The Complete Bazaruto Archipelago Guide: Africa's Most Pristine Marine Park
The Bazaruto Archipelago sits off Mozambique's southern coast — five islands of white sand, coral reef, and seagrass beds protected as a national park since 1971. It's one of the few places left in the Indian Ocean where dugongs still graze in significant numbers, where the reefs haven't been bleached to bone, and where a beach can be genuinely empty for kilometers.
It's also expensive, remote, and logistically demanding. Here's everything you need to plan it properly.
Overview
The archipelago consists of five main islands: Bazaruto (the largest), Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bangue. Most visitors stay on Bazaruto or Benguerra, where the luxury eco-lodges are concentrated. The park is a marine reserve — no commercial fishing, no development outside approved lodges.
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season): Best visibility for snorkeling and diving, calm seas, comfortable temperatures (22-28°C). This is peak season and lodge availability books up months ahead.
November to March (wet season): Warmer, wetter, and less predictable. Sailfish and marlin season peaks November-March for anglers. Off-season rates drop 30-40% but some activities may be weather-dependent.
Getting There
Fly to Vilankulo (VNX) from Johannesburg (2.5 hours via LAM or Airlink) or Maputo (1.5 hours)
Transfer to islands: charter helicopter (15 min, ~$300 one-way) or speedboat (45 min, ~$80-120)
Most luxury lodges include transfers in their packages
There are no public ferries — all access through lodge arrangements
Where to Stay
Bazaruto is not a budget destination. Island lodges run $400-1,500+ per person per night, typically all-inclusive.
Top lodges:
Azura Benguerra: Boutique eco-lodge on Benguerra Island. All-inclusive with diving, snorkeling, and dhow trips.
andBeyond Benguerra Island: Luxury castaway-style chalets on the beach.
Anantara Bazaruto Island: The most accessible luxury option on the main island.
The best value is booking all-inclusive packages that bundle diving, dhow trips, and transfers. Off-season (January-March) rates drop 30-40%.
What to Do
Snorkeling at Two Mile Reef
100+ coral species, reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and the chance to see dugongs in the seagrass beds. Boat trips arranged through lodges, $80-150/person. Best visibility May-October.
Traditional Dhow Sailing
Hand-built wooden boats with lateen sails — unchanged for centuries. Sunset cruises ($40-80), full-day island-hopping with snorkeling stops and fresh seafood. The most authentic way to experience the archipelago.
Benguerra Island Day Trip
Freshwater crocodile lakes, 12 km pristine eastern beach, towering sand dunes. Dhow trip from Bazaruto takes about 45 minutes.
Sand Dune Safari
Guided 4x4 excursions through Bazaruto's inland dunes (up to 100 meters) to the wild western coast. 2-3 hours, $60-90. Views from the summit span the entire archipelago. Sandboarding possible on steeper slopes.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Legendary marlin waters. Half-day charters $400-600 for the boat. Sailfish season November-March. Most lodges practice tag-and-release.
Village Visits
Guided tours ($20-30) of Tsonga and Sena fishing communities. Traditional cooking, local music, community school visits. A respectful window into island life beyond the lodges.
Practical Information
Visa
Most nationalities need a Mozambique e-visa (~$50, evisa.gov.mz). Processing: 5-10 business days. South African passport holders get 30-day visa-free entry. Print your e-visa — internet on the islands is unreliable.
Health
Malaria prophylaxis is essential. Start Malarone or doxycycline before arrival. Use DEET repellent at dusk. Sleep under treated mosquito nets (lodges provide them). Risk is lower May-October but never zero.
Money
Lodge expenses go on your room tab (credit cards accepted at checkout). Bring USD or MZN cash for village visits, tips, and Vilankulo purchases. No ATMs on the islands.
Tip guides $5-10/day and boat crews $3-5/trip.
Marine Safety
Strong currents between islands — never swim in channels without a guide. Stonefish and lionfish on the reef — wear reef shoes when wading. Always snorkel with a buddy.
Budget Estimate
Category
Range
Lodge (all-inclusive/night)
$400-1,500+
Transfers (round trip)
$160-600
Tips (5-day trip)
$100-200
Vilankulo purchases
$50-100
5-night total
$2,200-8,000+
Bazaruto isn't trying to be accessible. It's trying to be preserved. The limited lodges, the marine park restrictions, the remoteness — all of it protects an ecosystem that's increasingly rare on a planet where most reefs are dying and most beaches are developed.
The price of admission is steep. What you get is the Indian Ocean the way it was before we started breaking it.
