Bazaruto Island Travel Guide
Fringed by golden beaches and a sparkling turquoise sea, it’s no surprise that the ocean is the main attraction on Bazaruto Island. Here travellers spend their days lazing on the sands, working on their tan or exploring the miles of empty beaches.
Out at sea there’s no end of adventure and excitement to be had: strap on your snorkel or scuba-tanks to explore the reefs offshore, or cast a line on a deep-sea game-fishing expedition. Humpback whales migrate through these waters from June to November, but any day of the year a cruise on a traditional sailing dhow offers a fine way to toast the sunset.
But what sets Bazaruto Island apart from its neighbours is the dramatic landscape away from the beach. The largest island in the archipelago, Bazaruto Island is home to shimmering lakes full of birdlife and crocodiles, while on horse-riding tips through lush coastal forest you might spot samango monkeys, duiker antelope and galagos. Towering sand dunes offer yet more options for adventure, with sunset dune boarding excursions a popular choice.
There are no public restaurants on Bazaruto Island, and you’ll enjoy all meals within your luxury hotel or resort. Here the talented chefs take full advantage of the ocean’s bounty, dishing up seafood feasts with fresh fish and lobster purchased from local fishermen.
Hotels on the island offer a choice of restaurants, from laid-back beachfront cafés to more formal evening locations. You’ll also find an array of outdoor dining options available, from romantic picnics to a feet-in-the-sand beach dinner by candlelight.
Most dietary requirements can be catered for, but advance warning is required.
On Bazaruto Island you’ll spend most of your days in, on, or next to the ocean, so pack accordingly: swimsuits, sunhats, sunscreen and sunglasses are all essential items. Your hotel will provide pool and beach towels, but you may find a kikoi/sarong useful.
With no shortage of adventure activities on offer, it’s also worth packing a pair of sturdy outdoor shoes and clothing suitable for sand boarding and horse riding. There’s no formal dress code at the island’s resorts, but you may want to pack a smart-casual outfit for dinner.
Don’t forget your camera, spare memory cards and charging cables. Due to the remote location, ensure you have sufficient prescription medication before departure.
Bazaruto Island is sunny and warm almost year-round, offering perfect weather for a tropical escape. Winter (May-November) is the best time to visit, with little rain, mild temperatures and blue skies. The summer months (December-April) bring warm to hot temperatures, with sunny days broken by dramatic downpours. Tropical cyclones can affect the region in January and February.
Malaria is found throughout Mozambique, although the risk is dramatically reduced on offshore islands such as Bazaruto due to the regular spraying programme conducted to control mosquitoes. Consult your travel doctor three weeks before departure for further advice and prophylactics.
The Bazaruto Archipelago lies some 600-kilometres north of the Mozambican capital of Maputo. Get your bearings on this idyllic island with our useful travel planning maps.
South African airline Airlink offers daily scheduled services between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Vilankulo Airport. The flight takes 90 minutes. Private charter flights are also available, offering seamless connectivity from regional safari destinations.
From Vilankulo Airport, boat (1hr) and scenic helicopter (15m) transfers offer easy access to Bazaruto Island.
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