The 10-minute helicopter ride across the Bazaruto Archipelago to the Azura Retreats lodge on Benguerra Island is worth it in its own right. The destination is the icing on the cake.

This award-winning boutique hotel set on a remote desert island is set within a Marine National Park, giving the chance to see whales, dolphins, and dugongs.

Bazaruto is a remarkably productive seascape that is connected by a chain of five picturesque islands. These extremely fertile terrestrial and marine ecosystems harbor many rare and endemic bird, reptile, and marine species, including over 2,000 fish species and iconic marine mega faunas such as whales, sharks, rays, dolphins, and turtles. The flagship species, however, is the dugong as the park is a stronghold for the last viable population within the Western Indian Ocean.

Azura on Benguerra Island is blessed with hot and sunny weather year-round. Temperatures are generally in the upper 20′s to low 30′s celsius and rarely fall below 20 degrees even at night. The water temperature is gloriously warm and ranges from 24-30 degrees plus. Benguerra Island tends to receive on average a quarter of the rainfall that the mainland does, and there can be several months of the year when there is no rain at all. This makes our landscape very arid and challenges our indigenous gardens and water supply, but usually makes our guests very happy!

Things to do in Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique

Scuba diving & snorkeling

Bazaruto boasts some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, with its pristine coral reefs and rich sea life. Expect to encounter turtles, dolphins (spinner, bottlenose, and humpback), as well as dugongs, and an array of other marine creatures.

Dhow safaris

Visit the Islands of Bazaruto and explore the azure waters on dhow excursions, in traditional East African sailing vessels.

Horse safaris

Enjoy horse riding on the larger islands of the archipelago, exploring the beaches and inland areas.

Game fishing

The Bazaruto Archipelago offers world-class Big Game Fishing. Mid-September to late December is the best time for Marlin fishing and April to August is best for catching sailfish. Smaller game fish, including King Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli, and Queen Mackerel can be caught at any time of the year. Bazaruto is a marine reserve, therefore a “tag and release” fishing policy is the norm.

Island Activities

Hiking tours to the islands, sandboarding on the dunes, and surfing along the warm shores.

Beaching

Swim in the warm Indian Ocean and lie on one of the idyllic beaches.

Best time to visit Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique

The best time to go to Bazaruto is from late May to September when rainfall is at its lowest and temperatures ranging between 22-30°C (71-86° F).

The rainy season is from late October to late March/early April when it’s humid and temperatures soar. January and February are the wettest months with the most cyclones, so try to avoid this period. That said, Bazaruto mostly gets afternoon showers that can offer a refreshing break from the heat.

How to get to Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique

The Bazaruto Islands are easily reached by boat or plane from the mainland of Mozambique, mostly from Vilanculos. The largest island, Bazaruto Island (meaning “island of the mist”), is just under 80 km southeast of the Save River mouth in Mozambique.

Where to stay in Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique

Azura Retreat Lodge

Imagine an unspoiled island within a Marine National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand that extend for miles, sparkling turquoise seas crisscrossed by local dhows plying their trade, sunny days, and star-studded nights. This is the enchanting island escape you always imagined. Azura Benguerra, the first eco-friendly resort in Mozambique, was hand-built by the local community and is operated in partnership with it.

Just 20 villas are nestled along with one of the last undiscovered stretches of beach in the world, with all the creature comforts you could wish for, sparkling private pools, Mozambican butler-hosts to look after your every need, fish and seafood fresh from the ocean, a fantastic range of activities and experiences, an African spa to relax in, all at a community-based project where the local islanders benefit as much as you. Azura Benguerra Island is a paradise found.