Benguerra Lodge
Benguerra Lodge Area Information
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LOCATION
Approximately 900 km north of Maputo; 435 km south of Beira and opposite the coastal town of Vilankulo, lies a chain of five islands. Once part of the mainland, this “spit” broke away from “ terra firma” 25 000 years ago to form the Archipelago, comprising the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque and Santa Carolina (previously known as Paradise Island).
Benguerra Island is approximately 55 square kilometers in extent, ensuring guests ample privacy within this idyllic paradise. The Island, declared a National Park in 1971 sustains a diverse population of fauna and flora including forest, savannah and wetland eco-systems.
ACCOMMODATION
Nestled within a bay on the protected north-west side of the island, the Lodge merges naturally into the indigenous milk wood and acacia forests and is flanked by 10 beautifully furnished Casitas, 2 entry level Cabanas, and the ultra-luxurious two bedroom Villa. The Lodge merges with the indigenous forest of milkwood and acacias. Each chalet has its own sun-deck and plunge pool, and offers its own wonderful sea view and immediate access to the beach.
Sunsets, peace and solitude are a reality at Benguerra allowing the visitor to choose what to do – or not to do. However, guests can relax on unspoilt, uncrowded, pristine beaches while for more active moments there is excellent bird watching, superb diving and snorkelling as well as excellent fishing. Nor should one miss the dhow cruise to view the flamingos.
The main lodge building consists of an expansive separate lounge/dining room with a bar area, leading out onto a large patio. In the Restaurant, freshly caught fish, calamari and crab are served, tantalizingly prepared together with exotic Portuguese dishes. Meals are relaxed affairs served in different settings and always with unsurpassed personal attention.
POWER
Generator lighting AC 220 volts, solar power is used to heat water. Videos can be recharged AC 220 volts, 3 pin round plugs.
ACTIVITIES
Deep sea diving, snorkelling, game fishing, fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, dhow cruises, castaway picnics, beachcombing, bird watching, visits to freshwater lakes, mainland excursions to Vilanculos, wind surfing, volley ball and horse riding.
DIVING
To encourage visitors to enjoy pristine reefs where no coral bleaching has taken place, we have a fully equipped dive school with Dive Master certified for PADI and NAUI. There are numerous reefs to explore with stunning arrays of coral, fish species, rays, turtles and, if lucky, dugongs. Two-Mile Reef is well known for superb opportunities to see many species of game and reef fish – and, of course, to view the magnificent untouched corals. All the equipment is available and is included in the cost of the dive. Diving courses may be completed at the Lodge and resort courses are offered.
SNORKELING
Superb, safe snorkelling can be indulged in on the inside of Two-Mile Reef. There, the wide variety of bejeweled fish and extraordinarily shaped corals is breathtaking. Snorkelling is also offered at “The Aquarium”. The corals and multitudes of colourful fish will remain a highlight of the trip. The reefs are protected, unspoilt and pristine. However, no corals may be removed from the reefs as the entire Archipelago is a designated nature reserve.
FISHING
All of the fishing takes place from the 22ft custom built walk around catamarans. Powered by twin motors and guided by experienced fishing guides, they provide the ideal platform to target the full range of species in the area. The fishing is varied and exciting from sight fishing to teased Sailfish, plugging for Giant Trevally or casting to surface feeding Bonito. The boats are also ideally suited to fly-fishing, and all of the species can be targeted on the fly-rod, the exception being Marlin.
The Sailfish season is from April to July, and as far as exciting fishing goes this is as good as it gets. The adrenalin surge that goes with casting to a sailfish that has been teased right to the boat is indescribable.
The reef fishing picks up in November and remains good right up until the end of July – the key for this fishing is to plan a trip that coincides with the spring tides. There are 6 common species of Trevally that make up a big part of our target species, hard fighting and dogged, they are always great fun to catch. Other target species on the reefs are speedy King and Queen Mackerel, green Jobfish, Springer and the acrobatic Talang Queenfish. Spinning to surface feeding Bonito is also great fun and peaks between December and February. These speedsters are great sport on light tackle and readily take a small spoon.
The Marlin season is from October to February, and if one is willing to invest a bit of time, the chances of catching this King of the Ocean are good. The tackle used is 80lb and 130lb stand-up rigs and a good level of fitness is recommended when taking on this awesome fish.
EXCURSIONS
Dhow cruises:
Sail silently in a traditional Arab dhow along the coastline in search of the island’s flamingos or glide peacefully, late afternoon with sundowners, to witness one of Africa’s marvels – the magnificent sunsets.
Mainland excursions:
A trip to the historic town of Vilankulo can be arranged where you can stroll the old harbour and famous Dona Ana Hotel: browse the local market in search of treasures and tease your palate with a local peri-peri dish.
Picnics:
Arrange your own castaway picnic at a secret rendezvous under the island’s casuarinas.
Birdwatching:
Because of the diverse habitats – coastal dunes, open grasslands, freshwater lakes, savannah and acacia woodlands – over 125 species of birds, including all the sea birds visit Benguerra Island. See if you too can spy the elusive crab plover.
Just plain relaxation:
It is not, of course, necessary to do anything except lie under a beach umbrella, sipping away at an exotic beverage. Without doubt, peace, solitude and serenity are still regarded by us as an integral part of our own island getaway.
GETTING THERE
Scheduled flights depart regularly from Johannesburg International Airport to Vilankulo on the mainland. Clients can also travel by road to Vilankulo.
TRANSFERS
The Lodge will arrange boat transfers from Vilankulo or from the landing strip on the island
AIRSTRIP
Co-ordinates are: 21.51.00S 35.27.00E 1000 metres of useable hard grass. Further details on request
CONSERVATION:
To maintain the ecology and social integrity of the Bazaruto National Park, a long-term “Multiple Resource Use” project for the Archipelago is underway. Benguerra Lodge subscribes to the wise and sustainable use of the resources and contributes financially to the project. A donation of US$10 per person is requested for the multiple resource project.
RATES
Rates at Benguerra Lodge start from US$ 375.00 pp per night including all meals & snacks including private beach dinners and private meals on Casita decks; teas & coffees, daily laundry, and special Honeymoon treats, as well as standard included activities: Sea kayaking, Sunset dhow cruises, Landrover safari picnics with village visits, etc. Fully inclusive rates with local spirits & beers, house wines, soft drinks & bottled water included start at US$ 450.00 pp per night.
CURRENCY
Payment for all reservations are due prior to arrival at the Lodge. All extras incurred on the island are due in full on departure from the Lodge, in US Dollars or SA Rands. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express accepted, but not Diners Club.
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