Welcome to Benguerra!
Benguerra Island is a luxury beach holiday destination where time stands still.
Situated off the coast of Mozambique within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, this island hideaway is set on a protected lagoon.
Warm waters, pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life, idyllic beaches, inland freshwater lakes and towering sand dunes have shaped this adventure haven.
The lodge lies sheltered within the canopy of an indigenous forest and swaying palm trees. The welcoming guest areas offer views of the lush tropical garden and the ocean beyond. Under the shade of straw covered wooden awnings, inviting comfortable loungers are set up around the lodge’s rim flow swimming pool. A colourfully decorated traditional wooden dhow has been converted into a picturesque beach bar, while the cool surrounds of the massage sala hold the promise of deep relaxation.
The lodge has a range of luxurious thatched accommodation. For families or small groups, the exclusive-use Casa Familia is an ideal option with three ensuite bedrooms, a large deck area and private pool overlooking the beach. Set amidst lush island forest, there are two cosy cabanas, ideal for couples or honeymooners, and the slightly larger 10 casinhas. Cabanas and casinhas all offer private timber decks, rim-flow pools, sun loungers and private salas with irresistible hanging daybeds.
ROMANTIC CASTAWAY PICNIC
Disappear for an afternoon. We’ll ferry you by catamaran to your chosen point to the north or south of the island and leave you there for a blissful time of total seclusion. A table for two under an awning on your very own stretch of beach, complete with a mouth-watering Castaway picnic awaits.
SUNSET DHOW CRUISE
Take a sunset cruise around the bay in a dhow, a traditional wooden sailing vessel with a triangular sail, used by the island’s locals – a unique window on the everyday world of the island’s fishermen. Toast the end of another unforgettable day as you watch the setting sun colour the sea gold.
SCUBA DIVE EXCURSIONS
Calling divers of all abilities. Situated within a protected marine conservation area and surrounded by premier diving sites such as the main dive site at Two Mile Reef, this is a scuba diver’s paradise. A fully equipped dive centre offers a full range of exciting diving adventures to suit every guest.
SWIMMING WITH HORSES
Riders of every level will love this horseback adventure. Put on your swimwear and be prepared to have loads of fun as you ride bareback into the warm ocean. Perfect as a standalone activity, or as an extension to other horseback riding excursions, it is dependent on season, weather and tide.
SNORKLING
Venture out into the vast blue ocean on a boat, and explore exposed coastal reefs just off Benguerra Island at low tide with the aid of snorkelling gear. Witness the technicoloured marine life of the Indian Ocean, flitting through the translucent waters under the searching rays of the African sun.
Snorkelling at Two-Mile Reef will suit every guest, regardless of age and expertise. The boat ride out to the reef can be bumpy as the outgoing and incoming tides converge in the channel between Bazaruto and Benguerra Island. Two-Mile Reef is a flat-topped barrier reef renowned for its brilliant snorkelling. Highlights include a variety of hard and soft corals and many schools of reef and pelagic fish passing through. On the boat trip you may be lucky enough to spot playful dolphins and the elusive, endangered dugong. Under the water you may encounter harmless reef sharks and slumberous turtles that effortlessly glide past with their wise eyes. Embrace the unspoilt beauty of the reef and the kaleidoscopic colours of the tropical fish that move in droves along the exposed coral. Two-Mile Reef is faultless in its beauty, guaranteeing an unforgettable outing, and is ideal for those who want to confidently explore the Indian Ocean’s shallower coral reefs. Your snorkelling excursion goes out at low tide, so is determined by the timing of the sea.
FISHING
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a world-renowned fishing destination. The shallow flats between the islands and the mainland provide an excellent breeding ground for bait fish, which in turn provide sustenance for the numerous species of abundant game fish in the Archipelago. Delight in an assortment of fishing options, either over two hours, a half day or a full day of adventure. These include light tackle fishing in the bay, fly-fishing in the open ocean and targeting the ocean’s kingpin, the sword-wielding marlin. Hop aboard a versatile, multipurpose fishing boat, fully equipped with fishing tackle and safety equipment, at the ready for a fishing excursion unlike any other and accompanied by a professional guide.
