The Bazaruto Archipelago
is a string of islands nestled in a bank of exquisite coral reefs
on the edge of the deep Mozambique Channel. Declared a World Heritage
Site to protect over 250 species of birds, butterflies and crocodiles,
they are pure desert island destinations. The main islands are Santa
Carolina, Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque. They offer a quintessential
tropical holiday with isolated palm and casuarinas tree shaded beaches.
There are rich tropical reefs, clear warm water and excellent surf,
plus rock and fly-fishing. The archipelago was formed
when sand was deposited here hundreds of thousands of years ago by
the waters of the Limpopo River. The exception is Santa Carolina
which is the only rock island in the archipelago.
The tide around the islands fluctuates up to 10 metres and exposes
many white sandy islands covered in shells up to a kilometre in length.
Legend has it that the Portuguese disposed of prisoners by dropping them off on beautiful deserted islands and leaving it to the
tides and the sharks to seal their fates. On Bazaruto Island, flamingos
frequent the tidal flats, and the freshwater lakes on the island are
home to many large crocodiles. Thick forests of coconut palms and
cashew nut trees grow on the shores, while the east of the island is
composed entirely of enormous sand dunes. Benguerra Island is less
than a kilometre south of Bazaruto. Like its neighbour, it also has
giant dunes, inland lakes and beautiful beaches. White sailed dhows
regularly sail past dragging nets. If you wake up early you might
see them sharing their catch on the beaches. Two Mile Reef offers
the best reef diving in Mozambique, with beautiful staghorn coral
and tropical fish from tiny clownfish to moray eels and black-tipped
sharks. Its large protected pool, called the Aquarium, is a must for
snorkellers. The archipelago is home to over 100 dugongs, five species
of nesting sea turtles, and several species of dolphins. The islands
can be reached by air or boat from the mainland town of Vilanculos.
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