About Bazaruto Lodge
Bazaruto Lodge is a relatively large, resort-style lodge with simple chalets at the far north end of Bazaruto Island.
Owned by the Portuguese Pestana group, it's been here for many years, and has a distinctly Mediterranean air and a laid-back feel.
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 asked. It should suit couples as well as families – and although it doesn't offer the quiet seclusion of some of the smaller lodges in this archipelago, it does have a much lower price tag.
Our view
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 asked. It should suit couples as well as families – and although it doesn't offer the quiet seclusion of some of the smaller lodges in this archipelago, it does have a much lower price tag.
Country manager: Mozambique
Traveller reviews of Bazaruto Lodge
13 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryBazaruto Lodge: Our full report
Bazaruto Lodge is a relatively large, resort-style lodge with simple chalets at the far north end of Bazaruto Island.
Owned by the Portuguese Pestana group, it's been here for many years, and has a distinctly Mediterranean air and a laid-back feel.
There are 40 chalets at Bazaruto Lodge, all built in A-frame style with thatched roofs and yellow walls, and identical in design and décor. They’re simple but well equipped, the only difference being the location: 28 ‘superior rooms' are built right on the beach, while 12 'standard rooms' are set slightly further back amongst the vegetation, with no sea views. Because the price difference is relatively small, we usually recommend the ‘superior rooms’ to our travellers.
Each of the bedrooms looks out through glass doors onto a veranda, where there are a couple of chairs. (Note that bungalows to the right of the bar, as you look at the sea, have french doors, which swing open, while those to the left have glass sliding doors.) Inside, you’ll find twin or double beds under large four-poster mosquito nets, bedside tables, reading lights, a dressing table and mirror, and a large chest. Each room also has tea- and coffee-making facilities, a television, air conditioning and a fan. They are simply decorated with painted screed floors, white walls, and bamboo ceilings. The beds are made up with white cotton linen and plum-coloured quilts.
To the rear of each room at Bazaruto Lodge is a brightly decorated bathroom, with a single circular stone basin and mirror, an integrated bath-tub and a separate toilet cubicle. There are shelves and hanging space here, along with a key safe and shaver's socket. A door at the back leads to an enclosed outside shower, open to the sky. Guests are supplied with insect spray and repellent, soap, shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, bottled water, tissues, towels, flannels and dressing gowns.
Bazaruto Lodge has a very large, open-sided thatched bar with its own dhow hanging from the ceiling, which dominates the main area. From here, there are views over the beach to the sea where, 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! Beside the bar, a large swimming pool is set with plenty of comfy sunloungers and umbrellas. As well as being used for casual swimming, the pool is also a teaching area for those learning to dive.
Inside Bazaruto Lodge’s main area is a spacious lounge with plenty of comfortable sofas, and a few board games. The adjacent dining room, where all meals are served, is open-fronted – like the bar – and shares the same view.
Down on the beach, there are plenty of comfortable spots for lounging in the sunshine, whilst you can also arrange a variety of watersports 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. Other options (at extra cost) include snorkelling and fishing trips further afield by boat, island-hopping, drives around the island, waterskiing, kayaking and other watersports.
The activity centre at Bazaruto Lodge is also a NAUI diving centre – so diving excursions and scuba-diving courses are available here. (Major courses are best arranged in advance.)
For less strenuous activities, there's a games room in the main lodge at Bazaruto containing a pool table, table football and table tennis. Near this you'll also find a separate quiet library, where there’s a computer with an internet connection (currently free to use) as well as a few books. A curio shop sells local crafts and a reasonable selection of swim- and beach-wear.
Geographics
- Location
- Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
- Ideal length of stay
- 5 nights or more
- Directions
- The flight with Airlink from Johannesburg to Vilanculos takes about two 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 ten-minute road transfer to the lodge.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Meals at Bazaruto Lodge are served buffet style with plenty of choice, and all 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!
