Holiday guide to Bazaruto Archipelago

Travel Guide to the Bazaruto Archipelago

At last, the ultimate Bazaruto Archipelago travel guide with the latest information on where to stay, what to do and how to get there! Read our brand-new holiday guide to the scintillating islands off Vilanculos in Mozambique to find out everything you need to know about the top ten places to stay in the Indian Ocean. This in-depth travel guide is all about the tourism highlights and the best accommodation in Mozambique ever imagined. 

Discover the Bazaruto Archipelago at the click of a button with our comprehensive all-in-one holiday guide for your summer break. Read all about Mozambique Travel’s all-inclusive holiday accommodation packages to the best luxury five-star Mozambique beach and island resorts. 

A Rare Marine Sanctuary 

We rate the sensational Bazaruto Archipelago as one of the most rewarding wilderness destinations in Mozambique, if not the world. A small chain of idyllic islands lies out in the turquoise warm waters of the Indian Ocean, close to the shores of Vilanculos. It is here that a rare marine sanctuary protects the ocean wonders that live here in harmony: humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, whale sharks, manta rays and the very shy, rare dugong or sea cow. 

Imagine being part of a 1400 square km ocean park where 5 islands float, two completely wild and uninhabited, the other three transformed into tranquil holiday destinations fit for royalty. A sensory explosion awaits, of enormous flocks of pink flamingos, fish eagles calling, samango monkeys, green coucals, blue-cheeked bee-eaters, bushbuck, red duiker, porcupine and crocodiles – inhabiting the beautiful wetlands, grasslands and huge dunes.  

Mind-blowing snorkelling in the clear azure waters around the isles brings you face to face with more than 2000 types of fish, and three different turtles – the loggerhead, leatherback and green! Meet friendly fisher folk who have lived here for centuries in their rustic simple villages, relying on the ocean bounty. 

Why Everyone Loves the Bazaruto Archipelago

• Get there in a jiffy from Vilanculos by boat, helicopter or small plane
• Appreciate dazzling white beaches, transient sand bars, coconut palm trees, hidden coves and warm deep blue water – plus splendid sunrises and sunsets every day.
• Experience some of the best diving in Africa right here in coral reefs where huge game fish swim in uncrowded dive sites full of tropical fish.
• Explore the best Marlin fishing destination this side of the equator.
• Peer at rare marine animals on extraordinary dive and snorkel outings then cruise back by boat to your luxury lodge for a hot drink and a swim in an infinity swimming pool.

Bazaruto Archipelago Accommodation

View our top ten beach hotels and resorts in the Bazaruto Archipelago here and make your choice of special package deals to suit your holiday needs. We promise excellent honeymoon villas, family suites packed with mod cons and impressive walk-in outside showers, private cabins in the dune forests and epic luxury chalets with open plan lounges and bedrooms looking out over the ocean and white beaches!

• Azura Benguerra: the most elegant beach hotel in Mozambique, uncontested, complete with restaurant and poolside bar, personalised service and jaw-dropping beauty, air-conditioned suites with king-size beds, deluxe toiletries and huge bathtubs and showers.
• AndBeyond Benguerra Lodge: the epitome of lavish décor and service in a breath-taking setting of beach-ocean-dune-forest-grasslands, delivering exceptional quality and hospitality, in superb cabins with gorgeous decks right on a soft sandy beach. 
• Bazaruto Lodge: inspiring thatched A-frame island-style rooms, charmingly decorated in bright tropical linens and locally created furniture, sit cosily on white sands beside the lapping Indian Ocean and blend effortlessly into the beautiful natural environment.
• Vila do Mar: flawless all-inclusive Bazaruto Lodge villa nestling on the white sands, aptly named ‘house of the sea’ – your next secluded ‘home away from home’ with enough accommodation for 6 fortunate people in three delightful double rooms. 
• Anantara Bazarto Resort and Spa: family ocean-view villas with 2 bedrooms and fun-filled private pools make for a fantastic vacation while a Spa seduces you with an extensive range of treatments and relaxation.

What to do in the Bazaruto Archipelago

• Dune boarding on Bazaruto Island’s massive dunes, climbing up and sailing down on a board, as if on snow, but in a hot tropical climate where the sea shimmers blue in the distance.
• Eye-opening island drives on the two larger islands reveal local villages and meeting the chiefs, hikes to the 19th Century lighthouse on Bazaturo and swims in Sailfish Bay – or sit quietly at the wetlands and watch birds while crocs sunbathe nearby.
• Horse riding and riding lessons at the nearby stables and explorations around the islands on horseback to see the dunes and tropical forests, swimming your horses through the clean, warm shore breaks. Kids can learn how to groom, saddle and handle a horse.
• Massages at the spas on both islands at the top island resorts of Anantara Bazaruto, Benguerra Retreats Azura and &Beyond Benguerra Island.  There is something for women, men and couples too. 
• Ocean activity centres offer scuba diving, snorkelling, conservation excursions to learn about dugongs, turtles and whales, ocean cruises at sunset, island hopping safaris to picnic and explore, swim and kayak.

Getting to the Bazaruto Archipelago

Fly to the island of your choice from Vilanculos International Airport. Land on private airstrips or helipads on the two larger islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra. 

Boat rides from Vilanculos harbour are an ideal way to see the archipelago when you arrive in Mozambique for the first time on the holiday package of your choice. 

Find the Bazaruto islands some 30 km offshore from Vilanculos and Inhassoro towns in Inhambane province. 

Air Mozambique (LAM)

Fare: R3100 pp return
Approx Taxes: R5700pp

Johannesburg to Vilanculos via Maputo: TM312

AIRLINK

Fare: R3800 pp return
Approx Taxes: R5700pp

Contact one of our travel consultants to organise your Vilankulos holiday package today. And of course, we can book flights and transfers for you.

Featured Packages

Santorini Mozambique Free Night Holiday Deal 2023

Stay for 5 nights in one of our top-selling Mozambique beach destinations in Vilanculos and only pay for 4 with plenty of extras this 2023. Escape on holiday to Villa Santorini on a free night special holiday deal. Includes airport transfers, all meals and drinks.

5 nights from

$2,485
Per person sharing

Azura Benguerra 7 night package SA Residents

SA Residents deal to Azura Benguerra Lodge. Make the most of this Rand based special to the Bazaruto Archipelago!

7 nights from

$0
Per person sharing

Bahia Mar SADC Family Special

Special treatment for South African families on this inspiring 5-night Mozambique beach holiday to the luxury Bahia Mar Club in Vilanculos. Stay in a spacious family unit on the beach. Kids stay free when you fly in from South Africa to Mozambique on this excellent family rate.

5 nights from

$2,430
Per unit

view our current specials