BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO

Birding on the Bazaruto Archipelago -

Pristine Beaches and Rare Species

Off the coast of Mozambique, one of the earth?s last unspoilt paradises can be found. The pristine Bazaruto Archipelago is a world of wonder, located at merely two hours flight-distance from Johannesburg. 

Named after the main island Bazaruto, the remote archipelago has often been called the forgotten islands. The five Bazaruto islands feature all the qualities necessary to inspire a supremely relaxing holiday feeling.

Intact nature, endless, lonely beaches, healthy coral reefs teeming with life and welcoming people who wear an authentic joyful smile and not a professional one! The Bazaruto Archipelago is a stunning collection of highlights, both above and below the waterline.

Bazaruto has not a single road, merely tracks in the sand that can be navigated by a handful of Land Rovers that the few hotels use to introduce visitors to the island?s great natural beauty.

The adventurous visitor will discover a fascinating landscape that shows many faces. It is an intriguing mixture of a tropical island, with African savannah and traits of the harsh Sahara desert.

Towering white sand dunes, a relict from the long-gone Linmpopo River, line the east coasts of the islands. The dunes create a stark contrast with the islands? west coasts, which sport lush tropical vegetation. The islands appeal especially to those who seek serene tranquillity off the beaten track.

Bazaruto is famous for its abundant fish life. Apart from offering superb diving, of course, a number of deep-sea fishing records have also been scored around the islands ? another activity that the guests may also enjoy. 

Intact coral reefs fringe the scenic beaches and several larger fish are attracted by the rich feeding grounds. Manta rays, sharks and dolphins can be readily observed as well as a multitude of tropical and subtropical smaller fish.

In total, more than 2000 species of fish and more than 100 species of coral have been catalogued on the islands. Stir in four species of whales and the great general diversity of species becomes apparent. 

The Dugongs occupy a special place. Nearly extinct in every other part of the Indian Ocean, the gentle marine creatures belong to the order of the Sirenia and distantly resemble a crudely shaped dolphin.

Bird life is also prolific on the islands with more than a hundred species. Many rare species seek refuge on the remote and pristine islands. Most readily observed, pelicans, flamingos, cormorants and paradise flycatchers flock at the sweet water lakes, a habitat they share with crocodiles and turtles. 

The Bazaruto Archipelago splits into five main islands: Bazaruto, the main island, is the largest, measuring thirty-five by seven kilometres. 

In second place, Benguerra Island measures twelve kilometres by five kilometres. The other islands, Margaruete, Paradise and Pansi Island, the last named after a peculiar seashell, are smaller islets hardly more than a sandbank.

The good news: The Bazaruto Archipelago is far from developing into an overcrowded mass tourism destination. The number of total beds is still very low, the great potential of the islands undiscovered.

The main island, Bazaruto, features no more than 150 beds, the smaller islands even less than that. On the other side of the equation, the few guests have more than 70 kilometres of pristine, white sand beaches to explore. 

Quite possibly, this is also the reason why the Bazaruto Archipelago is favoured by stars and VIPs. The islands make it possible to spend a holiday in complete anonymity, strolling beaches for hours on end without meeting another soul. 

An experience that has become rare around the globe! It is a different world the visitors settle into. Just a few hours suffice and the peace and quiet of this remote destination blow through the soul like the breath of life.

Of course, no traveller needs to sacrifice modern comforts: The islands do not only feature superb beaches but also superb hotels. The showcase hotel is the five star resort Indigo Bay. However, the other resorts are not far behind and certainly meet international standards.

For example, the Benguerra Lodge?s sensational Beach Suites are a special experience. The fine unit?s intriguing construction opens onto the ocean on one side. Is there anything more romantic than to wake up to the unceasing murmur of the ocean, the whispering of the palm trees and a view of the endless blue waters?

Fingers crossed for the future of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Today, it is a natural paradise, a remote destination that remains unscarred from commercial tourism development.

Apart from supreme relaxation, the wonderful islands are the perfect setting for a variety of water sports like waterskiing, sailing, kayaking or windsurfing. 

The vibrant underwater world can also be enjoyed in many other ways. Of course, diving or snorkelling are the most obvious ways to explore what lies hidden beneath the surface. The abundance of big sport fish also makes the islands a fantastic destination for deep-sea fishing.

Those who prefer to keep their two feet firmly on dry ground also enjoy a large variety of activity options. Many adventurous tours and excursions, like crocodile tours, island discovery tours or dune boarding, are available. 

The thrill of an exhilarating ride down one of the 180 metres high sand dunes on a modified snowboard is the reward for having made the effort to climb the same. Of course, there is also the wonderful view to enjoy.

And, of course, the Bazaruto Islands are the perfect destination to combine a birding safari with a spot of sun, sand and sea! Call us and let us know about your ideas and expectations. It will be a pleasure for us to provide advice and tailor an itinerary for you!