Good For You

Benguerra is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, which broke away from the mainland thousands of years ago, and now lies 14km offshore. It’s a tiny pocket paradise long famous for its magical beaches, turquoise seas and now Benguerra Lodge.

This area was once the playground of the Queen of Sheba and the trading route of old Arabia. Evidence of this colourful history can be seen in the décor, which is a clever mix of East African and Arabic designs. Your home while at Benguerra Lodge is in one of several cabins that sit amid indigenous milkwood trees just metres from the Indian Ocean. Simple yet elegant, these hideaways also comes with five star service.

Benguerra is also well known for being one of the last refuges of the dugong community. The lodge is actively involved in preserving the natural habitat of the ‘sea cow’ in addition to other conservation projects across the island.

Good For Mozambique

Since Benguerra Lodge opened in 1988, its owners, management and staff have been actively involved in the ecological preservation and conservation of the island’s heritage. A formal body called Khani Kwedho (which translates as ‘our home’) has been established and represents the interest of the Government, local residents and private sector operators on the islands. Benguerra is actively involved in the group.

To date, Khani Kwedho has been responsible for a number of community projects including sponsoring six orphaned children through primary school on the island. Benguerra Lodge has also implemented a number of projects including building a new schoolhouse for the 284 children on the island.

Rooms

Food

Features & Facilities

• Swimming Pool
• Spa
• Lounge & Bar
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkelling
• Fishing
• Dhow Cruises
• Castaway Picnics
• Yacht Day Trips

See Local Info & Activities for more

Local Info & Activities

Some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in the world is available off Benguerra’s shores with the surrounding coral reefs rich in sea life. The archipelago is one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered Dugong. A pale, voluptuous sea mammal fabled to have made bygone mariners believe in mermaids.

Inland, Benguerra Island comprises forest, savannah, freshwater lakes and wetland eco-systems that sustain a diverse population of fauna and flora. Fresh water crocodiles can be found in the three lakes, bearing testimony to the island’s mainland past. The island, which is home to approximately 140 bird species, was declared a National Park in 1971.

There’s much to discover on and around the Island. On foot or in open land rovers, the choice of how you explore Benguerra Island is entirely up to you. Benguerra Lodge takes great pride in their personal service – and whether you are snorkelling on the Archipelago’s magnificent reefs, or casting a fly from a boat – you will have an experienced guide with you.

Diving & Snorkelling

Benguerra is a paradise for both experienced and novice snorkellers and scuba divers. To encourage visitors to enjoy the pristine reefs, a fully equipped dive centre with dive master has been set up. There are numerous dive venues available, including the superb Two-Mile Reef.

The most striking aspects of scuba diving the reefs around the island is the sheer unspoiled beauty combined with the variety and abundance of marine life. Many exotic reef fish abound such as schooling banner fish, moorish idols, butterfly fish, blue striped snappers, barred sweetlips, goldies, trigger fish and hosts of others.

After snorkelling the reef, go to the deserted Pansy Island, a unique breeding ground for the legendary pansy shell.

Saltwater Fly Fishing

Mozambique boasts some of the finest saltwater flyfishing on the continent and the Lodge has experienced, professional guides Andrew, Garth & Glanville, whose knowledge of the archipelago’s waters is unsurpassed. They will explain to newcomers and pundits alike what the expectations of their following day outings will be likely to encompass. Fly rodders can enjoy the luxury of having specialist flyfishing boats which are Lowrence-equipped (fish finders).

Fly fishers can throw a line for an absolute wealth of species. Most commonly encountered are kingfish (including Giant Trevally) king and queen mackerel, kawakawa and springer. Even the much sought-after bonefish is found around the island and is occasionally caught fishing deep.

There is also the possibility of the much sought-after Bonefish, but they are elusive and to date have only been hooked in deeper water. Another recent development is the capture and release of sailfish on fly.

There are currently two flyfishing boats with experienced guides as well as four 22 ft. fully equipped Acecats for anglers in search of marlin and sailfish. Visiting flyfishers are encouraged to bring their own gear and outfits of 8/9 weight are recommended for most species. When targeting the GT (Giant trevally) and sailfish on fly, a 12-weight outfit, competent reel with good drag and plenty of backing (300m) is required.

