From KSh836,170 to KSh1,774,913 pps
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa
Bazaruto Archipelago, MozambiqueActivities travellers enjoyed
Bird watching | Cooking lessons | Fishing | Kayaking | Stand-up paddle boarding | Water-skiing
HomeDestinationsBazaruto Archipelago
Bazaruto Archipelago
Bazaruto is the island finish after a South African safari: sandbanks, a reef, and a dhow rather than another game drive.
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Bazaruto Island Holidays: Planning Your Perfect Island Escape
White-sand beaches, coral reefs & glorious accommodation, a Bazaruto Island holiday is a classic Indian Ocean getaway: partner with us & we'll make it happen.
Where Pristine Beaches Meet Vibrant Marine Life
Mozambique stretches some 2 500km along the east coast of Africa; scattered off its southern shores is the Bazaruto Archipelago, a glittering cluster of five tropical islands. Benguerra and Bazaruto are the two largest islands in the archipelago. Both are fringed by golden beaches and an impossibly blue sea, and each offers luxurious, stress-busting accommodation where you can easily spend a week winding down to the slow rhythm of island life: swim, snorkel, eat and sleep – and why not enjoy a massage or spa treatment while you’re at it.
From Snorkeling to Sailing
For those with energy to burn however, a Bazaruto Island holiday offers fantastic activities. In the 1970s, the Bazaruto National Park was created to protect the local marine life and today Two Mile Reef has become world renowned for its scuba-diving and snorkelling while giant trevally, sailfish and marlin are regularly reeled in on deep-sea fishing excursions.
Reaching the Islands
A few days of sea and sun in the Bazaruto Archipelago is the perfect way to round off a South African safari and to make it even easier we’ve put together a number of great tours, combining big game viewing with pure, tropical relaxation. And getting to Bazaruto is simpler than you think. It’s just a two-hour flight from Johannesburg to Vilanculos, the springboard town for the islands. You can also fly directly from the Kruger National Park to Vilanculos in little over an hour – enjoy a game drive in the morning and toast the ocean sunset that evening.
Ready to experience the magic of Bazaruto?
To organise a perfect Bazaruto holiday, simply chat to someone who's been there: our Africa Safari Experts can give you personal recommendations and put together a holiday to suit your style and budget.
What travellers most enjoyed about Bazaruto Archipelago
Beaches
Diving and snorkelling
Food and wine
Scenery
Sunset cruises and boating
3 Best Places to Visit in the Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a remote cluster of islands located in picturesque southern Mozambique, and is considered to be the ‘Galapagos' of the Indian Ocean. But how do you get to the Bazaruto islands? They are easily reached by boat, plane or private helicopter from the mainland of Mozambique, in Vilanculos – where you could spend a night or two in this sleepy seaside town.
For most visitors where to go in Bazaruto is the sandy shores of Bazaruto or Benguerra Island: both are known for their beautiful beaches, warm sea, coral reefs and handful of luxury lodges. It's hard to beat the diving and snorkelling because the coral is pristine, and it's a haven for loggerhead turtles, dolphins (spinner and humpback) and the endangered dugong.
1. Vilanculos: Mozambique Mainland
This large coastal town on Mozambique’s mainland is becoming increasingly popular with travellers, not only because it’s the main gateway to the magnificent beaches of Bazaruto Archipelago, but also because there is a lively night life and excellent lodges and hotels which offer good value. There are some excellent restaurants in town, ranging from cheerful Bohemian-style cafés to superb eating houses with finely carved furniture and a rich Moorish feel, offering great seafood at very reasonable prices. It's the ideal starting point for an unforgettable Bazaruto vacation.
2. Bazaruto Island: A Magical Indian Ocean Adventure
Bazaruto in Mozambique is the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, with towering dunes and large inland lakes frequented by many water birds. But the island’s best feature is its soft sandy beaches, fringed by thick forests of casuarinas, coconut palms and cashew trees and gently sloping down towards the tropical ocean. There are various reefs along the coast, where you can see clouds of colourful fish, and have a good chance of swimming with turtles or even dolphins. If you’re after something even more remote; take a boat trip to the nearby Paradise Island (Santa Carolina) for a day of sun, snorkelling and a picnic on a deserted beach.