An African drum summons guests to lunch and dinner. Both offer a selection of fish and shellfish dishes, and 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. During our last visit, in October 2011, we had the option of coconut cake, crème caramel, chocolate gateau and chocolate biscuit cake all in the same day! A cheeseboard is served at dinner. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- Drinks are excluded, save for tea coffee and juice at breakfast. A Coke will cost around US$2, a cocktail about US$5 and a bottle of wine from about US$20 to US$50.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Bazaruto Lodge is large, great-value and caters efficiently and friendly to families on beach holidays in Mozambique. It provides a games room with table tennis, table football and a pool table, plus high chairs and cots. We recommend it for children 8+.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Mozambique
- Beach holidays
- If you are looking for a great beach holiday, then consider Bazaruto Lodge on Bazaruto Island. There are beaches all over the island with the waters on the western side generally very calm, perfect for swimming and sunbathing in Africa.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Mozambique
- Diving & snorkelling
- Bazaruto Island’s reefs are rich in a variety of fish and coral species; those around the northern end of Bazaruto Island are close and offer excellent diving and snorkelling. The NAUI Dive Centre offers sites at a range of depths and with varied reef topography.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Mozambique
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Bazaruto Lodge; there is no age restriction.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No age restriction.
- Special activities & services
- Childminding can be organised on request, but please note that this will be done through housekeeping and not with a professional trained in childcare. There is also a games room with table tennis, table football and pool table.
- Equipment
- High-chairs and cots can be organised on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend Bazaruto Lodge for families with older children.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Bazaruto Lodge have two generators, which keep power running at the lodge all day and night.
- Communications
- WiFi internet is available in the main areas free of charge. There is cellphone reception on the island.
- TV & radio
- There are televisions in the rooms, with news, movie and sports channels.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- 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.
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- There is an extra charge for laundry, which is machine washed and tumble dried.
- Money
- There are key safes in every room. Bazaruto Lodge will change small amounts of currency if guests request it.
- Accepted payment on location
- All major currencies are accepted, along with Visa and MasterCard; there is no surcharge for cards. Amex and travellers’ cheques are not accepted.
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Bazaruto Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Bazaruto Lodge.
Other lodges in Bazaruto Archipelago
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Azura Benguerra
Azura Benguerra is very chic and romantic, with particularly good service and food. The choice of activities is wide, and its spa is top-notch!
Anantara Bazaruto
Anantara Bazaruto is a family-friendly resort on the west coast of Bazaruto Island; it's the largest resort on these islands, and in design terms probably the most like a conventional hotel.
Benguerra Lodge
The oldest lodge in the archipelago, Benguerra has a North African feel amidst tropical gardens. It's a peaceful destination for couples, and children's chalets make it good-value for families.
Azura Marlin Beach
Set on a stunning beach, Azura Marlin Beach is due to open in mid 2020. We are anticipating a luxurious lodge with high standards for food and service.
Dugong Lodge
Dugong Beach Lodge is a stylish property on a remote stretch of beach just south of Vilanculos. For the level of luxury you get here, this is a very good value lodge albeit not actually on the Bazaruto Islands.
When to go to Bazaruto Archipelago
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Bazaruto Lodge in Bazaruto Archipelago
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mozambique in January
January is one of the wettest, hottest and most humid months in Mozambique, with average daytime temperatures reaching the low 30s °C, dropping only to around 24°C at night. Although the rain falls mostly as tropical downpours in late afternoon/evening, with the rest of the time sunny, there are definitely better times to visit.
Diving is generally good, but visibility can be limited. Dolphins are abundant, but humpback whales have moved out and this is the last month with a reasonable chance of spotting whale sharks and manta rays. On beaches, turtles lay their eggs and by the end of the month some are beginning to hatch.
After the busy Christmas/New Year period lodges are almost empty, so it’s a good time to avoid the “crowds”.
- One of the wettest & hottest months, with high humidity
- Diving is fair but visibility can be poor
- Great for dolphin viewing
- Turtles laying eggs, which begin to hatch by end of month
- The low season so lodges much quieter, but for a reason
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in January
Mozambique in February
The hot, wet weather continues, with rainfall at its peak in February in the south, and temperatures as high as those experienced in January; this is also the start of the cyclone season. Such storms are relatively rare but when they do occur they bring widespread devastation and disruption. Although the sea is wonderfully warm, beaches can be pretty windy and diving at this time of the year can be more challenging, with choppier waters and sometimes pretty poor visibility.
