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Benguerra Lodge
Benguerra Lodge
Benguerra Lodge
Benguerra Lodge
Benguerra Lodge

About Benguerra Lodge

Benguerra Lodge, on the western coast of Mozambique's Benguerra Island, is positioned on its own beautiful ...

... palm-fringed bay about a kilometre down the beach from Azura. The lodge was recently taken over by a top safari operator who knows how to deliver luxury and high quality. We have not seen it since they refurbished it, though we know that they replaced the traditional north African design with a more contemporary beachy look.

Benguerra Lodge is in a beautiful spot and the lovely beachfront rooms have some of the best beach-views of any of the lodges on Benguerra. Come here to relax and unwind - a superb stop at the end of a safari.

Our view

Benguerra Lodge is in a beautiful spot and the lovely beachfront rooms have some of the best beach-views of any of the lodges on Benguerra. Come here to relax and unwind - a superb stop at the end of a safari.

Tracy Lederer

Tracy Lederer

Country manager: Mozambique

Accommodation

13 Rooms

Children

Open

All year

Activities

Boat trip

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Fishing

Fishing

Helicopter

Helicopter

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Kayaking

Kayaking

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Traveller reviews of Benguerra Lodge

4 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
4 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
4
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mrs C.fromWem

Arrived 14 May 2022, 4 nights

"Benguerra Lodge review"

"Good quality rooms and food. Staff excellent. …" Read Mrs C.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

TheOldGeezerfromStafford

Arrived 4 Sep 2019, 4 nights

"Benguerra Lodge Review"

"Unbelievable Spot in the Ocean …" Read TheOldGeezer’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs DfromOxon

Arrived 23 Sep 2016, 8 nights

"Benguerra Lodge review"

"Loved it. Paradise. …" Read Mr & Mrs D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs DRfromN London

Arrived 4 Aug 2010, 7 nights

"Benguerra Lodge review"

"Another heaven on earth. We now understand the meaning of "barefoot luxury& …" Read Mr & Mrs DR’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Benguerra Lodge reviews

Holidays visiting Benguerra Lodge

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Benguerra Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 location • 1 country
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

This luxurious lodge offers a fantastic blend of total relaxation and more active pursuits. Explore your idyllic surroundings with a range of land and water-based activities before unwinding with a massage and sundowner drinks on the beach.

Visiting Bazaruto Archipelago

US$6,910 - US$8,380 per person

Read more about the Benguerra Beach Holiday

Benguerra Lodge: Our full report

Benguerra Lodge, on the western coast of Mozambique's Benguerra Island, is positioned on its own beautiful ...

... palm-fringed bay about a kilometre down the beach from Azura. The lodge was recently taken over by a top safari operator who knows how to deliver luxury and high quality. We have not seen it since they refurbished it, though we know that they replaced the traditional north African design with a more contemporary beachy look.

There are four types of rooms at Benguerra Lodge:

- 10 Casitas - these are huge open-plan chalets, built of stone and thatch with their longest sides looking out over the beach. They have lots of space and their own plunge pools. (Read more about the Casitas here... )

- 2 Cabanas - which are very similar, and decorated in the same style, but much smaller. They still have great views and a private plunge pool, but lack the bathtub, the view from the bed and the amount of open deck space that the Casitas have.

- 1 Villa - which sleeps four people in comfort, comes with its own chef and is perfect for honeymooners wanting more privacy, or families.

Finally, if you're travelling with children (aged 8-17), and staying in a Casita, then it's possible for your children to stay in one of 10 bungalows which are set back from the beach. These are for children only; they are not available for adults to stay in.

These bungalows at Benguera Lodge are built slightly off the ground on wooden stilts. (In fact, they are the old rooms that the lodge had, prior to 2008!) They are open-fronted from about waist-height upwards, with bamboo blinds which can be lowered at night, and set back from the beach – one behind each Casitas. The beds have mosquito nets but there is no fan. There is an indoor shower and sink, and flushing toilet. These are relatively simple rooms, without outside decks, plunge pools or sea-views.

In the main area of Benguerra Lodge you'll find a small curio shop, lovely bar and large open-sided lounge area with plenty of comfy seating, a good selection of coffee table books, chess and other board games. Through the bar you'll find an open-sided dining room which looks over the gardens, although dinners are often served outside on the deck or even on the beach.

Whilst the Villa and each Casita and Cabana at Benguerra has its own plunge pool, there is also a small pool near to the main lodge which is used predominantly for diving lessons. In front of the pool on the beach is a great beach bar which has been cleverly fashioned from an old dhow boat - it's the perfect spot for enjoying a sun-downer as the beach is west-facing.

The activity centre is a 5-minute walk up the beach from Benguerra Lodge. From here you can arrange salt water and deep water fly-fishing, snorkelling trips, diving, island hopping tours, dhow cruises, kayaking, island landrover tours and horse-riding. Benguerra also offers massages and a modest range of treatments, which can either be carried out in the treatment room or in the comfort of your own room.

Geographics

Location
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Ideal length of stay
5 nights or more
Directions
The flight with Pelican Air from Johannesburg to Vilanculos takes approximately 2 hours. It is then a 15 minute hop on a small plane to Benguerra airstrip. The lodge will pick you up in its 4WD for the 10 minute road transfer to the lodge.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
The meals at Benguerra are served buffet style at breakfast and lunch, and served to your table in the evenings.