3. Benguerra Island: Where Time Stands Still
Benguerra, the second largest in the string of Bazaruto Islands, is less than a kilometre south of Bazaruto Island. Like its neighbour, it also has high dunes, inland lakes and long wide stretches of sand – perfect for a Mozambique vacation spent on the beaches of Bazaruto Archipelago. There are no big resorts on the island, instead there are luxurious lodges and Mozambique villas which open onto the soft sand and turquoise sea.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Bazaruto Archipelago?
The best time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago is during the dry season, which runs from May to November. These are the cooler, winter months on these six islands off the southern coast of Mozambique.
With year-round warm temperatures and a tropical climate, these islands are quite hot during December and January, which may make travelling unpleasant. From February to March is hurricane season, so if you do visit during this time, be prepared for occasional downpours of rain.
Month by Month Guide for Travelling to the Bazaruto Archipelago:
Travelling to the Bazaruto Archipelago from January to March
A hot, wet rainy season is happening in January and the ocean waters are comfortably warm during the first month of the year. These conditions usually run until March but despite these ideal, tropical temperatures, this is not a busy time of year if you're planning to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago. Prices on accommodation will be low as this is a quieter season, and visitors can enjoy the warm waters and relax in one of the many hotel bars or spas when it does rain.
The sandy, Indian Ocean islands that make up the Bazaruto Archipelago are quieter during the off season, which includes February. Despite being a summer month, February is very rainy and may not be the best time to visit Bazaruto National Park. The climate is the same as January, with similar conditions carrying through to March. There is a chance of cyclones at this time of year.
Visiting Bazaruto Island from April to August
April is the start of the dry season in the archipelago and is where to go in Mozambique for a luxury holiday. The summer rainfall has ended by this time and the days are filled with sunshine and tranquil, light winds. The waters are calm, making diving and snorkelling conditions ideal. The rainy season turns the landscape lush and green, making this island the perfect holiday getaway. May is widely regarded as the best time to go to the Bazaruto Archipelago with perfect daily temperatures, light breezes and clear blue skies.
June is usually the peak season for Mozambique but because of the handful of luxury resorts in the Bazaruto Archipelago, it is less affected by crowds. June also marks the start of the humpback whale season.
July is a great time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago. The entire area has superb weather throughout the month. This ideal climate is ideal for numerous beach activities, including snorkelling, sunbathing and boat tours.
August is considered a shoulder month for tourism on the islands. Lodging and other accommodation are reasonably priced at this time. However, it does tend to be a bit windier in August.
Visiting the Bazaruto Archipelago from September to December
September is the best time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago for the marlin fishing season, which runs from September until January. This area is renowned for being one of the best big game fishing destinations in the world. It is a busy time during the spring months on these islands – the days are a little longer than in September, with at least two more hours of sunshine in the day.
Prices do rise in October as it's one of the best times to visit Bazaruto Island. November may be classified as the last month of spring, but this is a very warm and humid month on the islands. There is plenty of sunshine in November with some scattered thunderstorms.
December is when the hot rainy season begins. Prices on accommodation may be cheaper for this quieter season, and visitors can enjoy the warm waters and relax at one of the many hotel bars, or revel in spa treatments when it does rain. Early December is also pegged as one of the best times to see whale sharks.
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Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to the Bazaruto Archipelago that’s right for you:
Bazaruto Travel Advice: Making the Most of Your Paradise Holiday
For general information on travelling to Bazaruto, visit our Mozambique travel advice page.
Flights & Getting Around
Vilancuos Airport: located on the mainland coast, Vilanculos Airport is served by flights from Johannesburg and Maputo as well as a super-convenient connection between the Kruger Park‘s airport in Nelspruit which makes for an easy Big 5 safari-beach holiday combination.
