Benguerra Lodge - Benguerra Island

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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

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 13 thatched chalets built on stilts The Chalets have wooden floors reed walls and thatched roofs Each chalet consists of a double room en-suite bathroom with a shower and a veranda balcony Six chalets contain double beds and the rest are twin bedded The Lodge merges with the indigenous forest of milkwood and acacias Each chalet 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

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 and volley ball

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 Fishing at the Lodge is excellent Game fish such as king- queen- and spanish mackerel kawakawa kingfish queenfish and sailfish can be caught all year round Marlin season is from November March The boats Ace-cats with experienced skipper and ghillie aboard are fully equipped with 20lb rods and reels for 4 anglers Two special saltwater flyfishing boats with experienced guides are available Numerous species can be caught on fly

Big game fishing The Lodge maintains four 22-foot Ace-cat boats ready to do battle with the monsters of the deep - such as Marlin and Sailfish They are fully equipped with fighting chairs outriggers safety equipment radios and 20 lb fishing rods for four fishermen Each boat is hosted by an experienced skipper and ghillie who know the waters intimately King- queen- and spanish mackerel kawakawa kingfish queenfish and sailfish can be caught Marlin season is Nov - March A policy of Catch and Release is encouraged and all boats have the necessary equipment on board for tagging

Saltwater fly-fishing The waters around Benguerra boast some of the finest saltwater flyfishing on the continent Fly fishers can pursue all the above game species including the much sought-after bonefish which are also caught deep fishing from time to time Two specialist boats High Flyer and Ahab with experienced guides are available each able to accommodate 2 fly fishermen

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

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