At breakfast you can help yourself to a selection of cereals, fresh fruit, muffins, toast, a cooked breakfast and tea and coffee.

On our most recent visit to Benguerra the lunch buffet consisted of a very good selection of salads - including pasta salad, avocado salad and green salad - and an array of freshly caught fish dishes. We chose from calamari, prawns and fish cakes, as well as barbequed chicken drumsticks. Pudding is also served if you have room!

For an idea of the kind of dish that is served at supper, we were offered a choice of clam chowder or calamari and chorizo pasta for starters, followed by crayfish or lamb for main course. For dessert we could choose between a choice of lemon pudding or cheese and biscuits.

We found that overall the standard of food at Benguerra was very good, although as meals are based primarily on sea-food, guests need to let us know if this does not suit them, so that we can warn the lodge beforehand and they can organise alternative options (which they are very happy to do).
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Soft drinks, local beers and spirits and house wines are included. There is a special wine list which is not included.

Special interests

Honeymoons
Benguerra is a peaceful, secluded lodge - ideal for a Mozambique honeymoon. The rooms have bath tubs and outside showers, and are very private. Romantic activities include sunset dhow cruises, trips to deserted beaches and massage in your own room!
See ideas for Honeymoons in Mozambique
Beach holidays
Benguerra Island's pale, sandy beaches are beautiful and this old, established lodge can deliver a superb beach holiday – amongst the best bets after a Southern Africa safari. It's a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
See ideas for Beach holidays in Mozambique
Diving & snorkelling
Benguerra has a fully-equipped dive centre and NAUI dive courses are offered. The reefs are pristine and rich in a variety of fish and coral species; with a range of depths to suit beginner and experienced divers, and snorkellers too.
See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Mozambique
Riding holidays
Benguerra Lodge offers guided horseback riding around the local area, including along the pristine white, palm-fringed sandy beach in front of the lodge. Feeling the ocean spray as you gallop through the waves is unforgettable.
See ideas for Riding holidays in Mozambique
Luxury
A plunge pool on your private veranda with stunning views across the ocean awaits you at the luxurious Benguerra Lodge. Treat yourself to a pampering massage and end the day with a sundowner at the unique, very cool beach bar made from an old dhow.
See ideas for Luxury in Mozambique

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are welcome at Benguerra, although children under the age of 12 must vacate the lounge and bar area by 7pm.

Special activities & services
Babysitting is offered for a nominal fee, and special kids' meals can also be prepared on request. (note that baby-sitters are local lodge staff; they are not secialy-trained.)
Equipment
None.
Generally recommended for children
Yes, for children aged 12 years and older - although this is more of a honeymoon destination than a family resort.
Notes
A third bed can be put into the Casitas at Benguerra if parents are traveling with one child.

Communications

Communications
There is fairly good mobile phone reception and 3G WI-FI at Benguerra Lodge.
TV & radio
No

Sustainability

Benguerra Lodge sustainability

Saving the last remaining Dugongs

The waters surrounding the Benguerra Lodge are home to Africa’s last remaining population of Dugong, a medium-sized marine mammal which is at risk of facing extinction in the next 40 years. Recent aerial surveys and population estimates indicate that Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago National Park retains no more than 200 Dugongs. In partnership with SOS - Save Our Species, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) partnered with the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, Benguerra Lodge is investing in the Dugong Emergency Protection Project. The initiative is aimed at preventing Dugong bycatch and habitat loss. In order to ensure the sustainability of such efforts, solutions for finding alternative livelihood options, capacity building and local education for these fishing communities will be researched.

The National Geographic praise this lodge for their dedication to marine sustainability. Guests are offered the chance to take a boating excursion to find these rare animals and can choose to join a researcher to learn about the dugong and other wildlife in the ocean or go snorkelling and diving, searching for the rare dugong – truly a once in a lifetime experience.

The conservation team also works in conjunction with the Africa Foundation to provide alternative food sources to reduce the local community’s dependence on ocean resources. Conservation lessons are also given to five schools to raise awareness of the plight of the Dugong.

Benguerra Island has an estimated population of between 1 500 – 2 000, living within three villages. To ensure the wellbeing of locals, Benguerra Lodge and Africa Foundation are raising funds to complete the construction of a clinic on Benguerra Island, which was started to remedy the fact that there are no health facilities. Residents currently need to travel by dhow boat to Vilanculos to receive medical attention.

See more great sustainability projects in Mozambique

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The managers at Benguerra Lodge are first-aid trained. It is possible to call out MedEvac in an emergency (a jet can be on the island within 45 minutes of an emergency call).
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
Guards patrol the lodge grounds 24 hours a day.
Fire safety
There is a fire hose under each Casita and Cabana which can be utilised in the event of a fire.

Activities

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Included
Money
There are safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
Accepted payment on location
The lodge accepts Visa, Mastercard and all major currencies. Benguerra lodge does not accept travellers' cheques or Amex.

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Benguerra Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Benguerra Lodge.


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When to go to Bazaruto Archipelago

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Benguerra 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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