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Islands of Benguerra and Bazaruto,
Mozambique
 Along the historical
Moçambician channel, opposite Vilanculos on the
mainland, lie a chain of 5 islands; Bazaruto, Benguerra,
Maraque, Banque and Santa Carolina.
Benguerra is
approx. 11Kms x 5Kms, and the forest, savannah and
wetland eco-systems sustain a diverse population of flora
and fauna on this idyllic island getaway, which was
declared a National Park in 1971
Originally named
"Santa Antonio" by Portuguese explorers, it was
later named "Benguerra" after a local Tribal
Chief.
Bazaruto Island is
37Km long by 7Km wide, with flora and fauna abounding.
Flamingos frequent the tidal flats, and the freshwater
lakes on the island are home to many large crocodiles.
The West of the island is savanna grassland and thicket
whereas the East is composed entirely of enormous sand
dunes that hange colour in the different lights of the
day.
The whole Bazaruto
Archipelago is part of a Conservation project whose
primary objective is to maintain the ecological and
social integrity of the Bazaruto National Park by wise
sustainable use of the resources.
 On
Benguerra Cashew nut trees are indigenous and grow on the
seaward side of the island. The local residents harvest
the nuts and the toxic husk from the nuts is used to brew
very intoxicating liquor!
Wild orange trees
abound as do sisal plants which are used in a
manufactured form by the locals to repair their fishing
nets. Mlala palms are everywhere and the leaves are used
in the weaving of mats, baskets and hats which are good
souvenirs of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The sap from the
palms is used to brew a potent liquor.
 The islands attracts nature
lovers, sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts
alike. Activities include: Deep - Sea Diving, where there
are numerous coral reefs and old wrecks to explore,
Snorkling on the inside of the reef, Saltwater fly
fishing and above all Big Game Fishing.
The Bazaruto
Archipelago offers Big Game Fishing on a world class
level. The best time for Marlin fishing is from mid
September to the end of December. Sailfish fishing is
from April to August and smaller game fish such as King
Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli, Queen Mackerel are available
all year round. "Tag and Release" fishing is
the usual policy.
For birding
enthusiasts, approximately 164 different birds have been
identified and confirmed on the islands in habitats
varying from the coastal dunes, open grasslands and fresh
water lakes. More unusual birds to be seen are the green
coucals, green pigeons, purple banded and black sunbirds,
olive bee-eaters, mannikins, paradise fly-catchers,
bartailed godwits, whimbrels and crab plovers.
 The
Archipelago is a shell collector's haven. At North Point,
Pansy Island and numerous surrounding sandbanks, many of
the famous "Pansy Shells"" can be seen.
There are two types of these shells, one of which is
endemic to Mozambique.
The Islanders'
cuisine relies heavily on freshly caught fish and shell
fish with the exotic Portuguese flavours predominating.
Benguerra Lodge on
the Island of Benguerra
Indigo Bay Lodge on
the Island of Bazaruto
For
details on hotels on either Benguerra or Bazaruto or
packages that
include
these Islands go to
or email us
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