Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of only 5 islands, and is just off the coast – close to the town of Vilanculos. The islands form a long line, and it is possible that they used to be one long island.
The largest island, Bazaruto, is at the top of the group, and is some 168 square kilometres in extent. Then follows Benguerra, at a mere 33 square kilometres, followed by Magaruque at 9 square kilometres, then there is tiny Bangue, an outcrop which is a scarce half a kilometre square. The last island, Santa Carolina (sometimes known as Paradise Island) sits on fossil rocks, and is 7 square kilometres.
Generally the islands consist of a number of dunes, with some sand flats and estuaries. In the interiors are some fresh-water areas and mangroves. Much of the area of the Bazaruto Archipelago is part of a Marine Reserve, and their waters are home to the rare and delightful dugong, some exceptional coral reefs (Bazaruto Island alone has 37 kilometres), and a great diversity of marine life, including seasonal visitors such as whale sharks.
This makes for some exceptional diving and snorkelling. In addition, the islands are home to a good variety of birds, from frigates to falcons, and a number of migrants. Importantly there are 5 species of turtle in the area, two of which (leatherback and loggerhead) breed here. There are some crocodiles in the inland lakes. The islands are home to small number of select lodges, access to which is from Vilanculos (which has a small International Airport), is by boat, light aircraft or helicopter.
The largest island, Bazaruto, is at the top of the group, and is some 168 square kilometres in extent. Then follows Benguerra, at a mere 33 square kilometres, followed by Magaruque at 9 square kilometres, then there is tiny Bangue, an outcrop which is a scarce half a kilometre square. The last island, Santa Carolina (sometimes known as Paradise Island) sits on fossil rocks, and is 7 square kilometres.
Generally the islands consist of a number of dunes, with some sand flats and estuaries. In the interiors are some fresh-water areas and mangroves. Much of the area of the Bazaruto Archipelago is part of a Marine Reserve, and their waters are home to the rare and delightful dugong, some exceptional coral reefs (Bazaruto Island alone has 37 kilometres), and a great diversity of marine life, including seasonal visitors such as whale sharks.
This makes for some exceptional diving and snorkelling. In addition, the islands are home to a good variety of birds, from frigates to falcons, and a number of migrants. Importantly there are 5 species of turtle in the area, two of which (leatherback and loggerhead) breed here. There are some crocodiles in the inland lakes. The islands are home to small number of select lodges, access to which is from Vilanculos (which has a small International Airport), is by boat, light aircraft or helicopter.