As such, lodges tend to have good availability. The chances of seeing manta rays and whale sharks are minimal now, but turtles are still laying eggs followed by hatchlings making a dash for the ocean.
- Rain & hot weather peaks, as does the humidity
- Start of the cyclone season
- Diving conditions can be more challenging
- Great month for turtle watching
- Warm seas
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in February
Mozambique in March
Rainfall is still high, peaking in the north – where it continues for longer than in the south – and the threat of tropical cyclones remains (2019 saw Idai wreak havoc). Temperatures fall ever so slightly but it’s still hot, with daily temperatures averaging 30°C and nights around 23°C. It’s still pretty humid but this begins to drop away towards the end of the month when the weather generally starts to improve.
Diving, as in previous months, can be OK with warm seas, but conditions are unpredictable, and visibility is still only fair. Of the key marine species, only dolphins are now regularly seen and the last of the turtle hatchlings make for the sea. Availability is usually good, but when Easter falls in March, lodges can get booked up early.
- Rainfall eases but still a chance of significant downpours
- Cyclones remain a threat
- Diving is reasonable, but visibility can be hit and miss
- Turtle spotting excellent
- Although low season, Easter can get booked up quickly
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Mozambique in April
Although rain still lingers in the north, the rainy season in the south draws to an end. Temperatures are still high but as the rain peters out, humidity drops considerably and so it feels much more comfortable. There is still a small risk of tropical cyclones (as in 2019, when cyclone Kenneth hit), but these are usually extremely rare.
Diving conditions improve with increased visibility and the sea is still warm, so April can be a lovely month for diving or a beach holiday. It is also excellent for fishing, with most of the game fish species being present. Lodges begin to see more visitors and can get especially busy over Easter.
- Rainy season comes to an end in the south
- Good weather for a beach holiday sets in
- Diving, improves with increased visibility & warm seas
- Excellent fishing conditions
- Visitor numbers begin to increase, especially around Easter
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Mozambique in May
As the rains cease in the north, May marks the start of the dry season across Mozambique (although the odd freak cyclone has been known to make landfall, this is exceptional). The days are warm and sunny, with low humidity and temperatures around 27°C, while evenings start to cool to around 16°C. It’s a really good month to visit coastal areas and as such the lodges get a bit busier and prices start to rise.
Diving continues to improve with good visibility and calm waters, and the excellent game fishing conditions continue. Lastly, Mozambique’s biggest international music festival, Azgo, takes place in Maputo during May.
- Start of the dry season: virtually no rainfall & humidity drops
- Diving continues to improve with good visibility & calm seas
- Excellent fishing conditions continue
- Azgo international music festival in Maputo
- Lodges get busier & prices increase
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Mozambique in June
Good weather continues with pleasantly warm days, clear skies and a bit of a breeze – ideal for a relaxing beach holiday. Diving conditions are near perfect with good visibility, though note that sea temperatures are dropping by a couple of degrees. Southern right whales start appearing along the coastline. The excellent deep-sea fishing continues. On Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, 24 June sees the Feast of St John the Baptist – celebrated as Kueto Siriwala (“to not forget your roots”) day. Expect dhow races as well as traditional music and dance.
Lodges are getting busier and with Mozambique’s month-long summer holiday beginning in late June, it’s advisable to book well in advance. This is one of the best months and prices increase, reflecting the move into this peak season.
- Weather now very good
- Southern right whales start appearing along the coast
- Diving conditions are superb
- Kueto Siriwala festival on Ibo
- Lodges getting busier & therefore prices higher
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Mozambique in July
The dry season is now in full swing so clear blue skies abound. Warm, sunny days and cool evenings continue, with average temperatures between 25°C during the day and 16°C at night. July is definitely one of the best months to visit the Mozambique coast, though beaches can be a little windy. Humpback whales begin making their long annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters off East Africa to calve; if you’re lucky you may get to see them, especially at the end of the month.
Diving and snorkelling conditions are reaching optimum levels with generally excellent visibility, though the water is now chilly by Mozambique standards. Fishing is still very good for most game species. Lodges are filling up due to northern hemisphere school holidays.