The lodge and fishing grounds are ideally located in a National Park where bottom fishing is taboo and the catch-and-release of all species is greatly encouraged. Dedicated sports fishermen and leisure anglers alike can venture into this fishing mecca, excitedly hunting spear-bill marlin, steel grey sailfish and tempting tuna.
Fly-fishing is a wonderful adventure that can be enjoyed by both the experienced and novice fly-fisherman. Quick sinking lines are used over reefs that vary in depths from 10 to 40 metres (33 to 131 feet). This excursion is more productive in the summer months, when the fish are feeding aggressively. Target species like the king and queen mackerel, the ferocious barracuda, the bonito and the crimson snapper.
For those interested in a more relaxed fishing experience, light tackle fishing, using live bait and artificial lures, will easily trap the elusive sailfish. The dedicated fisherman will revel in deep sea fishing for the predatory billfish, which grow to lengths of over 4 metres (13 feet) and sport sword-like bills. Head out to the deep ocean and prepare for an epic fight, often interspersed with long periods of waiting, all made worthwhile by the catch of a lifetime, set against the backdrop of a breathtaking ocean landscape.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Cabanas and Casinhas
A tropical paradise tucked into a lush indigenous forest and looking out onto a picturesque crescent of sandy beach, andBeyond Benguerra Island is the quintessential luxury island retreat. Set among swaying palm trees, ten casinhas and two cabanas offer a light and airy colour scheme that combines tropical chic with a distinct African feel and reminders of the area’s Portuguese heritage. Set under local thatch, both casinhas and cabanas boasts elegant four-poster beds with white linen canopies and comfortable day beds. Large windows with dark wooden shutters gaze out towards the Indian Ocean, while private timber decks and cool plunge pools offer a secluded alternative to beach sands and ocean waters. Bathrooms feature generous tubs big enough for two, while al fresco showers are decorated with hand-painted tiles. Daybeds invite guests to an afternoon siesta, lulled by a chorus of songbirds that makes the forest canopy its home. A shaded gazebo provides the ideal venue for starlit dinners, while the stylish dining room and open lounge, both of which boast wide, sunny decks, are the setting for more social dining.
The lodge’s colourful dhow-inspired bar, sheltered by swaying palm trees, is the perfect setting to relax or enjoy open air meals throughout the day. Set deep in cleverly created patches of shade, comfortable loungers beckon guests to relax around the pool while drinking in the ocean views.
Good to know
AT A GLANCE
- Ten casinhas and two cabanas
- Private plunge pools and a lodge pool
- Beach Shop
- Dive Centre
WHAT SETS US APART
- Barefoot luxury
- Direct beach access
- Dive centre
- Ideal for swimming and snorkelling
- Beautiful beach walks
- Outstanding marine life
- Situated in a national park
- Home to the rare dugong
- Diverse birdlife
- Exceptional game fishing and fly fishing destination
ACTIVITIES - Included
- Scheduled snorkelling trip
- Sunset dhow cruise
- Sea kayaking
- Stand-up paddle boarding
- Island expedition
- Local community tour
- Birdwatching
- Scuba diving
- Swimming with Horses
- Horseback safari
- Castaway picnic
ACTIVITIES -At an additional charge
- Deep sea fishing or saltwater fly fishing (catch-and-release)
- Catamaran cruises
- Scenic helicopter flight
Casa Familia
As the second largest island of the Bazaruto Archipelago, andBeyond Benguerra Island offers exceptional opportunities to explore some of the very best of Mozambique’s magnificent marine life and experience an abundance of island adventures.
Tucked away in the island’s lush indigenous forest and looking out onto a picturesque crescent of sandy beach, andBeyond Benguerra Island offers families the opportunity to reconnect in the Casa Familia, which features a main guest room with a lounge area and two interleading rooms on each side. Families will also love splashing around in the private swimming pool set on a sheltered wooden veranda.
The Casa Familia is situated on the edge of the main lodge and offers private views of the ocean and a long stretch of beach.
WILDCHILD CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME
Children visiting the lodge can take advantage of the funfilled and interactive WILDChild programme that offers various activities such as treasure hunts, building sand castles, baking in the lodge kitchen with the chef, an array of beach games, snorkelling in the lodge pool, hand-line fishing from a dhow or the beach, horse-riding, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
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