Southern Africa / Mozambique / Bazaruto Archipelago
Along the historical Moçambican channel, opposite Vilanculos on the mainland, lie a chain of 5 islands. Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque and Santa Carolina make up the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Benguerra is approximately 11 kilometres by 5 kilometres, and the forest, savannah and wetland eco-systems sustain a diverse population of flora and fauna on this idyllic island getaway, which was declared a National Park in 1971.
Bazaruto Island is 37 kilometres long by 7kilometres wide, with flora and fauna abounding. Flamingos frequent the tidal flats, and the freshwater lakes on the island are home to many large crocodiles. The West of the island is savanna grassland and thicket whereas the East is composed entirely of enormous sand dunes that change colour in the different lights of the day.
The whole Bazaruto Archipelago is part of a Conservation project whose primary objective is to maintain the ecological and social integrity of the Bazaruto National Park by wise sustainable use of the resources.
The islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago are not for those whose idea of a holiday is shopping as there are no shops just crystal white beaches which squeak beneath your feet and convince you every time that yours are the first footprints they have ever experienced. Just offshore, in warm waist deep waters, one floats amidst coral gardens of infinite beauty and colour, examining and being examined by shoals of fish that move amongst the corals like clouds of living jewels.
Declared a National Park in 1971, the Archipelago boasts among its wildlife, 180 species of birds, endemic butterflies, suni antelope and freshwater crocodiles. The protected reefs and beaches support dolphin, dugong, gamefish, giant lobster and several species of marine turtle.
All of the islands support populations of traditional fisherman and their families, many of whom are not permanent residents and may migrate between the Archipelago and the mainland in their pursuit of good fishing waters.
On Benguerra cashew nut trees are indigenous and grow on the seaward side of the island. The local residents harvest the nuts and the toxic husk from the nuts is used to brew very intoxicating liquor!
Wild orange trees abound as do sisal plants which are used in a manufactured form by the locals to repair their fishing nets. Mlala palms are everywhere and the leaves are used in the weaving of mats, baskets and hats which are good souvenirs of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The sap from the palms is used to brew a potent liquor.
The Bazaruto islands attract nature lovers, sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Activities include: Deep-sea Diving, where there are numerous coral reefs and old wrecks to explore; Snorkelling on the inside of the reef; Saltwater fly fishing and above all Big Game Fishing.
The Bazaruto Archipelago offers Big Game Fishing on a world class level. The best time for Marlin fishing is from mid September to the end of December. Sailfish fishing is from April to August and smaller game fish such as King Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli, Queen Mackerel are available all year round. "Tag and Release" fishing is the usual policy.
For birding enthusiasts, approximately 164 different birds have been identified and confirmed on the Bazaruto islands in habitats varying from the coastal dunes, open grasslands and fresh water lakes. More unusual birds to be seen are the green coucals, green pigeons, purple banded and black sunbirds, olive bee-eaters, mannikins, paradise fly-catchers, bartailed godwits, whimbrels and crab plovers. The Archipelago is a shell collector's haven. At North Point, Pansy Island and numerous surrounding sandbanks, many of the famous "Pansy Shells"" can be seen. There are two types of Pansy Shells,
one of which is endemic to Mozambique.
Southern Africa / Mozambique / Bazaruto Archipelago
Marlin Lodge
The Bazaruto Archipelago on the Indian Ocean off the coast of Southern Africa is an idyllic archipelago. They are situated off the mainland between Vilanculos and Inhassoro which is 780 kilometres from Maputo.
Rekindle your soul and allow yourself to be captivated by the allure of a nonchalant way of life. A timber sanctuary, a stilted paradise, Marlin Lodge ensures definitive, self-indulging repose like no other. Built on elevated wooden stilts, the Lodge overlooks the tranquil Flamingo bay.
For the angling enthusiast, the Bazaruto Archipelago is heralded as one of the greatest game fishing sites in the Indian Ocean pecies such as Sailfish, Blue and Black Marlin, and King Fish can be found roaming deep beneath the waters.
Rooms: 17 beach chalets, 3 executive beach suites all sea facing, with private covered decks and private walkways to the beach.
Each of the luxury beach chalets is 60 square metres on the inside with a 17 square meter verandah and takes a maximum of 2 guests. The Executive suite's sheer size is what makes them so breathtaking, boasting 80m square meters of floor space, and a veranda of 30 square meters.
The inside of both room types is constructed with sophisticated designer finishes including slated flooring, plastered surfaces and soft lighting.
In the Rooms:
Air Conditioning (Both hot and cold)
X
Private Balcony
X
Balcony or Patio
Room Safe
Braai Facilities
Room Service
DVD/CD Player (Presidential)
Satellite Television
Electric Blankets
Television
Fireplace
Tea and Coffee making Facilities
X
Fans
X
Twin Beds available
Four Poster Bed with mosquito netting
x
WiFi
Fans
Bathroom en suite
X
Interational Dialling
Bathrobes and Slippers
Internet Access in Business Centre
X
Double Vanity
X
Kitchen Full
Heated Towel Rail
Kitchen Partial
Separate bath and shower and outdoor shower
X
Laundry Service
x
Separate Toilet
Lounge Area
X
Toiletries provided
Mini-bar
X
Underfloor Heating Bathroom
Facilities: Private indoor lounge area; Business centre; Swimming pool and patio area close to the beach; Gazebos with stunning loungers and sofas; Beach bar; Marlin Beauty and Wellness Centre with on site fully qualified therapists. Water sports: Snorkelling; PADI qualified resident dive instructor with fully equipped on site dive centre; Dive sites at various depths catering to all levels of experience; Fully equipped angling boats of the highest standard as well as outstanding tackling centre: Kayaks; Windsurfers; Hobiecats.
