Benguerra Lodge

Situated in the Bazaruto Archipelago of islands off the coast of Mozambique on the southeastern border of Southern Africa, Benguerra Island lies along the historical Mozambican channel.

It is approximately 11kms by 5kms, and the forest, savannah and wetland eco-systems sustain a diverse population of fauna and flora on this idyllic island getaway, which was declared a National Park in 1971.

Benguerra Lodge exudes an East-African-cum-Arabic decor in line with the ancient tradition of the Archipelago, once the playground of the Queen of Sheba and the trading route of old Arabia.

While it is an island lodge, care has been taken to maintain the feeling that one is nevertheless embarking upon an African marine safari.

The main lodge building comprising reception offices, lounge, dining room and patio area is flanked by eleven comfortable thatched chalets.

On the large patio, guests can enjoy a cocktail and sit back after the day's events.

Accommodation
Chalets:
The chalets merge within the surrounding indigenous Acacia and Natal Mahogany forest. However, each chalet is no more than 20 meters from the beach and each has a veranda/balcony looking out to sea.

All chalets are double rooms (7 double bedded rooms and 4 twin bed rooms) with en-suite bathroom and shower.

Meals are fresh from the sea, with delicacies such as crayfish, crab and calamari tantalisingly prepared or exotic Portuguese dishes.

Lunches are relaxed affairs served in different settings and always with unsurpassed personal attention.

The Villa
This exclusive, private Villa is ideal for honeymoon couples and family special occasions. Set away from the rest of the complex, guests enjoy total privacy.

A personal chef is available to prepare all meals. However guests may have any meal at the Lodge should they wish to.

The Villa is decorated in East African style and consists of two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, intimate lounge and dining area with hand carved mahogany table.

Outside on the wooden deck is a Jacuzzi/plunge pool for relaxation.

Children
Please be advised that the lodge does not accommodate children under the age of 8 years.

Bookings
It is strongly recommended that you consider booking a tour package which will include your return flights from Johannesburg, island transfers and accommodation.

Please note - due to the cost of flights, visits of less than 6 days are not recommended.

Flight Schedule (subject to change)
The LAM flight times on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays and Sundays are:
JNB / VNX - 10H55 arrive: 13H45 (short stop in Inhambane)
VNX / JNB - 14H15 arrive: 17H10

Federal Air flight times are:
JNB / VNX - 10H20 arrive: 12H40 (direct, except on Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays, when the flight goes via KMIA)
VNX / JNB - 14H00 arrive: 16H30

Please see details of a Fly-In to Benguerra Lodge.

Malaria
Mozambique is a malaria area. It is advisable to take malaria prophylaxis. Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding recommended brands.

Activities:

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There's much to discover on and around the Island. On foot or in open land rovers, the choice of how you explore Benguerra Island is entirely up to you.

The lodge takes great pride in ensuring that guests are made to feel welcome and to participate in whatever they wish. To this extent, each evening, staff circulate amongst guests and establish what their requirements for the following day are.

Sail silently and peacefully in the traditional Dhow with its triangular sail. Glide up to the flamingos or go for a cruise in the late afternoon, take drinks and witness one of Africa’s marvels, the magnificent sunsets.

Cruise the islands in a 35 foot Dean Catamaran, or sail to the reef to dive or snorkel. Take a day to explore new beaches, climb dunes, and collect shells.

There is a fully equipped dive school with a Dive Master. There are numerous reefs to explore with the chance to see a wide range of game fish, reef fish and corals in pristine condition.

Superb, safe snorkelling on the inside of the reef is possible. The huge variety of jewel like fish and extraordinarily shaped corals are breathtakingly beautiful.

Saltwater Fly-Fishing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. There are 2 boats, each with a guide, especially designed to accommodate 2 fly fishermen. Bring your own tackle for one of the most exciting fishing experiences available.

There are 4 by 22-foot Acecat boats available for fishing. They are fully equipped with fighting chairs, outriggers, safety equipment, radios, and 20lbs fishing rods for 4 fishermen. Each boat has an experienced skipper who knows the waters well. Spanish mackerel, natal snoek, bonito, kingfish, tuna and sailfish can be caught. Marlin season is Nov - March. All boats have the necessary equipment on board.

Sunbathe and picnic in seclusion and experience vast expanses of unhabitated Benguerra where there is a choice of different environments.