Deep Sea Fishing

The Lodge maintains three 22 foot Acecat boats ready to join battle with the monsters of the deep sea, including marlin and sailfish. Deep sea fishing boats are fully equipped with fighting chairs, outriggers, safety equipment, radios and 20lb. fishing rods for four fishermen. Each deep sea fishing boat is hosted by an experienced skipper and ghillie who know the waters intimately.

Marlin season is November to March. Each deep sea fishing boat has the equipment on board for tagging and releasing.

Other Activities

Other activities available to guests at Benguerra Lodge include Dhow cruises, castaway picnics, Landrover trips, bird watching, island walks, village visits, sea kayaking, yacht day trips and horse riding.

INSIDER TIP/S

Visas

Visas are required for all passport holders, except South Africans. These are available on arrival in Vilanculos. Cost is US$25 per person.

Medication

Malaria is prevalent in Mozambique and guests are advised to consult their doctor prior to travel. Guests should also bring all necessary medication with them to Nkwichi.

What to bring

There is a 20kg per person limit for baggage on Pelican Air. Guests should pack a high factor sunscreen. Guests are advised to dress appropriately when visiting villages.

Currency

ZAR and US$ are accepted in Mozambique. For US$ - no $1 bills or old bills. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the lodge (no Amex, Diners Club or Traveller’s Cheques).

Taxes

These are payable in Vilanculos in US$ or ZAR: $3.00 Border Tax – on Arrival $8.00 Domestic Air Tax – on Arrival $20.00 International Departure Tax – on Departure

Medical assistance

Benguerra Lodge has comprehensive Medical Rescue Insurance - so should anything happen while you're staying there you can be flown to Johannesburg in under 2 hours. However guests should still carry comprehensive travel insurance, which includes Trip Cancellation cover.

Gratuities/ Tipping

Tipping is by no means compulsory, but if guests do want to tip for good service received at the Lodge the staff are always appreciative. As a guideline 10% of your extras bills is recommended.

General

Voltage: AC 220 V (round 3 pin plugs) Laundry: Complimentary daily service Medical: 1st Aid trained staff. Emergency Evacuation cover. Communications: Phone, fax & email Water: Bottled water is available, although the tap water is safe.

The Weather

Jan - April: This is the 'Green Season' and it usually rains in the afternoon. Temperatures vary depending on the level of the rains but it can be humid.

April - May: There are potential rain storms and the days can be hot. It's an excellent time of year for bird watching.

June - July: Mid-winter. The days are warm and the evenings can be cool. The days are bright and clear.

August: The temperature fluctuates and can be either cool or hot - cold spells do occur.

September: The days are hot, dry and hazy.

October: Very dry with the occasional rain when it can cool down and clear the air. It can be very hot with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in the shade.

November - December: The days are hot and slightly humid. Early rains can carry from the odd shower to afternoon storms.

Sustainability

Benguerra Island is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago – which is in a National Marine Park (Mozambique’s first), managed by the National Directorate of Conservation Areas within the Ministry of Tourism and supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).

There is a community of approximately 1,000 people on Benguerra Island and a portion of every park fee goes into Trust for these islanders. The Lodge works very closely with this Community to protect and preserve this idyllic corner of the world. It is understood that without the goodwill and support of the local Community no management strategy for this area can succeed – hence the establishment of a body representing the interests of the Government, the Community and the private sector.

This body is called Khani Kwedho – meaning “Our Home”, and its purpose is to:

* Involve the local Community in conservation and environmental initiatives.

* Implement projects that will improve the quality of life for the Community

* Increase and improve benefits to the Community through responsible eco-tourism.

* Promote sustainable use of natural resources.

* Promote and understanding of the mutual benefit inherent in a sustainable relationship between the Community, protected areas and the tourists who visit the Island.

* Promote the principle of high value/low volume, and thus low environmental impact, tourism.

Administration of the Bazaruto National Park

The administration of the Bazaruto National Park falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Conservation Areas and the Mozambique Government. Their involvement incorporates the formulation of a developmental plan for the Bazaruto Archipelago. Based on sound conservation principles, the plan strives to safeguard the ecological integrity of the archipelago. The interests of local resident communities, who traditionally depend on the fauna and flora for their livelihood, needed to be represented and integrated into the planned activities surrounding the development of the Park. This representation of local communities fuelled the formation of “Khani Kwedho”, translated from the Xitsonga dialect as "our home".

