Bazaruto Archipelago

The Mozambique coast stretches for 2 500km along Africa’s eastern side. Five tropical islands make up the Bazaruto Archipelago. Two of these are the popular Benguerra and Bazaruto with their golden beaches. It is here where most tourists go to enjoy laid back island life. Water sports such as snorkeling, swimming, para-sailing and scuba-diving are popular. Let the local fisherman catch a barracuda and prepare it in the traditional Portuguese way for you while you enjoy the scenery of a tropical sunset. Alternatively go out on a deep-sea fishing excursion and let them show you how to catch the magnificent marlin and sailfish.

It was in the 1970s that Bazaruto National Park was created as a protected marine area but only since the cessation of the civil war in the 1990s did the tourists return in numbers to Mozambique. There are now many lodges and bush-camps to choose from to suit your pocket. A two hour flight from Johannesburg will get you to Vilanculos where you will be transferred to the lodge of your choice. Be prepared for a pampering massage or spa treatment after a day on the beach or in the warm tropical waters. One can also spend a few days in the Kruger National Park and from there fly one hour directly to Vilanculos. The islands are probably the most scenic along the entire east coast of Africa with rich marine life especially along Two Mile Reef, which has become a world renowned place to observe tropical fish by snorkeling or scuba-diving.