Pestana Bazaruto Lodge

Bazaruto Mozambique Island is the largest of five islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago, which is situated approx. 800 km North of Maputo. Vilankulo, on the mainland is the nearest International Airport, and is approx. 2 ½ hours flying time from Johannesburg – either direct, or via Maputo or Inhambane.

Airlink offer 2 daily direct flights from Joburg to Vilankulo. LAM also offer flights, usually via Maputo. Transfers to the island are by helicopter or by private boat transfer. Transfers are offered by DFX Marine, who also run the fishing and watersport operations.

The name Bazaruto originates from a local word; “Ushurutswa”, which means “island of the mist”; the Portuguese later converted it to Bazaruto. Legend has it that pearls were collected for the Queen of Sheba off the coast of Bazaruto.

The eastern strip of the island is composed of enormous sand dunes. The remainder of the island is thicket, grassland, scrub and wetland. Wildlife species include dolphins, dugongs, humpback whales and marine turtles. The freshwater lakes are home to big crocodiles. Near the north point of the island is an old lighthouse, the Farol do Bazaruto, built by the Portuguese over 100 years ago. This has not been in operation for many years, but the view from the top of the lighthouse is truly spectacular.

The accommodation at the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge is in private 2 & 3 bedroom villas nestling among the forested sand dunes at the north point of Bazaruto Island, just below the lighthouse. Clients with their own boats will find this particularly of interest as they can make their own way to the island and explore at their leisure.

Being within the tropics the Bazaruto Archipelago never gets cold, but on some evenings during the winter months of June and July a light jacket or pullover may be necessary. For the rest of the time, swimming costumes and light tropical wear are all you need.

The summer months of November through to February can be extremely hot. This is also the rainy season, though storms seldom last long.

Minimal clothing is required as dress is casual at all times. A tracksuit or jersey is recommended in case of an occasional cool evening. Raincoats or waterproofs are wise during the rainy months and while boating and fishing.

Sunhats and caps are necessary, as are tennis-type shoes for walking on the reefs.

There are a wide range of activities offered at Bazaruto Lodge:

• Deep-sea Fishing
• Rock & surf Fishing
• Fly-fishing
• Snorkelling (including shore entry snorkeling)
• Excursions
• Boat trips to neighbouring islands
• Boat charter for full or half day
• Landrover Hire and excursions
• Drinks in cool boxes can be arranged with the barman for picnics or boat outings.
• Food baskets for picnics can be arranged with the caterer in advance for longer trips on the island.

The diving at Bazaruto has been compared to that of the Great Barrier Reef and there are approximately 37 km of reef suitable for diving. DFX Marine at the Lodge has a fully equipped diving operation, with resident diving instructor (PADI). Dives undertaken are all between 12m and 30m. All equipment, including dive compressors, tanks and weight belts are available in the water-sports centre.

Best Diving Spots:

• Lighthouse Point (max. depth 15m average 12m)
• Greek Temple (max. depth 16m average 13m)
• 12 Mile Reef (max. depth 25m average 14m)
• Whale Rock (max. depth 12m)
• Two Mile Reef (max. depth 15m)
• Gengarema Point (max. depth 23m)
• Manta Reef
• Rainbow Runner Dive

A number of safe bays enclosed by coral reefs, with warm water three to four metres deep inhabited by a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, magnificent corals, star fish and sea cucumbers wait.

There are some wonderful shore entry snorkelling spots, where even young children can experience the wonders of the ocean in complete safety.

• Venges Bay
• Coral Gardens

A ‘tag and release’ policy is encouraged.

Recommended fishing spots:

• Dom Carlos Sandspit. For Springer, Sandshark, Stumpnose, Bonefish and big Garfish all year round. The Kingfish peak from November to March. Recommended bait is live-bait, plugs squid and sardine. (Available daily from local boats.)
• Lighthouse and Northpoint reefs. For Cuta, Kingfish, Grouper and assorted rock fish. (Be prepared to lose tackle! Please return all reef fish)
• Bays between the reefs. For Bonefish, Pompano, Sandsharks, Kingfish. Recommended bait is spoon, squid and sardine.
• Gengarema Point. For King and Queen Mackerel, Grunter, Bonito, Kingfish. Recommended bait is spoon, plugs and driftbait.

General fishing information

It may be necessary to hire a Landrover to reach the best spots. Boats can be hired for flyfishing. Kingfish, Bonito, Bonefish and Gars are prevalent at evening high tide.

Being on the very edge of the deep Mozambique Channel, Bazaruto is Africa’s most productive area for Marlin (Black, Blue and Striped) and Sailfish as well as warm water game fish such as Giant Kingfish, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Dorado and Bonito. October to March are the prime Marlin months with June to September being best for Sailfish. Many other species of fish are caught all year round.

