Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
A stunning seascape, diverse marine life and an extraordinary conservation area combine to present an exclusive tourism destination.
photo credit Andrew MacDonald
Experience Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
Set in tranquil, turquoise seas and fringed by powder-white beaches, the Bazaruto Archipelago’s five tropical islands, two of which are uninhabited, make up Mozambique’s oldest marine protected area. Notably, this national park harbours the last known viable population of dugongs within the Western Indian Ocean. Other iconic marine megafauna that inhabit Bazaruto’s waters include whale sharks, whales, manta rays, dolphins, sharks, marlin, sailfish, and nesting sea turtles. A diver’s paradise, Bazaruto’s coral reefs offer some of the most diverse and pristine corals in East Africa, and are accessible at low tide for snorkellers to enjoy.
Photo credit Scott Ramsey
Diving and Snorkelling
Bazaruto boasts some of East Africa’s best diving and snorkelling spots. Swim alongside turtles, sharks, and huge schools of fish at Two Mile Reef, Paradise Island, and Magaruque.
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Photo credit Stuart Slabbert
Sport Fishing
Get ready to catch (and release) some big fish! Sport fishing can be done throughout the park, but always make sure to follow the codes of conduct to ensure sustainability.
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Dhow island hopping
Hop on a traditional, sail-powered dhow to explore Bazaruto the old-fashioned way and connect with the wind and waves. Most lodges organise a day trip to explore the park.
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photo credit Adam Rabinowitz
Liveaboard cruising
Coming into the park with your own yacht or liveaboard? There are two spots you can anchor at: Near the northern tip of Bazaruto or east of Paradise Island.
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photo credit Adam Rabinowitz
Community visits
Connect with the islands’ hospitable Xihoca communities by visiting one of the community centres on Bazaruto or Benguerra. This activity is normally only available to guests staying on the islands.
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photo credit Andrew MacDonald
Helicopter flights
The best way to see Bazaruto’s blues is from the air. Organise a scenic helicopter flight or a transfer to your lodge to appreciate the region’s spectacular range of colours.
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photo credit Andrew MacDonald
Horse riding
Explore deep into the islands’ interiors on horseback to see freshwater lakes, towering dunes, and shaded coastal forests. This activity is normally only available to guests staying on the islands.
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Where We Are
The Bazaruto Archipelago lies ~15 km off the coast of southern Mozambique, near the mainland towns of Vilankulo and Inhassoro.
Getting Here
Daily flights from Maputo and Johannesburg to Vilankulo. By road, take the N1 and turn off at Pambara (Vilankulo) or Vulanjane (Inhassoro).
Best of the Indian Ocean
Bazaruto is a vital marine sanctuary and an important migratory area for marine megafauna.
The Weather
Warm in winter (May to August) with cooler evenings and mornings. Summer (October to March) is hot, humid, and considered cyclone season.
Where to Stay
Visiting Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is one of the best ways to support communities, wildlife conservation and the long-term success of Africa’s wild areas. Choose from the different accommodation options available below and enjoy a spectacular wildlife experience.
Azura Benguerra Island
Idyllic piece of paradise suitable for all ages to relax and rejuvenate, our villas offer prime, private positions on the beach which makes this the perfect beach destination.
Peri Peri Beach Club
If you’re looking for a vibe, you’ve found it. Peri Peri is Mozambique’s hottest Beach Club, inspired by the most famous beach scenes around the world.
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
An exclusive private island retreat, with 44 luxury villas dotting the coastline of Ilha de Bazaruto, Island of the Mist, 30 km off the mainland.
Zenguelemo Eco Lodge
Beach Castaway Camp is an 11-room campsite designed with an island castaway feel, while the Beach Bungalows look out on the natural dunes and vegetation as well as the ocean.
&Beyond Benguerra Island
Luxurious beachfront cabanas, traditional dhow cruises, snorkelling and diving among vibrant coral reefs, and personalised service, all set within Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. &Beyond Benguerra Island blends adventure with blissful relaxation.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Benguerra Island
Kisawa Sanctuary is an award-winning property celebrating the unbreakable bond between people and land. Cradled within 300 hectares of dunes, forest and pristine coastline, Kisawa showcases a rich design culture honouring craft and heritage.
About Bazaruto National Park
Spanning 1,430 km², Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the most important marine sanctuaries along the East African coastline, with a range of terrestrial and marine habitats including coastal dunes, rocky and sandy shores, coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. These habitats provide refuge for over 180 species of bird, 45 species of reptile, 16 terrestrial mammal species, a few hundred marine and coastal mollusc species, hundreds of fish species, and over 60 types of sharks and rays. Bazaruto is the only known place in the western Indian Ocean where all five regionally resident turtle species – leatherback, loggerhead, green, olive ridley and hawksbill – not only occur but also nest.
The Bazaruto Archipelago comprises five islands ranging from the largest, Bazaruto, to the smallest, Bangue, which is merely a smear of sand in the ocean. All are known for their sandy-white beaches and the prolific sea life that lives in the clear blue ocean around the islands. All this makes for an important conservation area and a coveted and exceptional tourism destination.