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The islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, located on the Mozambique coast, are situated within a stunning marine protected area featuring five islands with beaches that dip gently into exquisite, azure-coloured waters and coral reefs that shelter an astonishing array of sea creatures.
Expect toes-in-the-sand relaxation on powdery white beaches with swaying palms and turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see, and vibrant coral reefs to snorkel and dive.
Beach dinners, sunset dhow cruises and cocktails
Information about Bazaruto
Bazaruto wildlife
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is one of the most important marine sanctuaries along East Africa's coast.
The national park protects over 180 bird species, 45 reptile species, and 16 terrestrial mammal species. Bazaruto is the only known place in the western Indian Ocean where all five regionally resident turtle species – leatherback, loggerhead, green, olive ridley and hawksbill – not only occur but also nest.
The national park also protects six species of dolphins, over 2,000 species of fish (including kingfish, king mackerel, marlin, and sailfish), southern right and humpback whales, orcas (killer whales), 122 species of sharks and rays, and flamboyant nudibranchs, among other creatures.
The most popular residents of the Bazaruto Archipelago with tourists are whale sharks, manta rays and dugongs.
Bazaruto seasons & landscapes
Deciding when to visit is a matter of personal priorities, based on both temperature and the seasonal movements of marine life.
The park is at its hottest from October to March, when the whale sharks concentrate around the Bazaruto waters. This is also the rainiest time of the year; December through April is considered cyclone season. Unless the goal of the trip is to swim with whale sharks, many travellers prefer to visit during the milder winter months, from May to September. The first humpback whales move through Bazaruto in July, with the stragglers departing around October.
The Bazaruto Archipelago comprises five islands, ranging from the largest, Bazaruto, to the smallest, Bangue, which is merely a smear of sand in the ocean. All are known for their sandy-white beaches and the abundant sea life in the clear blue waters around the islands. All this makes for an important conservation area and a coveted and exceptional tourism destination.
What to do in Bazaruto
Enjoy beach dinners, sunset dhow cruises and cocktails. And why not take a scenic helicopter flight from the mainland to Bazaruto?
Other activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, island excursions, ocean safaris, hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, community tours, dhow sailing, and mangrove exploration.
How to get to Bazaruto
Access to Bazaruto Island is via the mainland town of Vilanculos, which is 15km across the bay from the island. There are regular flights to Vilanculos from several Mozambique and South African airports.
From Vilanculos harbour or airstrip, you’ll take either a boat (30-60 minutes) or a helicopter/light-aircraft charter to the island.
Health essentials
Malaria area: Yes
Malaria is prevalent in Mozambique, and we advise you to consult your GP before you depart about taking prophylaxis. It’s also essential to cover up in the evenings when the malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquito usually feeds. The malaria incubation period is 1-3 weeks, so if you experience any flu-like symptoms, headaches, aching joints and back or nausea and diarrhoea, it is recommended that you get tested at the earliest opportunity and let the medical personnel know you’ve recently travelled to Africa.
Yellow fever area: No
Mozambique is not a yellow fever area. Vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk for yellow fever virus transmission. Please consult your travel doctor before travelling for relevant updates.
✔️ Vested communities ✔️ Responsible & sustainable
African Parks manages the Bazaruto Archipelago, and 20% of their tourism revenue goes to local projects that benefit local people
Your safari to the Bazaruto Archipelago will help local people
Our partner lodge, Bazaruto Sands:
recruits 100% of their staff from the local village.
stimulates the local economy by creating jobs and economic opportunities such as curio sales and village activities.
employs and upskills local people for the tourism industry.
Your safari to Bazaruto will help conservation
African Parks manages Bazaruto Archipelago NP in partnership with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), ensuring this valuable resource are sustainably protected for the long term. Positive collaboration with local communities, tourism operators and government partners has helped to secure a more sustainable future for people and wildlife. The park’s management team has grown, infrastructure has improved, conservation measures have been enhanced, and illegal activities have been significantly curtailed. A conservation-led economy is being bolstered through tourism, creating jobs and local skills development.
African Parks ploughs all of their tourism revenue from your visit into the park and the local people.