Bazaruto Archipelago: in detail

The coastal town of Vilanculos is the gateway to Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago - a chain of four large islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Santa Isobel and Santa Carolina (formerly known as Paradise Island).

Strung out in the Indian Ocean, the two smaller islands are uninhabited, while the others have a few small villages scattered amongst wild orange and cashew nut trees. These are places to relax, to escape and to explore. A marine national park covers most of the archipelago, protecting the exquisite marine life in these turquoise seas.

Islands and beach lodges in the Bazaruto Archipelago

Benguerra Lodge

On the smaller, more populated, Benguerra Island you'll find the well-established Benguerra Lodge. It's the oldest lodge in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Benguerra Lodge is built amidst tropical gardens beside a long pale-sand beach and has a North African feel. It's a peaceful destination for couples, and children's chalets make it good-value for families. Benguerra offers a wide range of activities, but there is plenty of opportunity to just relax and enjoy the area. (Read more about Benguerra Lodge...)

Azura Benguerra

The newest lodge - Azura Benguerra - is the most elegant beach lodge in the Bazaruto Archipelago. It's situated within the marine national park and each villa is set amongst indigenous trees and bushes, only footsteps from the beach. Azura Benguerra is smart and romantic, with particularly good service and food. Azura's choice of activities is wide, and its spa promises to be top quality. (Read more about Azura Benguerra...)

Anantara Bazaruto

Anantara is quite substantial with smooth paths and small golf carts for moving luggage (and sometimes guests) between the rooms. The resort was totally rebuilt in 2001 and completely re-arranged and up-graded in 2006. Anantara is the largest resort in the Bazaruto Archipelago, and in design terms probably the most like a conventional hotel.
It is family-friendly, its amenities and facilities are excellent, and the standard of service is high. (Read more about Anantara...)

Bazaruto Lodge

Bazaruto Lodge is situated in a bay on the north side on the Bazaruto Archipelago. It is a friendly and efficiently-run resort which is great value. It's not swish or stylish, and they don't fuss over you, but it has a laid-back, Mediterranean charm. The wide beaches and the calm and safe swimming areas make the Bazaruto Lodge family friendly. (Read more about Bazaruto Lodge...)

Dugong Lodge

On the mainland, a short boat transfer from Vilanculos town, you'll find Dugong Lodge - a good value lodge for simple relaxation. Dugong Lodge is situated in the Vilanculos Wildlife Reserve and Marine Sanctuary. Activities are possible here but the best reefs are distant – around the Bazaruto Archipelago. (Read more about Dugong Lodge...)

Flights to the Bazaruto Archipelago

Zoom out from our satellite map of the Bazaruto Archipelago, and you'll realise why the Bazaruto Archipelago is easiest to approach from Johannesburg. There is at least one flight each day from Johannesburg to Vilanculos which takes a couple of hours; from there, some lodges are reached by air, others by speedboat.