AndBeyond Benguerra

Approximately 900 km north of Maputo; 435 km south of Beira and opposite the coastal town of Vilankulo, lies a chain of five islands.

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.

Situated on the second largest island in the sunny Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique, the lodge is set in a protected marine conservation area and offers pristine beaches and unspoiled coral reefs teeming with marine life. Looking out onto a sandy beach and set on a deep lagoon unaffected by the tides, this exclusive beach getaway is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Surrounded by premier diving sites, the lodge is the gateway to an underwater wonderland for divers, with a rich variety of tropical fish species complemented by Africa’s only population of the rare dugong. The deep Mozambique Channel, which runs alongside the island, is renowned for its game fish and Benguerra Island offers some of the world’s best catch-and-release deep sea fishing and fly fishing opportunities.

A tropical paradise tucked into a lush indigenous forest and looking out onto a picturesque crescent of sandy beach, &Beyond Benguerra Island is the quintessential luxury island retreat. Set among swaying palm trees, ten Casinhas and two Cabanas offer a light and airy colour scheme that combines tropical chic with a distinct African feel and reminders of the area’s Portuguese heritage.  Ideal for families or groups, the three-bedroom Casa Familia ensures privacy and exclusivity.

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.

Included:

• Scuba diving
• Scheduled snorkelling trip
• Sunset dhow cruise
• Sea kayaking
• Horse riding
• Birdwatching
• Castaway picnic
• Island expedition
• Local community tour

At an additional charge:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scheduled flights depart regularly from Johannesburg International Airport to Vilankulo on the mainland, with LAM and with Airlink. Clients can also travel by road to Vilankulo.

Helicopter transfers are arranged from Vilankulo to the island to connect with the Airlink or LAM flights.

Co-ordinates are: 21.51.00S 35.27.00E 1000 metres of useable hard grass. Further details on request

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 per night is requested for the multiple resource project.

Teas & coffees, local spirits & beers, house wines, soft drinks & bottled water daily laundry, and special Honeymoon treats, as well as standard included activities: Sea kayaking, Sunset dhow cruises, Landrover safari picnics with village visits, etc.

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 are accepted, but not American Express or Diners Club.