Mozambique Fantastique ~ Bazaruto Archipelago

By Dian Hasan | September 19, 2009

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. Photo: flickr member yobosayo

Each time we hear the name Africa, images of safaris and animals in the wild always conjure up. Wide open plains with roaming giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and rhinos grazing about amid the natural splendor. And of course the lions lurking in the bushes contemplating their next dinner, and the majestic elephants blowing their horns. Seldom do we associate Africa with glorious-looking beaches with azure waters and a colorful underwater coral gardens. And sun worshippers basking under a thatch roof parasol. These are more akin to South East Asia, Mexico or The Caribbean. But such idyllic tropical settings do exist, as they do here on Mozambique‘s Bazaruto Archipelago.

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. Photo: flickr member André Pipa

Halfway up the Mozambique coast lies a chain of five islands making up the Bazaruto Archipelago. Form from sand deposited by the Limpopo River, fine beaches and coral reefs come naturally; and having long been a national park, so does the wildlife. Bazurato, Benguerra andMagaruque are the largest islands, with Santa Carolina and finally Bangue coming in on the small side.

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. Photo: flickr member yobosayo

Thanks to their protected status and relative isolation from the ravages of war, nature has been free to flourish here. Bazurato Island itself is 37 km ling, and there gaudy pink flamingoes strut the tidal flats, while large Nile crocodiles lurk in the inland freshwater lakes. The west is cloaked in grassland and thicket while the east coast is built entirely of impressive sand dunes.

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. Photo: flickr member Brad Hunter Surrey Vancouver BC

Banguerra is about 11 km long and its blend of forest, savanah and wetlands provides rich pickings for local wildlife. Cashew nuts are native to the island and grow mainly on the seaward side.
Wild orange trees and sisal trees abound, as do mlala palms – whose leaves are woven into mats, baskets and hats. Nature lovers, sun worshipers and water sorts enthusiasts alike are drawn to the natural beauty. It may be said of other places, but this is a true tropical paradise with clear turquoise waters and endless palm-dotted beaches. Everyday you can snorkel and surf and run coral pink sand through your fingers. There are no roads, no shops and no tourist attractions, just the nature and the lovely everyday sun.

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. Photo: flickr member darrenornitz

When to go: Year-round but avoid the cyclone season in February. Little rainfall between April and November.
Population: 3,500.
Getting there: Flights into Viklankulo with connections onto the archipelago.
You should know: The locals use the husks from the harvested cashews to make very intoxicating liquor.

Inspiration: Wayfaring