Bazaruto Archipelago (Things to Do, Lodges & Beach Holidays)
This is Bazaruto Archipelago (Things to Do, Lodges & Beach Holidays). Our selection of Bazaruto excursions caters to romantic retreats, exotic family vacations, and invigorating beach escapes, ensuring you depart with a sun-kissed glow, a sense of relaxation, and a desire to extend your stay. The Bazaruto Archipelago offers exceptional diving, enchanting dhow cruises, exquisite seafood platters, and sunny, secure beaches, epitomising an island paradise.
We provide exclusive fly-in vacations to Benguerra and Bazaruto Islands, where you can effortlessly enjoy a week of serene luxury on a tranquil beach; we also organise exceptional safari and beach combination holidays—envision a Big 5 safari in Kruger Park, succeeded by several days in a thatched chalet or elegant villa directly on the shore.
We have curated the finest Bazaruto Archipelago tours and holidays; but, if you do not find precisely what you seek, please see one of our Africa Safari Experts to customise your Bazaruto holiday—they will manage all flights, accommodations, and island transfers.
What travellers most enjoyed about Bazaruto Archipelago: Beaches, Diving and snorkelling, Food and wine, Scenery, and Sunset cruises and boating
Bazaruto Island Holiday
Mozambique extends around 2,500 kilometres along the eastern coast of Africa; off its southern coastline is the Bazaruto Archipelago, a dazzling assemblage of five tropical islands. Benguerra and Bazaruto are the two most substantial islands in the archipelago. Both are bordered by golden beaches and an exceptionally blue sea, providing opulent, stress-relieving accommodations where one can effortlessly spend a week unwinding to the leisurely pace of island life: swim, snorkel, dine, and rest – and why not indulge in a massage or spa treatment as well.
For individuals with excess energy, a holiday on Bazaruto Island presents exceptional activities. Established in the 1970s, Bazaruto National Park was designed to safeguard the indigenous marine fauna, and presently, Two Mile Reef is internationally acclaimed for scuba diving and snorkelling, while deep-sea fishing expeditions frequently yield huge trevally, sailfish, and marlin.
A brief period of maritime and solar enjoyment in the Bazaruto Archipelago constitutes an ideal conclusion to a South African safari. To facilitate this experience, we have curated several exceptional trips that integrate big game observation with idyllic tropical repose. Reaching Bazaruto is more straightforward than one might assume. The flight duration from Johannesburg to Vilanculos is about two hours, serving as the gateway to the islands. Direct flights are available from Kruger National Park to Vilanculos, taking just over an hour—experience a morning game drive and celebrate the ocean sunset that evening.
Where to go in Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a secluded group of islands situated in scenic southern Mozambique, sometimes referred to as the ‘Galapagos’ of the Indian Ocean. What is the method of reaching the Bazaruto Islands? Access is readily available via boat, plane, or private helicopter from the mainland of Mozambique, specifically from Vilanculos, where one may consider spending a night or two in this tranquil coastal town.
For the majority of visitors, the destinations in Bazaruto are the sandy beaches of Bazaruto and Benguerra Island, both renowned for their exquisite shoreline, temperate waters, coral reefs, and select luxury accommodations. The diving and snorkelling are unparalleled due to the pristine coral, serving as a sanctuary for loggerhead turtles, spinner and humpback dolphins, and the endangered dugong.
1. Vilanculos: Mozambique Mainland
This expansive coastal town on Mozambique’s mainland is gaining popularity among tourists, primarily as the principal access point to the stunning beaches of the Bazaruto Archipelago, as well as for its vibrant nightlife and high-quality lodgings that provide exceptional value. The town boasts exceptional eateries, from vibrant Bohemian cafés to exquisite dining establishments featuring intricately carved furnishings and a luxurious Moorish ambiance, serving outstanding seafood at competitive pricing. This is the perfect foundation for a memorable Bazaruto holiday.
2. Bazaruto Island: A Magical Indian Ocean Adventure
Bazaruto, located in Mozambique, is the largest island within the Bazaruto Archipelago, characterised by towering dunes and expansive inland lakes that attract numerous waterfowl. The island’s most notable attribute is its soft sandy beaches, bordered by dense forests of casuarinas, coconut palms, and cashew trees, gently descending towards the tropical ocean. Numerous reefs along the coast, offering opportunities to observe vibrant schools of fish and the possibility of swimming with turtles or dolphins. For a more secluded experience, embark on a boat excursion to the adjacent Paradise Island (Santa Carolina) for a day of sunbathing, snorkelling, and a picnic on an uninhabited beach.
