Travel guide to the Bazaruto Archipelago

Travel Guide and how to get to the Bazaruto Archipelago and Bazaruto Island

At last, the ultimate Bazaruto Archipelago travel guide with the latest information on where to stay in Bazaruto, 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 on some of the top ten places to stay in the Indian Ocean. This in-depth Bazaruto travel guide is all about the tourism highlights and the best accommodation in Mozambique ever imagined and how to get to Bazaruto Island. How to get to Bazaruto Island – ask us and we will plan your holiday to Bazaruto Archipelago Mozambique.

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

A Rare Marine Sanctuary Bazaruto Archipelago 

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 in Bazaruto. 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. Bazaruto Vilanculos info and advice here.

Mind-blowing snorkelling in the clear azure waters around the Bazaruto Archipelago 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 to the Bazaruto Archipelago in a jiffy from Vilanculos by boat, helicopter or small plane
• Very good international and domestic air access from Johannesburg, Kruger National Park and Maputo with daily flights
• Appreciate dazzling white Bazaruto 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 Bazaruto Mozambique – 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 on Benguerra Island

Best time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago

As you plan your Mozambique holiday yo may ask – when is the best time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago Mozambique. The dry season, which runs from early May to November are certainly the best months to travel. These months are a lot cooler, generally without rain and the winter months on these six beautifull  islands off Vilanculos and the southern coast of Mozambique.

You could allways travel to Mozambique the wet season and most travelers go to Mozambique for its coastal attractions in the dry season. It is the ideal time for a Mozambique holiday and soaking up the sun and diving in clear waters with your family or partner!

During the summer months it gets real hot. So from November to April it is very hot and humid in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The rainy season is at a peak in the summer, with associated overcast skies. But all the Bazaruto accommodation and lodges on the islands are air conditioned. Most have

The Bazaruto Archipelago is busy because it is such a popular destination. So advance bookings are highly advised to this piece of paradise especially  around Easter, New Year and Christmas and New Years. .

Bazaruto Island Accommodation and Bazaruto Hotels

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 in Bazaruto! See our Bazaruto Vilanculos deals and packages.

• Azura Benguerra: the most elegant beach hotel in Mozambique, uncontested, complete with restaurant and poolside bar, personalized 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, chill on white sands beside the lapping Indian Ocean and blend effortlessly into the beautiful natural environment.
• Anantara Bazaruto 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.

Bazaruto Island

Bazaruto (Portuguese pronunciation: [bazaˈɾutu]) is a barrier island in the Bazaruto Archipelago of southern Mozambique. The largest island of the archipelago, Bazaruto sits near the eastern rim of the African continental shelf, sheltering the mainland coast on the other side of Bazaruto Bay. Formed during the Pleistocene, Bazaruto’s sand dunes along its eastern shore are among the tallest in the world, reaching heights up to 90 m (300 ft). Besides the dune system, the island is dotted with grasslands, salt marshes, mangrove swamps, and patches of freshwater wetland. It harbors a variety of wildlife, including blue monkeys, harnessed bushbuck, and red forest duiker. The waters around the island are a vital refuge for dugongs and sea turtles.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a remote cluster of islands located in picturesque southern Mozambique, and is considered to be the ‘Galapagos’ of the Indian Ocean. But how do you get to the Bazaruto islands? They are easily reached by boat, plane or private helicopter from the mainland of Mozambique, in Vilanculos – where you could spend a night or two in this sleepy seaside town.

For most visitors where to go in Bazaruto are the sandy shores of Bazaruto or Benguerra Island: both are known for their beautiful beaches, warm sea, coral reefs and handful of luxury lodges. It’s hard to beat the diving and snorkelling because the coral is pristine, and it’s a haven for loggerhead turtles, dolphins (spinner and humpback) and the endangered dugong.

As the largest of the six captivating islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Bazaruto Island is managed with the utmost dedication by African Parks, a renowned conservation organization. The island and its surrounding marine treasures are carefully preserved to ensure a harmonious balance between human exploration and preserving precious ecosystems. African Parks are working with communities, government and tour operators to help secure a sustainable future for people and wildlife.

Located off the southern Mozambican coastline, Bazaruto Island is a picturesque haven that captivates the senses and rejuvenates the spirit. The vibrant coastal town of Vilanculos, a lively gateway to this paradisiacal destination, perfectly complements its serene ambience.

Discover the delightful fusion of local traditions and international influences on Bazaruto Island, and join us in exploring this remarkable oasis where every moment is a testament to the wonders of nature and the joys of discovery.

Benguerra Island Bazaruto and Vilanculos

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.

How to get to Bazaruto Island

Fly to the island of your choice in Bazaruto from Vilanculos International Airport. Land on private airstrips or helipads on the two larger islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra. Vilancuos Airport is located on the mainland coast, Vilanculos Airport is served by flights from Johannesburg and Maputo as well as a super-convenient connection between the Kruger Park‘s airport in Nelspruit which makes for an easy Big 5 safari and Mozambique beach holiday combination.

From Vilanculos it’s a quick hop to the islands; depending on the lodge you’ve booked, you may transfer by helicopter or boat. The helicopter transfer flight to Benguerra Island will be an amazing start to your holiday and put the Bazaruto Archipelago into perspective. Sand bars, dugongs, rays and dolphins – you will have a good chance to see them all on your transfer to Bazaruto.

Boat rides from Vilanculos harbor are an ideal way to see the Bazaruto 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. Bazaruto Mozambique flight schedules here.

Air Mozambique (LAM)

Fare: R8100 pp return
Approx Taxes: R4700pp

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 to Bazaruto.

Featured Packages

Partner stays free at Azura Luxury for Less package 2025

Stay 7 nights or more and your partner stays for FREE with this incredible holiday package to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Selling out fast so don't delay for this Azura Benguerra deal of the year!

7 nights from

$8,330
Per couple

&Beyond Benguerra Island Long Stay Special Deal 2025

&Beyond Benguerra Island Lodge on a discounted 6-night rate to the dazzling Bazaruto Archipelago. Includes helicopter flights and transfers, all meals and opulent accommodation.

6 nights from

$6,400
Per person sharing

Bazaruto Lodge Special Five Night Deal

ExceptionaL FIVE STAR package to Bazaruto Island Lodge which includes flights from Johannesburg and boat transfers. A great Bazaruto special for you to enjoy in style.

5 nights from

$4,530
Per person sharing

view all packages