If it's paradise you're after, look
no further. Bazaruto Island forms part of the Bazaruto
Archipelago, a National Marine Park with squeaky
clean white sand and turquoise waters. The name Bazaruto
originates from a local word; “Ushurutswa”,
which means “island of the mist”.
Bazaruto Island is 37Km long by 7Km wide, with flora
and fauna abounding. Flamingos frequent the tidal
flats, and the freshwater lakes on the island are
home to many crocodiles.
The West of the island is savanna grassland and thicket
whereas the East is composed entirely of enormous sand
dunes that change colour in the different lights of the
day. Near the north point of the island is an old lighthouse,
the Farol do Bazaruto, built by the Portuguese over 100
years ago. This has not been in operation for many years,
but the view from the top of the lighthouse is truly
spectacular.
Sailfish Bay, on the exposed Indian Ocean side of
the island, is perhaps the most spectacular beach
you will ever see: kilometres of deserted white sand
that dips into the sea. Waves break on coral reefs
out at sea and white horses dance all the way to
the shore. Further south, opposite Whale Rock Reef,
you will see turtles nesting in season.
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Tucked away, there are little villages with orange and
wild cashew nut trees shading the huts.
How to get there?
Pelican Air has daily direct flights from Johannesburg International
to Vilanculos airport with connecting flights to Bazaruto
Island. LAM (Mozambique Airlines) fly from Johannesburg International to
Vilanculos airport on Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays & Sundays with return flights on Wednesdays
& Fridays. This is followed by a scenic 15-minute flight
with Pelican Air to Bazaruto Island. There are two airstrips
on the Island, near the lodges.
| Accommodation |
| Indigo Bay Island Resort Hotel |
This exquisite island resort enjoys a serene location on Bazaruto Island. Indigo Bay Island Resort is an Indian Ocean hideaway surrounded by aquamarine waters, beautiful sandy beaches, tidal flats, tropical rainforest and freshwater lakes. Discreetly tucked away amongst the palms on the beach, the chalets are constructed almost entirely from natural materials, which blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Understated yet elegant, the emphasis at Indigo Bay is to make the most of this superb location on the golden shores of Bazaruto Island.
There is 29 Beach Chalets built on the beachfront, complete with en-suite bathroom (separate indoor shower and recessed sea-facing oval bath), an outdoor shower, king size extra length beds, dressing room area, verandah, open plan living area, mosquito screens, central air-conditioning with adjustable temperature setting in main room and bathroom, mini bar, satellite TV, electronic safe, international plugs, hairdryer and a tea/coffee station. The Beachfront Honeymoon Chalet is only 20m from the beach and secluded from the rest of the chalets, complete with en-suite bathroom, mosquito screens, mini bar, satellite TV and a tea/coffee station and dressing room area, plus a lounge area and splash pool. The Bay View suites (12) are built on the hill and overlook the beach area, each with two bedrooms, feature an outdoor dining area, sala, outdoor shower, private splash pool, separate air-conditioning in every room, mini bar, satellite TV, mosquito screens and a tea/coffee station, lounge and fully equipped kitchen. They are spacious and modern in design, boasting the best fabrics and décor currently available in resort room design. The Bay View Suites are perfect for a romantic getaway or a family break. The Matemo Suite is similar to the bay view suites with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, lounge, verandah and private plunge pool. The Presidential suite, an innovative new exterior with all the interior luxuries of a 5 star presidential suite. In addition to the normal facilities it also has its own spa bath and swimming pool, 1 King room and 1 twin room, 2 bathrooms both with separate bath and shower, a lounge, guest toilet and bar.
Facilities: Restaurant / Neptune Bar / Conference Facilities / Children’s Leisure Centre / Swimming Pool / Pool Bar / Activities Centre / Fishing & Diving Shop / Boma / Curio Shop / A Fitness Centre / A Wellness (Sanctuary) Spa / Basic Medical Clinic / Flood-lit Tennis court / 9-Hole flood lit Golf course
Activities: Sunset Cruise / Non-motorised water sport / Land Rovers for scenic island drives / Sport Fishing / Diving / Water skiing, Knee boarding / Sunset cruises / Dhow excursions / Whale & Dolphin Watching / Horse riding / Cultural drives / Dune-boarding on the sand dunes / Bird watching
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| Bazaruto Island Lodge |
The Bazaruto Lodge has 26 “A - shaped”, thatched roofed chalets, set amongst lush tropical gardens, with magnificent views.
The honeymoon chalets have sea view. The room is equipped with a king-size bed and bathroom with an outside shower. The superior chalet is also sea viewing with a king or queen-size (or twin beds) bed and an outside shower. The standard chalets have twin beds with an outdoor shower. There are 2 family chalets with interconnecting rooms. The main bedroom has a king-size bed and the second room with twin beds. These rooms share one bathroom. All the rooms are equipped with air conditioner, ceiling fan, and coffee making facilities. The rooms are tastefully decorated in an African theme.
The Flamingo restaurant caters to the enthusiastic appetite of guests with either fresh crab, crayfish, calamari or prawns served daily. The Sunset Bar offering coffee, tea, international drinks, tropical cocktail and light meals.
Facilities: Restaurant / Open-air beach bar / Swimming pool / Games room / DVD & Video room / Local Craftwork Shops / Dive centre / Landrover hire / Conference & Business facilities / Library / Shop / Baby-sitter
Activities: Diving / Water-skiing / Dhow sunset trips / Diving Course / Game fishing / Sail boat excursions |
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What to see
For birding enthusiasts, approximately 164 different birds
have been identified and confirmed on the Bazaruto islands
in habitats varying from the coastal dunes, open grasslands
and fresh water lakes. More unusual birds to be seen are
the green coucals, green pigeons, purple banded and black
sunbirds, olive bee-eaters, mannikins, paradise fly-catchers,
bartailed godwits, whimbrels and crab plovers.
The Archipelago is a shell collector's haven. At North
Point, Pansy Island and numerous surrounding sandbanks,
many of the famous "Pansy Shells"" can be
seen. There are two types of these shells, one of which
is endemic to Mozambique.
What to do
Diving
It is hard to beat the diving and snorkelling in Bazaruto
as the coral is pristine and fish life superb. You will
find three species of turtle including the loggerhead that
nests on the islands, spinner and humpback dolphins and
dugong are also seen. Bazaruto Island is one of Africa's
premier scuba diving destinations.
Fishing
The Bazaruto Archipelago has been considered one of East Africa's best premier fishing destinations since the late 50's. More than anything else anglers have found that the archipelago's fisheries are much more than the Giant black marlin which migrate through its waters in the summer months. They have discovered an amazing winter run of sailfish, a great variety of offshore species such as big wahoo, dorado, king mackerel, giant trevally and tuna, to name a few, as well as a great diversity of inshore species on the leeward of the islands, making it an ideal destination for light tackle and fly fisherman.
Dune Boarding
The dunes of Bazaruto Island are of the highest in the archipelago and make for exciting dune boarding. The boards are fairly broad and require very little skill to master. Basically you jump up on your board and whizz down to the bottom!
Horse Riding
There are a number of exciting trails around the island,
of varying length and difficulty.
Island Drives
Island drives in 4x4 vehicle on and around Bazaruto Island.
Interesting things to see include; visits to local villages
and interaction with the chief, excursions to a 19th century
lighthouse, Sailfish Bay on the pristine east shore, and
glorious sunsets on the dunes.
Stargazing
The clear skies above the island are ideal for stargazing.
As there is no interfering artificial light from nearby
cities nor any pollution in the skies to contend with-this is the perfect place to lie back and study the celestial
treasures of Bazaruto Island.
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