Origination of Khani Kwedho

In conjunction with the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Government of Mozambique upgraded and strengthened the Bazaruto National Park administration and management institutions. In November 2001, the private sector operators and the local resident community on Benguerra Island agreed that the working arrangement should evolve into a formally constituted body, aptly called Khani Kwedho.

This formal body represents the interests of Government, local resident communities and private sector operators on the Island and ensures the practical delivery of key management plan objectives. These objectives have been identified as: 1. Providing a democratic forum for all parties

2. Providing a communication link between the environmental conservation objectives of the Management Authority and the commercial development objectives of the private sector.

3. Establishing a legally constituted entity mandated to manage funds and resources specifically destined for community development, environmental conservation and protection of Benguerra Island.

The local resident community, the private sector and the Bazaruto National Park Management Authority put forward nominations to represent their interests.

Effects of Khani Kwedho Khani Kwedho, whilst not unique in terms of concept, is nevertheless without precedent in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The successful delivery of the stated objectives of Khani Kwedho will contribute to safeguarding the environmental integrity of this special area for the benefit of generations to come. A major beneficiary of these conservation efforts is the Dugong, which depends heavily on the careful management of the Bazaruto Archipelago’s resources for its continued survival.

Agreements have been reached on issues where traditional practices possibly conflict with the aims of tourism, resulting in the promotion of practices that contribute to increasing the environmental magnetism of the archipelago. Conversely, tourism activities have been tailored to respect local custom and limit negative socio-economic impact.

Community Projects Khani Kwedho collects money for a local trust that distributes it as needed. Guests are asked to bring with them pens, pencils, exercise books and old clothes. So far the trust has built a community hall and a small school and it is planning a clinic.

The Khani Kwedho Children

The lodge is sponsoring 6 orphaned children through primary school on the island – and hope to be able to assist them with high school and possibly even university, when the time comes.

The Garden Project

The lodge is providing land, water, materials and expertise to the community so that they can start growing vegetables – for personal consumption, and to sell to Benguerra Lodge. The first garden was so successful that another one has been started.

The School

The lodge is building a new schoolhouse for the 284 children on the island. At the beginning of the year 50 new desks and uniforms were bought.

Food for Work

Benguerra is a small island, with limited job opportunities – therefore Benguerra Lodge has established a small project whereby they give people basic supplies (cooking oil, rice and sugar) in return for them re-shelling (using old mapalo shells) the road from the Lodge to the Airstrip.

AWARDS

Getting There

Benguerra Lodge is situated on the protected north-west side of Benguerra Island, which is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, off the coast of the Mozambique mainland.

Guests fly to the town of Vilanculos, and then on to the island. There are regular flights with Pelican Air from Johannesburg International Airport & Lanseria International and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit

Chartered flights from neighbouring countries are also available on request. Alternatively, guests can drive to Vilanculos.

A representative from Benguerra meets guests at the airport, assists them through Customs & Immigration, and escorts them onto the Island Transfer. If for any reason the island airstrip is out of commission, the lodge will organise boat transfers to the Lodge.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

All rates are in US Dollars ($) and are per person per night unless otherwise indicated.

Accommodation

• Cabana $570.001
• Casita $675.00
• The Villa $1785.00 per Villa per night

A single supplement of 50% is charged.

Children Children aged 8-17 (children under 8 are not permitted at Benguerra Lodge) are accommodated in their own, separate bungalow, which is situated 20 m behind the Casita's. The bungalows are open and airy (no window's or doors). Adults travelling with children should book the Casita's. There are 4 Casita's, with children's bungalows situated behind them. Each child’s bungalow can accommodate 2 children. Benguerra Lodge are not able to put additional beds into adult's rooms to let children share with adults.

Alternative accommodation available for guests travelling with children is The Villa, which consists of 2 bedrooms. The Villa is charged per unit, the child rate is thus not applicable to children staying there.

• Rates are valid from 1st March 2008 – 31st March 2009 inclusive
• Rates are quoted per person per night in US Dollars ($).
• Rates include accommodation, all meals and drinks (excl. selected spirits and wines), snorkelling, sea kayaking, dhow cruises, Castaway & Landrover picnics, bird watching, Landrover island tours and village visits.
• Rates also include daily laundry service, medical rescue insurance and local taxes.
• RRates exclude flights and island transfers, selected spirits and wines, gift shop purchases, gratuities, $10 National Parks fee, scuba diving fishing, horse riding, spa treatments and yacht trips.

booking & cancellation policy

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Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.