Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Do me ...

Welcome to the second largest Island (11km long - 5km wide) of the Bazaruto Archipelago Islands - Benguerra.

Why not come and escape to a tropical island and experience one of the worlds most beautiful destinations - white sand beaches surrounded by coral reefs that thrive in rich marine life below the warm, turqoise waters that lap almost at your doorstep! Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Well, you can pinch yourself as much as you want because Benguerra and the Bazaruto Archipelago islands are certainly dream holiday destinations for people who want to experience life in the tropics!

Because Benguerra and the other islands used to be joined to the mainland many years ago (seperated by the erosion caused the Limpopo river). They all have quite interesting and unique eco-systems. To the east of the island you will find massive golden sand dunes - which are great to walk up, and to admire the magnificent inland and extensive ocean views from the very top - not to forget to mention - a great Mozambique sunset! From here, if you look West, inland, you will notice some lovely freshwater lakes, that are still home to crocodiles.
Beyond the freshwater lakes and further inland, a combination of indigenous forest, savannah grasslands and wetlands eco-systems naturally blend into each other consisting of a diverse population of flora and fauna. This effectively makes home for a great variety of Birdlife on Benguerra. In fact Bird enthusiasts will be very happy to hear that over 160 bird species inhabit/visit the island.

Now you can get your list of "birds-to-see" and be prepared to "tick" off A few unusual "wanted" birds that can be spotted, such as: Crab plovers, Paradise Fly-Catchers, Mannikinsm Olive Bee-eaters, Bartailed godwits, Green Coucals, Green pigeons, Whimbrels, Narina Trogon, Prple banded and Black Sunbirds.

You will notice that Local residents make good use of the natural vegetation that surrounds them. Great souvenirs like baskets, hats and mats that are made from the leaves of Mlala Palm frons can be bought for very good prices. Liquor is also produced from the sap of the palms. Cashew nuts trees are found growing closer to the coastlines. The locals harvest cashew nuts to sell (MUCH cheaper than in supermarkets - so be sure to buy some) ... and once again liquor is also able to be produced, but this time, from the husk of the cashew nuts!

Sunsets in Benguerra, 14 kms from Mozambique's mainland are always well appreciated. At this time of the day, many Local fisherman silently drift by in their Dhows after a hard days work of dragging their nets in the ocean to catch fish - to ultimately sell and make a living!
Not only are these Dhows, used to catch fish but also for tourists who would like to experience a little tour around the islands reefs and beautiful azure waters. A great oppotunity to witness the very rare Dugong that inhabits these ocean depths. Many years ago, explorers would apparently mistaken the pale dugongs as "mermaids".

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