- Warm sunny days & cool evenings
- Diving conditions now almost perfect
- Humpback whales begin arriving
- Fishing still very good
- School holiday time, so lodges are filling up
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Mozambique in August
As in July, the days are lovely and warm – great for lying on a beach, though there’s a slight chill to the evenings and the sea is at its coolest at around 16°C. This is one of the best times to visit Mozambique, and is a great month for diving as visibility now reaches its peak, but it can be a bit windy. Humpback whale numbers are increasing, and manta rays and whale sharks start to appear, though are not a common sighting.
Fishing drops off a bit but some species such as sailfish and queen mackerel are still taking bait. August is very popular – probably the busiest month – so lodges can be quite full and family-friendly resorts will have more children around.
- Days still nice & warm with cooler, but pleasant evenings
- Optimal diving conditions.
- Whales numbers increase; the odd manta ray & whale shark may be seen
- Fishing starts to tail off a little
- Lodges at high occupancy levels, so can be busy
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Mozambique in September
In September, temperatures begin to climb and warm, sunny days continue, although evenings are still cooler (averaging around 28°C in the day and 19°C at night); this is historically the driest month in Mozambique. Whale watching is getting even better as numbers increase and, as in August, diving and snorkelling conditions are excellent with great visibility.
Sightings of whale sharks and manta rays begin to increase, and while dolphins are seen throughout the year, September is the start of the best dolphin-viewing period. The fishing is good with marlin, sailfish and kingfish all possibilities. Although the school holidays have ended it is still high season and still a popular month – it’s our favourite month here.
- Arguably our favourite month
- Temperatures start rising – the weather is beautiful
- Superb diving & snorkelling conditions continue
- Sightings of whale sharks & mantas rays pick up
- Great for dolphin viewing & whales still present in good numbers
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Mozambique in October
October is the hottest of the dry months with daytime temperatures peaking at around 30°C and evenings feeling balmy at around 20°C. With the heat building, the rains can begin right at the end of the month. The fishing is very good, especially for the bigger game fish like marlin.
October is also considered the best month for whale watching, and one of the best for dolphins, which are present in good numbers. The chances of seeing whale sharks and manta rays also increase as the seas warm up; this, and the next two months, are best for sightings. Like August and September, October is also excellent for diving and snorkelling, with superb visibility, thus it’s another popular month, and carries peak season prices.
- Hottest of the dry months
- Excellent whale & dolphin watching
- Chances of seeing whale sharks & mantas increase
- Diving conditions remain excellent
- Fishing for certain game fish species is very good
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Mozambique in November
As the dry season ends and the wet season starts, the weather becomes a lot more unpredictable. Days are very hot with humidity increasing, though rainfall is still fairly low. November heralds the return of turtles coming ashore to nest and lay their eggs. With visibility still pretty clear, diving and snorkelling conditions remain good. There is still a decent chance of seeing humpback whales before they begin heading off towards the end of the month, whilst sightings of whale sharks and manta rays remain good, and dolphin sightings excellent.
Fishing for certain species, especially kingfish and marlin, remains excellent. It’s no longer high season so prices of some lodges come down.
- Days hot but weather becomes a somewhat unpredictable
- Diving still good
- Start of the turtle-nesting season; humpback whales begin to leave
- Good month for dolphins, whale sharks & mantas
- Lodge prices starting to come down
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Mozambique in December
Days are still hot, with rising humidity making it feel a lot stickier. Average daytime temperatures hit 31°C+, with evenings around 23°C. December is one of the rainiest months, but expect short sharp thunderstorms as opposed to lengthy rainfall. The turtle-nesting season is now in full swing, so seeing females laying their eggs becomes a possibility. As humpback whales head back south, sightings become scarce, but dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays are still present in good numbers.
Fishing for marlin, bonito and kingfish is still excellent. Sea visibility is generally good, but it can become a little hit and miss as the sun and warm seas encourage plankton blooms. Christmas and New Year are very popular periods despite invariably carrying price supplements.
- Days are hot & a lot more humid
- Turtles laying their eggs on beaches
- Whale season is now largely over
- Dolphins, whale sharks & mantas are still present
- Christmas & New Year get booked up early, & cost more
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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