The latest upgrade at Marlin Lodge is the addition of the Marlin Beauty and Wellness Centre. This haven of peace and tranquility is open from 8.30 a.m. to 16.30 p.m
In the vicinity:
Pansy Island excursion.
Snorkel adventure at 2 mile reef.
Explore the island with its fresh water lakes and sand dunes
Children: No Children under 14.
Restaurant: Marlin Lodge offers exceptional cuisine by a first-class chef, with sumptuous culinary flavours that will tempt you and delight you. The cooking is characteristic of seafood-plentiful Mozambique, infused with the Asian and Portuguese influence of its past. Whether dining in the dining room, on the beach under the stars, or privately-for-two on your terrace, Marlin Lodge chefs will leave a lasting impression.
Credit cards accepted: Mastercard and Visa.
Additional Information:
Southern Africa / Mozambique / Bazaruto Archipelago
Untitled Document
BEST TIME TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO
1. Archipelago hopping
The most popular tourist attraction in Mozambique is the Bazaruto Archipelago which includes the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa Carolina. 35 km off the mainland from Vilanculos, the islands are accessible by boat and small aircraft. In addition to the full range of watersports including snorkelling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sailing and waterskiing ( in some places) , the islands are brimming with wildlife and birdlife. Sea creatures that you may see are humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, five species of turtle and a 100 strong pod of dugongs.
The northern Quirimbas Archipelago has more than 30 coral islands stretching from Pemba to the Tanzanian border. The eleven southern most islands and a stretch of mainland form the Quirimbas National park which hosts a large diversity of wildlife, bird life and sea life.
2. Diving
With its azure and turquoise waters, numerous reefs and abundant marine life, Mozambique offers some of the best diving in the world, without the distraction of crowds and commercialisation. Regular sightings include hard and soft corals, fusiliers, snapper, dolphin, whale shark, hammerhead shark, manta ray, barracuda, manta rays and dugong. Diving is popular in both the Bazaruto Archipelago and Quirimbas archipelago. September through to November is the best time for seeing whales.
3. Fishing
Mozambique is a dream for game fishing and some of the biggest prizes found anywhere in the world were caught in Mozambique. The all Africa record (a 1300 lb black marlin) was caught in 1998 off the Bazaruto Archipelago. The black marlin season runs from early October through to January. The season for blue and striped marlin runs from September through to January. The main sailfish season is June to September. Year round fish include giant, bluefin, brassy kingfish, yellowtail, pompano, dorado, wahoo, tuna, mackarell, great and pickhandle barracuda and bonefish. Shark are also common.
CAPITAL: Maputo
CLIMATE:
Summer is from October to April and is hot and rainy. The heaviest rains fall from January to March.
Winter runs from April to September and is dry and mild.
Average annual temperature is 30 C
COMMUNICATIONS:
The international country code for Mozambique is + 258
The cell phone providers are MCel and Vodacom. Internet cafes are available in Maputo only.
ELECTRICITY:
220 V. The plug type is the round two pin
LANGUAGE:
Portuguese is the official language, although English is spoken in the southern tourist regions.
TIME: GMT + 2 hours
ENTERING THE COUNTRY:
AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX:
A departure tax of USD20 is levied on all international flights. Departure tax of USD5 on all domestic flights. These must be paid in USD with exact amounts.
ARRIVAL BY AIR:
The main airport for Mozambique is Maputo airport. The Bazaruto Archipelago is serviced by Vilanculos Airport and the Quirimbas Archipelago by Pemba Airport
CUSTOMS:
Duty free allowance of 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits, 50 ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette. Currency must be declared on arrival.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
A valid passport is required to enter Mozambique and the validity date needs to be atleast 6 months after the visitor intends to leave the country. Visitors may also be asked to produce outgoing travel documents and proof of sufficient funds to finance their stay. Nationals of most countries require visas – please check individual requirements. Visas need to be obtained prior to departure and will not be issued at border posts on arrival.
HEALTH
Please check with your local doctor on which immunizations are deemed necessary and whether malaria prophylactics should be taken. Mozambique is considered a malaria risk area all year round.
It is strongly recommended that you ensure that you have adequate medical insurance when visiting Mozambique as private hospitals will turn away patients who cannot demonstrate ability to pay. Make sure this includes medical evacuation insurance.
MONEY
ATM’S: These are found in Maputo and are very scarce in the rest of the country.
BANKS: Mozambique has 9 commercial banks, the largest of which are Banco Internacional de Mozambique, Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI), Banco Austral and Standard Bank. Most branches are in Maputo and branch networks in the rest of the country are not extensive. Opening hours vary, but are usually 08h30 to 11h00 Mondays to Fridays.
CREDIT CARDS:
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Mozambique and travellers wishing to pay by credit card are advised to check with their service provider in advance.
CURRENCY:
The official Mozambique currency is the Metical or Meticais in plural.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE:
There is no restriction to the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country as long as it is declared on arrival. Money can be exchange at banks or authorised Bureaux de change, however expenses can usually be settled in foreign currency. USD or South African Rands are widely accepted as well as British Pounds.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES:
These can be cashed at banks and Bureaux de Change, but should not be relied on as a sole source of funding in Mozambique. Outside of hotels, cash is recommended for transactions. Make sure you have small denominations of foreign currency.
Along the historical Moçambican channel, opposite Vilanculos on the mainland, lie a chain of 5 islands. Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque and Santa Carolina make up the Bazaruto Archipelago. 
