Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a cluster of five islands in the Mozambique channel which, together with the surrounding waters, comprise the 1400-sq-kilometer protected area of the Bazaruto National Park, and make for the ultimate honeymoon or family beach holiday. 

 Just 30 km offshore, to the south of the Mozambique coastline, the natural haven of Bazaruto overflows with flora and fauna, including world-class marine life. Dolphins gambol in the azure waters alongside humpbacked whales, manta rays, sailfish, marlin, and nesting marine turtles, making dhow-safari and diving activities particularly rewarding. The seagrass meadows around the islands are home to more than 2000 varieties of fish as well as the rare dugong mammal, which is thought to have inspired the mermaid legends. 

 On the islands themselves, a burgeoning wildlife population of antelope, pink flamingos, and freshwater crocodiles are part of the idyllic landscape.  

 Bazaruto is famous for its breath-taking natural beauty and rich snorkeling and diving opportunities, but its pleasures are not limited to underwater adventures. Bazaruto island vacation packages allow you to take full advantage of laid-back island life; whiling away the hours in a hammock under rustling palm trees and inhaling the subtle fragrance of wild orange trees from the nearby groves.  

Also available are scenic horse-riding trails, guided 4x 4 trips, sandboarding on the dunes, or picnicking on one of the secluded smaller islands. A trip to Bazaruto island is easily combined with a safari in South or East Africa and the sheer beauty and seclusion of the Archipelago make it an ideal honeymoon escape for romantics.  

Direct flight links between Vilanculos International and Kruger International Airport offer an easy solution to combine a Big 5  Safari  in Kruger National Park with a romantic Bazaruto island vacation. 

When to Go to the Bazaruto Archipelago

The Islands are quite hot and wet in December and January and are more pleasant to visit in the cooler dry months between May and November where the temperatures settle at a moderate 25 degrees. Between June and November is a good time to combine a Mozambican beach holiday with a safari in South or East Africa where it’s dry season all around and prime game-viewing time.