Bazaruto Archipelago

Opposite the coastal town of Vilanculos on the southern coast of Mozambique lies a glittering cluster of five pristine tropical islands that make up the Bazaruto Archipelago.

A protected marine National Park, the 1,430km² Bazaruto Archipelago is a sensitive environment with a diversity of fauna and flora. The Park is run by the Mozambique Government, along with economic and conservation input from the WWF. The two larger islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra are characterised by a spine of picturesque sand dunes that rise high out of the Indian Ocean, freshwater lakes and acacia woodlands. There are some 212 bird species including an extensive variety of Palaearctic migrants, endemic butterflies, suni antelope and freshwater crocodiles. While offshore the protected waters and reefs support dolphin, the endangered dugong or sea cow, game fish, seasonal whales and several species of marine turtle.

Visitors access the islands by air from Johannesburg or Nelspruit Airport (KMIA) to Vilanculos International Airport. It is then a short hop by boat, helicopter or light aircraft to your island hideaway.