amongst the vegetation. Apart from their locations, all these rooms are the same. (Read more about Bazaruto's chalets here...)
Bazaruto Lodge has a very large thatched bar with its own dhow hanging from the ceiling, which dominates the main area. Beside this is the large swimming pool, around which are plenty of comfy sun-loungers and umbrellas. As well as swimming, this is also used as a practice-pool for those learning to dive.
Inside is a spacious lounge with plenty of comfortable sofas, and also a few board games. Adjacent to this is the large thatched open-fronted dining room, where all meals are served (these major on fresh seafood – see below for more detail).
The bar and dining room at Bazaruto Lodge overlook the beach to the sea, and when the tide is out, there are plenty of wading birds in the shallows. Note that when the tide is at its lowest, the water immediately in front of the lodge retreats about 3km from the shoreline!
Down on the beach, there are plenty of comfortable spots for lounging in the sunshine, whilst you can also arrange a variety of water-sports at the nearby dive and activity centre. These include a free daily transfer to Dolphin Bay, one of the beaches on the east side of Bazaruto Island where you can take picnics and play in the waves. Optional other activities (at extra cost) include snorkelling trips by boat to further afield, fishing, trips to other beaches, island-hopping, drives around the island, water-skiing, kayaking and other water sports.
The activity centre at Bazaruto Lodge is also a NAUI diving centre – and so diving excursions and scuba-diving courses are available here. (Major courses are best arranged in advance, if possible.)
For less strenuous activities, there's a games room in the main lodge at Bazaruto containing a pool table, table football and ping-pong. Near this you'll find a separate quiet library, with a computer with an internet connection (currently free to use) as well as a few books. A curio shop sells local crafts and also a reasonable selection of swim and beach-wear.
In conclusion, we think that Bazaruto Lodge is a friendly and efficiently-run resort which is great value. It's not a place where you'll be fussed over; but the staff here are very helpful when you ask them. It should suit couples as well as families – and although it doesn't offer the quiet seclusion of some of the smaller lodges, it does have a much lower price tag.
Directions: The flight with Pelican Air from Johannesburg to Vilanculos takes about 2 hours. It is then a 15 minute hop on a small plane to Bazaruto airstrip. The lodge will pick you up on its tractor for the 5 minute road transfer to the lodge.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Pestana
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: All the meals here are served buffet style with plenty of choice and are of a very good standard.
At breakfast you are offered pastries, muffins, breads, cereals, fresh sliced fruit including mango, papaya, pineapple and melon, yoghurt, juice, tea and coffee. There is also the full cooked option if you can fit it in!
Lunch and dinner both offer a selection of fish and shell-fish dishes, and also a meat dish or two. These tend to be stews, curries and stir-fry type dishes served with rice and vegetables. There is a good selection of salads on offer, along with a couple of pudding choices at each meal. Whilst we were there recently, we had the option of coconut cake, crème caramel, chocolate gateau and chocolate biscuit cake all in the same day! A cheese board is served at dinner.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Room service: No
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are excluded, save for tea coffee and juice at breakfast. A coke will cost you around $2, a cocktail about $5 and a bottle of wine tends to range from about $20 to the $50 mark.
Special interests
Beach holidays: There are beaches all over the island with the waters on the western side of the island generally very calm, whilst the sea on the eastern side can be quite rough. Note that there are large tidal variations and at low tide it may be a few kilometres to the sea!
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Mozambique
Diving & snorkelling: Bazaruto has a NAUI Dive Centre and the reefs are rich in a variety of fish and coral species, and offer a range of depths and reef topography to suit beginner and experienced divers, and snorkellers too. The reefs around the northern end of Bazaruto Island are close and offer excellent diving and snorkelling.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for diving & snorkelling in Mozambique
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome.
Age restrictions: No age restriction.
Activities: Child-minding can be organised on request. There is a games room with ping-pong, table football and pool table.
Equipment: High-chairs and cots can be organised on request.
Generally recommended for children: Yes, but please be aware that this is a malarial area.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: Internet is available and there is mobile reception on the island.
TV & radio: There are televisions in the rooms with news movie and sports channels.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: Bazaruto Lodge has a nurse on site. Medivac can be utilised in an emergency.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There are guards on site 24 hours a day.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers on each balcony and in the common areas.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: There is an extra charge for laundry.
Money: Key safes in rooms.
Accepted payment: All major currencies are accepted, along with Visa and Mastercard. Amex and travellers cheques are not accepted.
Bazaruto Lodge review
This was a beautiful way to end the holiday. Very relaxing after all the game drives. Fantastic sunsets.
We were unfortunately unable to go to Paradise island (because there were not enough people ...
Bazaruto Lodge review
A tale of two halves: Brillient or awful.
Accomodation, administrative and general staff and restaurants great. Nothing too much trouble for the friendly staff. General manager Louis really helpful...
5 relaxing days at Bazaruto lodge
A lovely 5 days were spent relaxing at Bazaruto. It has a very laid back nature and we were left to enjoy ourselves. We would have preferred more information on the trips available.
We wish there h...
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