Azura Benguerra, Mozambique

Bazaruto Archipelago

This collection of six sandy islands stretches north along the coast from Vilanculos. The largest of these is the elongated Bazaruto, around which the smaller islands cluster.

Forming a national park of the same name, this beautiful archipelago is almost completely unspoilt – naturally isolated from the mainland.

It is the waters that surround these islands that hold much of the archipelago’s riches. Coral reefs lie beneath the surface of the clear Indian Ocean and are home to a myriad of fish species, as well as turtles, rays and anemones. The diving and snorkelling are spectacular here, allowing for a relaxed exploration of this colourful underwater world.

Sandbank, Ibo Island, Quirimbas, Mozambique
Mozambique

Why visit Bazaruto Archipelago

Larger marine life also inhabits these warm waters, including dolphins, humpback whales and endangered dugongs. Although these dugongs are seldom spotted, they call the Bazaruto Archipelago home – forming part of the only remaining population in the region.

On land, diverse landscapes cover the archipelago. Dunes rise above the coralline beaches, forests fill the tropical interiors and wetlands fringe areas of inaccessible coastline. These varied habitats attract a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, flamingos, bushbucks and lizards.

Diving, Azura Benguerra, Mozambique
Mozambique
Dhow at sunset, Benguerra, Mozambique
Mozambique

Highlights of the Bazaruto Archipelago

  • Relax in privacy and seclusion, taking advantage of chic, butler-serviced villas
  • Dive the tranquil waters that lie off Benguerra Island; spot turtles, reef fish and corals
  • Take a helicopter ride above this idyllic archipelago, which sits off Mozambique’s Indian-Ocean coast
  • Cruise down this idyllic archipelago in a traditional dhow, as the sun sets over the sea

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Beach villa, Azura Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Bazaruto Archipelago

Stay in a Private Villa

Relax in privacy and seclusion, taking advantage of chic, butler-serviced villas.

Suggested stay

Dolphins Surfing, Mozambique
Bazaruto Archipelago

Marine Wildlife

Spot some of the larger, mammalian creatures that frequent these warm waters, including dolphins, humpback whales and potentially, dugongs.

Suggested Holiday Idea

AeriAl view of boAt, AzurA BenguerrA IslAnd, BenguerrA IslAnd, MozAmbique
Bazaruto Archipelago

Helicopter Adventure

Take a helicopter ride above this idyllic archipelago, which sits off Mozambique’s Indian-Ocean coast.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Diving, Mozambique
Bazaruto Archipelago

Dive off Coral Reefs

Dive the tranquil waters that lie off Benguerra Island; spot turtles, reef fish and corals.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Dhow at sunset, Benguerra, Mozambique
Bazaruto Archipelago

Sunset Dhow Cruise

Cruise down this idyllic archipelago in a traditional dhow, as the sun sets over the sea.

Suggested lodge

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

&Beyond Benguerra Island Lodge £££££

  • Mozambique
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Benguerra Lodge is on the north-west side of Benguerra Island, just nine miles offshore from mainland Mozambique. Looking out onto the calm waters of an isolated bay, sheltered within a canopy of pine trees, the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean are spectacular. It is a bush and beach retreat with two cabanas and 10 casinhas. The rooms have a distinct Mozambican influence, combined with wide doors and windows, allowing for ocean views and private rim-flow pools set on wooden decks. Set under thatch, all rooms offer four-poster beds with white linen canopies.

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Azura Benguerra Island £££££

  • Mozambique
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Positioned on the western coast of Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, the tropical retreat of Azura is accessed by a 10-minute helicopter flight over the turquoise Indian Ocean. A blend of modern chic and traditional Mozambique, the swish, beautiful villas look out over white sandy beaches and are a haven of relaxation with their own pool, private beach sala and a Mozambican butler-host service.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

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