&Beyond Benguerra Island - Accommodation
It is supposed that the first visitors to the Bazaruto Archipelago were ancient Phoenicians in search of Pearls and ever since then dreams of wealth and power have attracted others to this historically conflicted part of Africa...nowadays the dreams are of an unspoiled, undeveloped and unpopulated paradise where the beaches are a dazzling white, the ocean is warm and blue, and the diverse environment pristine.
Experience
This island is a mecca for scuba divers and the lodge has a fully equipped dive centre and access to some of the most pristine reefs in the world. Five dolphin species are found locally most usually common dolphins or humpback dolphins, devil rays or sting rays are seen while leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles are all found in the area. White-tip, black-tip, grey reef or giant sleeping sharks are also frequently encountered along the reefs. Benguerra Island also offers excellent saltwater fly and deep sea fishing on a catch and release basis; snorkelling, castaway picnics on deserted sandbanks, and cruises on catamarans or a traditional dhow offer the opportunity to look for the rare and elusive Dugong and to savour Mozambique’s wonderful sunsets. While the island is fringed with golden, sandy beaches, its interior is a lush patchwork of forests, wetlands and fresh water lakes so horse riding trips and island expeditions explore both the coastline and the interior of the island, uncovering traditional culture at the local village and climbing soaring sand dunes. The indigenous forest ensures that there is excellent birding, with over 140 recorded species, including the Crab Plover and the Narina Trogon. Helicopter sight seeing can also be organised.
Accommodation
Following a substantial refurbishment finishing in May 2015 Benguerra Island Lodge’s ten light and airy, spacious casinhas and two cabanas combine tropical chic with a distinct touch of Africa and the Mozambican coastline’s Portuguese heritage. Wide doors and windows allow for magnificent ocean views and private rim flow pools set on wide wooden decks provide a cool refuge. Set deep in cleverly created patches of shade, comfortable loungers are set around the lodge’s main rim flow swimming pool and a traditional wooden dhow has found its final resting place on the beach, offering the ideal spot to indulge in an ice cold cocktail or a delicious meal of fresh, fragrant seafood. After days filled with discovery, weary muscles relax and recharge under the magical attentions of the masseuses in the massage sala. Set under thatch, both casinhas and cabanas boast elegant four-poster beds with white linen canopies and comfortable day beds. Spacious bathrooms feature generous bathtubs big enough for two, while the outdoor shower is decorated with hand-painted tiles to enjoy the African sky and the whisper of the waves. Ideal for families or groups, the Casa Familia boasts three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, as well as private swimming pool set on the sheltered wooden veranda.
+44 (0) 1829 77 11 88