Marlin Lodge

LOCATION
In a National Marine Park in Mozambique, lies an archipelago of offshore islands known as The Bazaruto Archipelago. There are three main islands known as Margaruque, Benguerra and Bazaruto. On the second largest island of Benguerra lies an exciting getaway destination known as Marlin Lodge. Benguerra Island was originally named “Santa Antonio” by Portuguese explorers and was later named “Benguerra” after a local Tribal chief. The island is approximately 11km in length and 5,5km wide and lies 14km offshore from the mainland and the town of Vilankulo.

ACCOMMODATION
Situated along the beach of Flamingo Bay, Marlin Lodge is constructed from hardwood, and is an elevated structure on stilts with deck platforms, cement-clad brick walls and thatched roofs. Wooden walkways connect the seventeen chalets to the main areas. All Chalets have en-suite bathrooms and are air-conditioned, and have overhead fans. Hot and cold running water is supplied from a well about one kilometer from the lodge. The water is purified through a filter system and is safe to drink.

The main complex of the lodge consists of a restaurant, bar and a fresh-water swimming pool, set in a glade of Coconut and Ilala palms. The restaurant serves a full English breakfast, buffet lunch and a sumptuous dinner. Dinners range from semi-formal in the dining room, to tables laid out on the beach at the end of an avenue of palm fronds and flaming torches.

WILDLIFE
For the Birding enthusiasts, approximately 164 different birds have been identified and confirmed on theisland in habitats varying from the coastal dunes, open grasslands and fresh water lakes to savannah and acacia woodlands. Just to name a few of the more unusual birds to be seen are the Green coucals, Green pigeons, Purple banded and Black sunbirds, Lilac breasted rollers, Olive bee-eaters, Mannikins, Paradise flycatchers, Fish eagles, Flamingoes, Starlings and various waders such as Curlews, Bartailed godwits, Whimbrels and Crab plovers. Other animals to be seen are the plentiful Red-tailed squirrels, Suni and Duiker, which have been re-introduced to the island.

The Dugongs are the most spectacular of the marine mammals. This mythical mermaid, “The original Sirenia” which was supposed to have beckoned woman-hungry sailors onto the rocks to their doom. Dugongs are normally encountered in family groups of about five animals, grazing on marine grass meadows found in sheltered bays. There are five species of dolphins found in the area and they can often be seen frolicking around the sandbanks or lazily swimming past the front of Marlin Lodge. In deeper waters Humpback whales can be seen in the summer months.

The Archipelago is a shell collector’s haven. At our North point, Pansy Island andnumerous 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 two fresh water lakes on the island are ideal for bird watching or just relaxing your time away.

GETTING THERE
Scheduled flights depart regularly from Johannesburg International Airport to Vilankulo on the mainland. Clients can also travel by road to Vilankulo.

TRANSFERS TO THE LODGE
From the airport it is a 10-Minute drive with our own Marlin Lodge Mini bus to the harbor, from there, guests are taken to the lodge by boat. The transfer time by boat ranges from 20 – 25 minutes subject to tides & weather conditions.

ACTIVITIES ON OFFER

MOTORISED WATERSPORTS

Water skiing
Para-sailing
Kneeboarding
Tubing
Watersnaking

NON-MOTORISED WATERSPORTS

Wind surfing
Catamaran Sailing
Ocean Ski paddling

All free of charge.

SCUBA DIVING
Marlin Lodge has a fully equipped Dive Centre. There are numerous reefs to explore including the well-known Two-Mile Reef with stunning arrays of coral, fish species, rays, turtles and, if lucky, dugongs. Diving courses may be completed at the Lodge and resort courses are offered.

FISHING AT MARLIN LODGE
Recommended periods for fishing

The best time for Marlin fishing is from mid September to the end of December.
The recommended time for Sailfish fishing is from April to August.
Smaller game fish can be caught all year round: King Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli, Queen Mackerel and many more.
Rock, fly and surf fishing is excellent all year round.

Fishing Boats:

MACARENA

26 FOOT “Z” butt Cat

MARLIN I AND II

22 FOOT:”Z” Craft invader Cat
Island hopping & excursions: 10 guests

GREAT WHITE

22 foot Ace-Craft (mono)

TAG & BRAG

36 foot Lee Cat

All boat charter rates include: Boat Hire, Skipper, Gilly and fishing tackle. Excludes fuel.

All boats equipped with safety gear, fish finders, GPS and two-way radios. Please note that boats and activities cannot be booked in advance and must be booked at the lodge on a first come first serve basis.

Rod Rental:
A rod, reel and terminal tackle for fly; rock and surf fishing can be rented from the tackle shop. Bait is also available at a nominal charge when in stock.

DAY TRIPS are offered to: Bazaruto Island, Paradise Island (Sta Carolina), Magaruque Island, Vilankulo on the mainland and Pansy Island (north point of Benguerra Island). Various island tours, and sunset cruises are also offered.

Marlin Lodge Activities

marlin map1 Marlin Lodge