The Bazaruto archipelago is a swathe of tropical paradise just off the Mozambican coast. This small group of islands are known for their unspoiled white sandy beaches, crystal-clear warm water and plentiful sea life. Bazaruto is the perfect destination for people looking for people and quiet, natural beauty and stunning surroundings, and adrenaline-packed water-based activities.
This is a destination you will want to visit no matter the time of year, just enjoy the warm and tropical weather of this beautiful archipelago. The best time to enjoy outdoor activities and the crystal-clear waters of the sea is between May and November, during the dry season, when temperatures are mild and days are sunny. You can expect some humidity and rainfall from December to April, but the weather is still great for discovering the natural beauty of the islands.
Getting to Bazaruto involves travelling to Vilanculos, the nearest point of departure to the archipelago, and which has an airport served by domestic and international flights. From there, you can get to the islands by boat or helicopter, with the added bonus of spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. There is a speedboat service to the islands, providing a guaranteed comfortable trip and a memorable experience from the word go.
Bazaruto’s cuisine is a celebration of flavours from the sea, highlighted by shrimps, lobsters and grilled fish. Traditional dishes include seafood curry, seasoned with coconut milk and spices, and matapa, made with cassava leaves and peanuts. The famous piri-piri sauce is ubiquitous and will add a spicy touch to your meals. The local food reveals a blend of African and Portuguese influences in an authentic culinary experience.
Bazaruto is known for its incredible biodiversity, both on land and sea. Bazaruto National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and provides you with the opportunity to explore intact coral reefs. This nature reserve boasts an impressive variety of tropical fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, and the rare dugong, a marine mammal threatened with extinction. The islands are also known for their golden sand dunes and tropical vegetation.
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The Bazaruto Archipelago is located off the southern coast of Mozambique, in the province of Inhambane, opposite Vilankulo and Inhassoro. It consists of five main islands - Bazaruto (the largest), Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina ("Paradise Island") and Bangué - and is a protected marine area, forming part of the Bazaruto National Park (created in 1971). It is distinguished by its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, lagoons and golden dunes, and for being home to the largest population of dugongs in the western Indian Ocean. The Pestana Bazaruto Lodge, on Bazaruto Island, is the ideal starting point.
In the Bazaruto Archipelago, the Pestana Group is present with the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge, a beach and island resort on Bazaruto Island, the largest in the archipelago, known for its dunes and white sand beaches. Located within the protected area of the Bazaruto National Park, it offers direct access to turquoise waters and reefs, making it a privileged base for diving, snorkeling, boat trips and observing marine life, including the rare dugong.
The archipelago has sunshine almost all year round, but the best time is the dry season, between April/May and October/November, with mild temperatures, clear skies and lower humidity - ideal for the beach, diving and snorkeling, with good underwater visibility in the reefs. From December to April it is wetter, with occasional rain and warmer weather, although it remains pleasant. The dry season is also favorable for dhow trips and exploring the islands from the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge.
The main point of entry is Vilankulo, on the mainland, with an airport and domestic and international connections (including flights from Maputo and South Africa, such as Johannesburg and Nelspruit). From Vilankulo, transfers to the islands are by boat/speedboat or small plane/helicopter, in short crossings with views over the Indian Ocean. The Pestana Bazaruto Lodge, on Bazaruto Island, organizes these transfers for guests.
Sea-centered experiences: diving and snorkeling in the reefs (with turtles, rays, dolphins, tropical fish and the rare dugong); the immense sand dunes of Bazaruto Island; trips in traditional dhows, with stops at deserted sandbanks; and visits to other islands, such as Benguerra (rich in birdlife), Magaruque and Santa Carolina, the "Paradise Island". The Pestana Bazaruto Lodge serves as a base for these activities in the Bazaruto National Park.
Being an archipelago, travel between islands is by sea – speedboats, boats or traditional dhows – and, in some cases, by small plane or helicopter from Vilankulo. Within each island, such as Bazaruto where the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge is located, the routes are mainly done on foot along the beaches and dunes, or on excursions organized by the lodge. Crossings between islands depend on the tides and sea conditions.