The Archipelago consists of four main islands: Bazaruto Island, Benguerra Island, Magaruque Island and Santa Carolina Island.
The islands are covered by large sand dunes and freshwater lakes (nesting grounds for beautiful black-winged flamingoes) and to keep environmental damage to a minimum visitors can only stay in one of a handful of private lodges which offer excellent scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and sailing.
Crystal white beaches squeak beneath your feet and 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 crocodile. 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.
The Bazaruto Archipelego is the perfect beach destination to combine with any southern African safari in Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa, where there are direct flight from the Kruger National Park into Vilanculos (gateway to the archipelago).
