About Dugong Lodge
On the mainland, just 40 minutes by boat from Vilanculos town, Dugong Beach Lodge stands on a beautiful long ...
... isolated beach. Although this lodge isn't actually on one of the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, it's often thought of as an alternative – hence we've included it in the same section. Dugong is a chic beach lodge with plenty of style and character, however please note that in early 2023 a cyclone hit causing severe damage, so Dugong is currently closed, being rebuilt, and hopes to re-open mid 2025. Please call us for the latest information.
We thought that Dugong was a good option for those looking for a stylish yet unpretentious beach retreat. Its remote location makes it very quiet and peaceful and the strong management team goes out of their way to try and ensure that your stay is very comfortable. Dugong didn't appear quite as smoothly run as some of the operations on the islands but it is also quite a bit lower in cost – making it arguably very good value. Though the lack of a dive center on site makes this less convenient for very keen divers.
Our view
We thought that Dugong was a good option for those looking for a stylish yet unpretentious beach retreat. Its remote location makes it very quiet and peaceful and the strong management team goes out of their way to try and ensure that your stay is very comfortable. Dugong didn't appear quite as smoothly run as some of the operations on the islands but it is also quite a bit lower in cost – making it arguably very good value. Though the lack of a dive center on site makes this less convenient for very keen divers.
Accommodation
14 rooms
Children
Open
March to January
