From Vilanculos it’s a quick hop to the islands; depending on the lodge you’ve booked, you may transfer by light plane, helicopter or boat.
Top Travel Tips for Bazaruto
Bring the kids: safe swimming beaches, tons of outdoor activities and a wide range of child-friendly accommodation make Bazaruto an ideal destination for a family holiday.
Stop for sundowners: don't just watch the sunset, celebrate it with a drink overlooking the ocean.
Don't forget the sunblock: sun protection is essential – especially in summer! A hat, sunblock and some common sense is all you need to be able to enjoy your day on the beach.
Accommodation: Book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season. Options range from luxury lodges to more rustic eco-lodges.
Activities: Consider planning your activities in advance (we can assist with this!), especially diving and fishing excursions, as permits and availability can be limited. Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving (the reefs are stunning!), dhow sailing trips, fishing, birdwatching, island hopping, and exploring the dunes.
Connectivity: Be aware that internet and phone connectivity can be limited or unreliable on some of the islands. Check with your accommodation about their Wi-Fi availability.
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Ready to plan your Island Holiday?
Let our African Safari Experts craft your perfect itinerary, featuring the best of Mozambique islands to end off a once in a lifetime safari experience.
Best Bazaruto Tours & Holidays
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an exotic family holiday or an active beach escape, our range of Bazaruto tours is sure to leave you tanned, relaxed and wishing you never had to leave. From incredible diving and romantic dhow cruises to delicious seafood platters and sunny, safe beaches, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a true island paradise.
We offer exclusive fly-in holidays to Benguerra and Bazaruto Islands where you could easily spend a blissful week relaxing in barefoot luxury on a quiet stretch of sand; we also arrange superb safari and beach combination holidays – imagine a Big 5 safari in the Kruger Park followed by a few days in a thatched chalet or stylish villa set right on the beach.
We’ve selected the best of our Bazaruto tours and holidays but if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, simply ask one of our Africa Safari Experts to tailor-make your Bazaruto holiday – they’ll take care of all flights, accommodation and island transfers.
Recommended Bazaruto Archipelago Tours & Safari Holidays
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Popular tours and safaris in Bazaruto Archipelago
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Best Bazaruto Island Accommodation
The Bazaruto Archipelago is rapidly becoming one of Africa’s top beach destinations for the discerning, eco-conscious traveller but this cluster of islands still remains relatively untouched. Accommodation in Bazaruto is integrally linked to sustainable tourism and conservation practices, ensuring a holiday there offers barefoot luxury with a reduced environmental impact.
A handful of luxury lodges and Mozambique villas are set on Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands, providing long stretches of powdery white beaches, lapped by warm waters ideal for swimming snorkelling, fishing and diving. Perfect for families and honeymooners alike, Bazaruto accommodation offers that something special when it comes to an African beach holiday.
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Bazaruto Archipelago stays
4 stays. The rate is per person sharing.
- Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
From KSh1,130,906 to KSh3,819,893 pps
Azura Benguerra
Bazaruto Archipelago, MozambiqueActivities travellers enjoyed
Cultural visits | Bush dining | Bird watching | Picnics | Helicopter flights | Scenic flights
From KSh1,180,246 to KSh1,321,771 pps
Azura Marlin Beach
Bazaruto Archipelago, MozambiqueActivities travellers enjoyed
Helicopter flights | Kayaking | Snorkelling | Scuba diving | Fishing | Historical tours
From KSh2,269,603 to KSh2,534,477 pps
Benguerra Island Lodge
Bazaruto Archipelago, MozambiqueActivities travellers enjoyed
Bird watching | Picnics | Fishing | Sailing | Kayaking | Scuba diving
Costs
An island lodge is the large line. The dhow and the snorkelling are usually part of the stay, and a scenic flight is not.
Green-season and mid-year rates are kinder than the Christmas weeks.
Sample Mozambique and Kruger-and-beach trips are the guide. International flights and visas are extra.