3. Benguerra Island: Where Time Stands Still
Benguerra, the second largest of the Bazaruto Islands, is situated less than one kilometre south of Bazaruto Island. Similar to its neighbour, it features elevated dunes, inland lakes, and extensive sandy expanses—ideal for a vacation in Mozambique on the beaches of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The island lacks large resorts; instead, it features opulent lodges and Mozambique villas that provide direct access to the fine sand and azure water.
When to go to Bazaruto Archipelago
When is the Worst/Best Time to Visit the Bazaruto Archipelago?
The optimal period to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago is the dry season, spanning from May to November. These are the cooler winter months in the six islands located off the southern coast of Mozambique.
The islands experience consistently warm temperatures and a tropical climate, resulting in elevated heat levels during December and January, potentially rendering travel uncomfortable. The period from February to March constitutes hurricane season; therefore, if you travel during this interval, be prepared for sporadic rain showers.
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 waves are comfortably warm during the first month of the year. These circumstances normally continue into March yet despite these wonderful, tropical temps, this is not a busy time of year if you’re intending to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago. Accommodation prices will be reduced during this tranquil season, allowing visitors to relish the warm waters and unwind in various hotel bars or spas during rainfall.
The sandy islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in the Indian Ocean experience reduced activity throughout the off-season, including February. Although February is a summer month, it experiences significant rainfall and may not be the optimal time to visit Bazaruto National Park. The climate remains consistent with January, with analogous conditions persisting until March. There exists a possibility of cyclones during this season.
Visiting Bazaruto Island from April to August:
April marks the commencement of the dry season in the archipelago and is the ideal destination in Mozambique for a luxury vacation. The summer precipitation has concluded, and the days are characterised by brightness and gentle, serene breezes. The seas are tranquil, rendering diving and snorkelling conditions optimal. The rainy season transforms the scenery into a verdant paradise, rendering this island an ideal holiday retreat. May is considered the optimal period to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago, characterised by ideal everyday temperatures, gentle breezes, and brilliant azure skies.
June typically represents the peak season for Mozambique; but, due to the limited number of luxury resorts in the Bazaruto Archipelago, it experiences reduced crowding. June signifies the commencement of the humpback whale season.
July is an opportune period to explore the Bazaruto Archipelago. The region experiences excellent weather consistently throughout the month. This optimal atmosphere is conducive to various beach activities, including snorkelling, sunbathing, and boat excursions.
August is regarded as a transitional month for tourism on the islands. Accommodation and other lodging options are affordably priced at now. Nonetheless, it tends to be somewhat windier in August.
Visiting the Bazaruto Archipelago from September to December:
September is the best time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago during the marlin fishing season, which runs from September until January. This location is recognised for being one of the top big game fishing spots in the world. The spring months on these islands are bustling, characterised by longer days than in September, with a minimum of two additional hours of sunlight daily.
Prices increase in October, as it is an best season to visit Bazaruto Island. November is categorised as the final month of spring; yet, it is characterised by warmth and humidity on the islands. November experiences abundant sunshine accompanied by occasional thunderstorms.
December marks the commencement of the hot rainy season. Accommodation prices may be lower during this tranquil season, allowing tourists to relish the warm waters, unwind at various hotel bars, or indulge in spa treatments during rainfall. Early December is regarded as one of the optimal periods to observe whale sharks.
Bazaruto Archipelago Travel Tips
For general information on travelling to Bazaruto, read our Mozambique travel advice page.
Flights & Getting Around
Vilanculos Airport: situated on the mainland coast, Vilanculos Airport is accessible via flights from Johannesburg and Maputo, in addition to a highly handy link from Nelspruit’s airport near Kruger Park, facilitating an effortless combination of Big 5 safari and beach holiday.
Travelling from Vilanculos to the islands is a brief journey; depending on your chosen accommodation, you may be transported via light aircraft, helicopter, or boat.
Top Travel Tips for Bazaruto
- Bring the children: secure swimming beaches, numerous outdoor activities, and a diverse selection of family-friendly accommodations render Bazaruto an optimal destination for a family vacation.
- Pause for sundowners: rather than merely observing the sunset, commemorate it with a beverage while gazing at the water.
- Remember to apply sunblock: sun protection is crucial, particularly during summer. A hat, sunscreen, and basic prudence are all you require to enjoy your day at the beach.