Boats can be hired with or without rods and tackle. All boats must be in by 16H30 to allow for a daylight search if a problem arises. Full safety equipment and radios are supplied on all boats. No bottom fishing allowed from the boats. Terminal tackle must be brought along or can be bought at the Lodge. (Limited stock available.)

The shores fringing the island are a paradise for plovers, sandpipers and other wading birds. Thousands of Palearctic migrants cram the shallow waters during the summer months and a keen eye and a good pair of binoculars will reveal many rarities among them. Terns, flamingos, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants andeven the occasional Openbilled Stork forage close to the shore at low tide.

Of the migrant bird-hunting falcons, only the Peregrine and European Hobby have so far been recorded, but the rarer Eleanora’s and Sooty Falcons may be expected. A good variety of birds occur in the savannah and grasslands.

Walking trails could lead visitors to interesting areas such as mangrove communities, freshwater lakes and turtle nests.

For those who like a challenge, a walk up to the lighthouse is a must. And with the crossing over sand dunes so high and vast, you feel you are in the middle of a desert, but surrounded on all sides by tropical ocean is an experience never to be forgotten.

The export of shellfish, shells, fish and coral from the islands is strictly illegal.

Therefore, locals are discouraged from removing live shells and coral from the reefs.

Payments for all reservations are due prior to arrival at the Lodge. All extras incurred on the island are due in full on presentation of the account.

The Lodge accepts US Dollars and S.A. Rands, as well as Meticais from Mozambican residents. Visa and MasterCard Credit cards are also welcome.

“Our stay at Pestana Bazaruto was great… everybody enjoyed tremendously….everything was organized and service was 100 percent.

The staff was excellent, also the food and accommodation was of no complaint.
We will surely be back and thanx once again for your part in making this as everybody said…”one of the great flyaways”
Regards
Anton Fourie (travelled 26 – 31 March 2014 – in a group with own aircraft)

“The lodge was really relaxing…I thoroughly enjoyed our stay there!  I will most definitely consult you for future travels!
Thanks very much.”
Karuna (travelled 09 – 12 January 2014)

“We have just returned from an amazing trip to South Africa & Mozambique – this email is to thank you for your help in booking  Pestana Bazaruto in particular – a luxurious lodge, and as there were only 14 guests, we were outnumbered by the staff who were just so helpful !
I only hope we are able to return one day”
Mr & Mrs Flitcroft (travelled 11 – 16 November 2013)

“We had a lovely time at the resort and I can definately recommend it. We left our car at the airport, where it was secure as they had police guys there. Maybe just advice your clients next time that they can leave there cars at the airport, but they must remember to pay for their parking in advance.
There are no machines re paying for parking and nobody tells you anything until you check- in and a policeman comes to you, to see your receipt. Not all of them speak English, so it is a bit of a communication problem. We were then showed an office, where we paid. The guy didn’t have sufficient cash etc. Make sure you have enough Mozambique money!

So if you are going to park overnight, pay for your parking and keep the receipt to show the policeman before you depart and when you arrive.
Greetings!”
Alett (travelled 1 – 4 August 2013)

“It was our 3rd visit in 1 year. Great as always.

Will come again.”
Francois (travelled 16 – 20 June 2010)

“Yes we had a great trip. I was impressed with Pelican Airlines (Federal Air) – the food and professionalism on board was great. Our transfer to the island went very smoothly.  We really enjoyed the hotel. Their food was of a high standard, the room was lovely and right on the beach.
All in all I would highly recommend the whole trip.
Many thanks”
Adrienne (travelled to Bazaruto 29 May – 03 June 2009)

“Our Moz trip was great. The lodge was really nice, the food good, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful, all in all we had a wonderful time. Hope to go again.
Thanks for everything”
Lynn Rosenmann (travelled to Bazaruto 11 – 16 June 2009)

“It was great, thanks.  The food was good, although I’m vegetarian, so not so good for me, but they did try to make an effort.  It’s a very relaxing place, certainly not for people looking to party, which suited us just fine!  Karen, my sister, is there and it sounds like they’re having a great time too.
Thanks”
Tanya    (travelled to Bazaruto: 19 – 24 June 2009)

“Well we’ve been back a week, wish we were still there. We had a lovely break. It’s a really great lodge and it was not even half full so it was quiet. Our bungalow was 10 meters away from the beach. It is definately worth recommending, the only down side is the food. It’s was a buffet and every 3 days it was repeated you do get a bit sick of that. Although we went deep sea fishing and caught 6 King Mackerel which we fed the hotel on. They did a braai that night with prawns etc. We came back relaxed and chilled.
Thanks.”
Carmel Woods (travelled to Bazaruto: April 2009)