Just as South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana are celebrated for their inland reserves, Mozambique is defined by its coastline. Framed by striking beaches, protected mangroves, and coral reefs, the Quirimbas and Bazaruto National Parks prove that, on the other side of the world, life by the sea is equally extraordinary.
Surrounded by former British colonies, this Portuguese-speaking country draws attention for far more than elephants and pangolins. It is not that the Big Five are absent, but Mozambique has never been among the most popular safari destinations. A civil war at the end of the 20th century left many of its parks deeply affected by poaching and with significant infrastructure challenges.
Bazaruto National Park
Located off the mainland coast of Vilanculos, in southern Mozambique, Bazaruto feels like one of the African Indian Ocean’s best-kept secrets. The archipelago is made up of two uninhabited islands and three with permanent communities. Among them, Benguerra Island offers the ideal balance between largely untouched nature and deeply seductive lodges.
Small fishing villages, beaches transformed by the tides, and sand dunes reshaped by the wind define the island’s landscape. Added to this is an underwater world filled with marine treasures—and hidden discreetly within the foliage are some of the country’s most celebrated hotels.
&Beyond Benguerra Island
When it comes to tourism, Benguerra leaves little room for compromise. A quick search is enough to reveal that hotels here are either luxurious—or they simply do not exist. But luxury on the island is not about chandeliers or monogrammed amenities. Instead, it takes the form of villas with private pools hidden within dense greenery and beaches so untouched you can count the footprints on one hand.
&Beyond Benguerra Island captivates guests with natural foliage tunnels, hanging beach beds, and sunsets shared with countless species. While Bazaruto National Park is not traditionally associated with safari experiences, wildlife encounters are remarkably common on the island. One example is the suni, standing at only 40 centimeters tall, one of the smallest antelopes in the world.
Coastal Conservation
Beyond its miniature antelopes, Benguerra is an exceptional destination for wildlife. The archipelago is home to more than 130 recorded bird species. Birdwatchers can easily spot vibrant sunbirds, kingfishers, and bee-eaters throughout the island.
Beneath the surface, the marine life is equally extraordinary. Few places in the African Indian Ocean remain as well preserved as this.
Long threatened by piracy and illegal fishing vessels, the African Indian Ocean is a paradise at risk. Fortunately, Bazaruto stands as an exception. Declared a national park in 2001, the archipelago has become an example of marine conservation and resilience. Here, marlins, whale sharks, sea turtles, and Africa’s only population of dugongs—the smaller relative of the manatee—coexist.
&Beyond Benguerra Island serves as a base for exploring the dunes, diving in some of the region’s most pristine reefs, sailing aboard a traditional dhow, or simply doing nothing at all. In this small corner of paradise, where disconnection and comfort exist in perfect balance, walking barefoot and listening to the ocean becomes the greatest luxury.
How to get there
To reach &Beyond Benguerra Island, guests must take a helicopter transfer from Vilanculos. The flight itself is part of the experience and, weather permitting, lasts approximately 10 minutes.
Vilanculos Airport offers limited connectivity, with regular flights primarily to Maputo and Johannesburg.
When to visit
The Bazaruto Archipelago has a tropical climate and can be visited year-round. Likewise, &Beyond Benguerra Islandoperates throughout the year.
In general, the best season to visit is between April and September, when rainfall, humidity, and heat are lower. For diving, the ideal periods are April to June and September to November.
Where to stay
&Beyond Benguerra Island
andbeyond.com > Benguerra Island
+52 800 283 2821
Text by: Marck Gutt @don.viajes