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View galleryDugong Lodge: Our full report
On the mainland, just 40 minutes by boat from Vilanculos town, Dugong Beach Lodge stands on a beautiful long ...
... isolated beach. Although this lodge isn't actually on one of the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, it's often thought of as an alternative – hence we've included it in the same section. Dugong is a chic beach lodge with plenty of style and character, however please note that in early 2023 a cyclone hit causing severe damage, so Dugong is currently closed, being rebuilt, and hopes to re-open mid 2025. Please call us for the latest information.
New arrivals at Dugong jump off the boat onto the beach and up onto a broad wooden deck dotted with tables and chairs. This is Dugong's relaxed al-fresco dining area, which has stunning views past a long jetty and out to sea. The sunsets from here are lovely! At the far end of the jetty are a couple of chairs, and on request private dining can be set up here – great for a romantic occasion.
On this vast deck you will also find the swimming pool – or rather, a number of small swimming pools, with plenty of hammocks and sun loungers. There's a well-stocked outside bar, too, surrounded by high bar stools.
Sliding glass doors lead to the main lounge and an additional indoor dining area for cooler nights. Greeted by a large brass dugong statue, you'll find yourself in a smart, contemporary room decorated with dark wood, coffee-table books, rustic African art and high-quality furniture from South Africa.
Dugong also has a small shop with both branded items and a few pieces of jewellery, as well as essential toiletries.
The stylish bedrooms at Dugong Beach Lodge total 14. Ten are identical in style, then there are two family suites, each with two rooms. All of the bedrooms are individual buildings, with neutral-coloured walls, polished stone floors and sliding glass doors that open onto private decks. Inside, the rooms have either double or twin beds, which we found to be extremely comfortable, a minibar which can be stocked with your choice of drinks, a safe, a tea- and coffee-making station, and a hairdryer.
Equally stylish bathrooms are at the back, behind the bed.. Twin sinks are set upon a marble surface, and there are indoor and outdoor showers as well as a large free-standing bath. Toiletries are provided in all rooms.
A number of activities are possible at Dugong Beach Lodge, many at no extra charge. These include most non-motorised activities, such as sea-kayaking, Hobie-cat sailing and snorkelling from the shore. That said, snorkelling here is not currently that interesting, although the lodge has sunk a small dhow and even an old Land Cruiser just offshore, and they are hoping that over the next few years these will attract soft corals which will in turn attract more fish.
Other activities, such as deep-sea fishing and horseriding, are available at additional cost. It is possible to arrange scuba diving from Dugong, but this needs to be pre-arranged with one of the dive shops in Vilanculos as the lodge does not have its own dive centre. If you wish to dive during your stay at Dugong it is best to let us know in advance.
Also at an additional cost, Dugong Beach Lodge also offers game drives within the reserve, nature walks, sundowner dhow trips and sandbank picnics, snorkelling trips, waterskiing and tubing.
While it is important to note that the lodge does not have a proper spa or well-being centre, a masseuse from Vilanculos can be called in to do in-room massages.
Geographics
- Location
- Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
- Ideal length of stay
- With so many activities, you could easily while away five days here, though for a longer stay in the area and some diversity it may be worth combining with some of the islands on the Bazaruto Archipelago such as Azura Benguerra; the Portuguese-influenced Bazaruto Lodge; the long-established Benguerra Lodge; or the efficient Marlin Lodge.
- Directions
- Fly into Vilanculos Airport via Johannesburg, then hop aboard a boat for a 40-minute transfer to Dugong Beach Lodge. Note that you have to walk through shallow water to reach the boat so will need to remove your shoes. It is also possible to arrange a helicopter transfer at an additional charge.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- During our visit, the food at Dugong Lodge was delicious: fresh, with an unpretentious approach and full of flavour.
Breakfast consisted of a small buffet, which included homemade muesli, a fresh fruit platter, yoghurt and some pastries. Should you wish to have a cooked breakfast as well, you can order this from your waiter.
For lunch, a selection of salads and other tasty dishes were laid out buffet style, including tempura calamari, mini quiches, beetroot and apple salad, and coleslaw. There was also some irresistible freshly baked bread.
Between 6.30pm and 7.00pm, guests tended to gather for pre-dinner drinks and snacks at the bar, where we were treated to fresh calamari. This is also the time to chat through possible activities for the following days so that you can really optimise your time at Dugong Beach Lodge.
The three-course dinner incorporates a choice of starters and main dishes. We had the option of cucumber soup or crab paté on toast with a small salad, followed by a choice between a prawn Thai green curry or a steak. Dessert was sweet fried banana and custard. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Dugong Beach Lodge will gladly offer private dining on your private deck, but as there are no phones in the rooms, this needs to be arranged in advance.
- Drinks included
- Soft drinks, beer and house wines are included. All spirits, champagne and cellar wines are an additional charge.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of any age are welcome at Dugong Lodge but they do not consider it to be suitable for those under the age of seven.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- Dugong Beach Lodge has board games and a TV in the main area.
- Generally recommended for children
- We wouldn't recommend Dugong Beach Lodge for very young children. It has a quiet adult atmosphere and there is a long drop from both the front of the rooms and the jetty onto the beach.
For older children who are able to entertain themselves, however, the family suites would work really well.
Communications
- Communications
- There is WiFi in the main lounge, free of charge, and a computer in the office that guests can borrow.
- TV & radio
- Dugong Beach Lodge has a TV with DSTV, discreetly hidden in a wooden cabinet in the main lounge area.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Two of the managers at Dugong Beach Lodge are first aid trained and there is a first-aid kit on site. The lodge has boats and vehicles for transport to Vilaculos where there is a doctor, and for medical emergencies they also have links to the flying-doctor service.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are safes in every room at Dugong Beach Lodge and two or three security guards are on duty at any given time.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located all around Dugong Beach Lodge and the staff are trained to use them.
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Dugong will wash your clothes by machine and it is all line dried. The laundry service is free of charge.
- Money
- Dugong Beach Lodge will exchange small amounts of cash for you.
- Accepted payment on location
- When you leave Dugong you can settle your bill in cash, using US dollars, British pounds, euros and South Africa rand. You are also able to use Visa and MasterCard with no surcharge, but Amex and travellers' cheques are not accepted.
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Dugong Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Dugong 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!

Bazaruto Lodge
Bazaruto Lodge is a friendly and efficiently run resort which is great value, with a laid-back, Mediterranean charm that would suit couples and families.

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.
When to go to Bazaruto Archipelago
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Dugong 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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