Welcome to the definitive travel guide to the Bazaruto Archipelago—Mozambique’s most dazzling beach and island destination. This Indian Ocean gem consists of five idyllic islands just off the coast of Vilanculos and Inhassoro, offering luxury accommodation, rare marine life, and unforgettable activities. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family holiday, or an exclusive beach escape, our guide covers everything you need to know: where to stay, what to do, and how to get there. Explore Mozambique’s premier island sanctuary, packed with conservation, culture, and barefoot luxury. From snorkeling coral reefs to dhow sailing at sunset, paradise awaits.
This tropical paradise lies about 30 km off the coast of Vilanculos in Inhambane Province. Part of a protected marine reserve, the archipelago includes five main islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bangue. Two remain untouched by development, while the other three offer luxury lodges and intimate beach retreats.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for its thriving marine biodiversity. This 1,400-square-kilometre marine park is home to humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, whale sharks, and Mozambique’s last remaining population of dugongs. The clear waters are ideal for snorkelling, with over 2,000 species of fish and three sea turtle species—loggerhead, leatherback, and green—inhabiting the coral reefs.
Expect birdwatching spectacles as well, from flamingo flocks in the wetlands to fish eagles soaring overhead. On land, samango monkeys, bushbuck, duiker, porcupines, and crocodiles inhabit the island interiors, making the archipelago a true safari-meets-sea experience.
Whether you’re seeking tranquility or adventure, Bazaruto offers both in a protected, crowd-free environment.
Azura Benguerra Island
A luxury eco-retreat featuring beachfront villas with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and personalized butler-hosted service. The lodge includes a gourmet restaurant, beachfront bar, and wellness spa. Ideal for honeymooners and romantic getaways.
&Beyond Benguerra Island Lodge
This upscale lodge combines luxury with local charm, offering beachfront cabanas and casinhas with spacious decks, plunge pools, and panoramic sea views. Exceptional cuisine and curated experiences highlight Mozambique’s culture and wildlife.
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
Family-friendly resort with two-bedroom ocean-view villas, private pools, and direct beach access. A top choice for family holidays, with kids’ activities, a full-service spa, and on-site dive centre.
Bazaruto Lodge
A relaxed, rustic escape with charming thatched A-frame bungalows on the beachfront. Surrounded by gardens and swaying palms, it’s perfect for travelers seeking peace and simplicity.
For the ultimate Mozambique adventure, combine the pristine beaches of the Bazaruto Archipelago with a thrilling wildlife safari in Gorongosa National Park. This unique bush-and-beach package lets you witness Africa’s greatest conservation success story before unwinding on Benguerra or Bazaruto Island. Explore Gorongosa’s floodplains and forested valleys on guided game drives, track rare species like the wild dog, and learn about vital rewilding projects from expert conservationists. Then, head to the Indian Ocean for world-class snorkeling, barefoot luxury, and fresh seafood by the sea.
Alternatively, pair your island escape with a Big Five safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Begin with game drives and luxury lodge stays in Kruger, then fly to Vilanculos to enjoy white sands, coral reefs, and dhow cruises. This combination is ideal for those seeking top-tier wildlife experiences alongside idyllic island downtime.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Dive sites like Two Mile Reef and Manta Reef are renowned for their biodiversity.
Dune Boarding on Bazaruto Island
Climb towering sand dunes and coast down on a board—an exhilarating experience with breathtaking ocean views.
Island Tours and Cultural Visits
Take guided drives through local villages, meet island chiefs, and learn about daily life.
Horse Riding on the Beach
Gallop across white sands and through tropical forests. Swim with your horse through gentle shore breaks.
Spa and Wellness in Bazaruto Archipelago
Resorts such as Azura, Anantara, and &Beyond offer luxury spa treatments with ocean views.
Deep-Sea and Marlin Fishing
Bazaruto is among the best marlin fishing destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.
Conservation Excursions
Learn about dugong conservation, turtle monitoring, and marine ecosystem preservation on guided eco-tours.
Honeymoon Hideaway (5 Nights)
5-star luxury at Azura Benguerra or &Beyond Benguerra Island, private beach dinners, spa treatments, and reef snorkelling.
Family Island Escape (7 Nights)
Stay at Anantara Bazaruto in a family villa. Horse riding, marine safaris, and all meals and transfers included.
Bush and Beach Combo (10 Nights)
3 nights on safari in Gorongosa or Kruger, followed by 7 nights in Bazaruto. Includes transfers and activities.
Reaching the Bazaruto Archipelago is easy with regular flights to Vilanculos International Airport from Johannesburg, Maputo, Beira, and Nampula. Once in Vilanculos, most lodges arrange onward transfers by speedboat, light aircraft, or helicopter, depending on the island and weather conditions. Transfers are often included in holiday packages booked through Voyage2Africa, ensuring a seamless arrival. The short journey over turquoise waters is an experience in itself, offering breathtaking views of the archipelago from above. For added convenience, private charter flights and VIP services can also be arranged for guests seeking a more personalized and direct travel option.
You can also fly from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) near Nelspruit directly to Vilanculos (VNX), making it incredibly convenient to combine a Kruger safari with a beach holiday in the Bazaruto Archipelago. These scheduled flights eliminate the need to route through Johannesburg, saving time and streamlining your travel. After exploring Big Five territory in Kruger, you’ll be on the shores of Mozambique within hours. It’s one of the most efficient bush-and-beach connections in Southern Africa, ideal for travelers seeking a seamless luxury safari and island experience.
The dry season from May to October offers the most comfortable weather, with sunny days, low humidity, and calm seas—perfect for diving, beach outings, and deep-sea fishing. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities and marine excursions. From November to April, the green season brings lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching, along with fewer tourists. However, it also comes with higher humidity and occasional tropical rains.
Marine visibility is at its peak between April and November, making this window the best for snorkeling and scuba diving on the archipelago’s world-renowned coral reefs.
The Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is co-managed by local authorities and conservation groups, especially African Parks, to ensure long-term ecological sustainability. Tourism here plays a vital role in protecting marine life, including dugongs, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. By booking eco-lodges and responsible operators like Voyage2Africa, your visit directly contributes to conservation efforts, anti-poaching programs, and local employment. These initiatives also support education and healthcare for island communities, helping preserve both culture and nature. Choose a holiday that leaves a positive footprint—supporting wildlife protection while enjoying one of Africa’s most stunning and untouched coastal destinations.
Voyage2Africa is your trusted partner for tailor-made Mozambique holidays. Our team curates seamless itineraries, expert support, and exclusive access to the best lodges.
Contact us to plan your island getaway.