&Beyond Benguerra Island

The second largest island of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Benguerra offers exceptional opportunities to explore some of the very best of Mozambique’s magnificent marine life and experience an abundance of island adventures. Mozambique has remained an exclusive destination as many of its islands and mainland beaches are isolated and secluded, offering guests the ultimate escape. There are no golf courses or shopping malls here. It’s the unspoiled natural beauty and rich marine life that have pushed the country to the top of the list for families, honeymooners, scuba divers and water sports fanatics. Soft, white sand beaches lined with coconut palms stretch as far as the eye can see. A tropical paradise tucked into a lush indigenous forest and looking out onto a picturesque crescent of sandy beach, &Beyond Benguerra Island is the quintessential luxury island retreat. Set among swaying palm trees, it offers a light and airy colour scheme that combines tropical chic with a distinct African feel and reminders of the area’s Portuguese heritage. Ideal for families or groups, the three-bedroom Casa Familia ensures privacy and exclusivity. Set in its own secluded garden and mere meters from the beach, the Casa Familia boasts three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, as well as private swimming pool set on the sheltered wooden veranda. Woven hammocks invite guests to an afternoon siesta, lulled by a chorus of songbirds that makes the forest canopy its home. A shaded gazebo provides the ideal venue for starlit dinners, while the stylish dining room and open lounge, both of which boast wide, sunny decks, are the setting for more social dining. The lodge’s colourful dhow-inspired bar, sheltered by swaying palm trees, is the perfect setting to relax or enjoy open air meals throughout the day. Set deep in cleverly created patches of shade, comfortable loungers beckon guests to relax around the pool while drinking in the ocean views.

Fun-filled days are spent exploring the following activities that the Island has to offer:

WILDchild

The exciting &Beyond Benguerra WILDchild Programme is filled with fun, interactive activities that allow children to flourish in an environment that advocates exploration, discovery and learning. Deeply rooted in a love for Africa, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family, but forges strong bonds between our young guests, our planet, and its people.

SNORKELLING

Venture out into the Indian Ocean at low tide and explore large areas of exposed coastal reefs just off Benguerra Island. Discover the spectacular Two Mile Reef, which offers snorkeling opportunities for every guest, regardless of age and expertise. One of the favourite sites here is the Aquarium, known for its diverse reef and pelagic fish, and extensive coral, as well as a fascinating array of underwater rocks and boulders that create interesting structures such as swim throughs, and overhangs.

SWIMMING WITH HORSES

Quine enthusiasts of all ages and riding levels can enjoy a fun-filled Swimming with Horses adventure. Dress down for the occasion in just your swimwear and ride bareback into azure waters, gently striding into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Expect splashing and the occasional grunt of pleasure from your horse as it wades into the calm waters surrounding the lodge. This 30-to-45-minute adventure allows for a maximum of four guests per swim and is perfect as a standalone activity or can be added after a more extensive horseback exploration of the island.

HORSEBACK ISLAND RIDE

Horseback riding offers the perfect viewpoint from which to take in the exceptional and unparalleled beauty of Benguerra Island. Guides are well acquainted with the horses’ temperaments and, as routes are not fixed, can tailor-make rides to accommodate each guest’s ability. SCUBA DIVING We offer a fully equipped Dive Centre, providing a full range of diving adventures that will suit the preferences of every scuba enthusiast. The island offers exceptional diving opportunities and boasts outstanding protected reefs. There is an infinite range of dive sites, such as Two Mile Reef, 5 Mile Reef, 9Mile Reef, San Sebastian, and Magaruque Island, to name a few.

SUNSET DHOW CRUISE

Hop a board on a traditional dhow for an unforgettable cruise around the bay, accompanied by an &Beyond guide. This romantic sailing adventure presents the island and its surrounding waters in a unique light, from the perspective of one of the local fishermen.

KAYAKING AND STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING

Explore the azure bay from a different perspective by taking one of the two-seater kayaks out for a paddle or try your hand at stand-up-paddle boarding. Enjoy the exercise, take in the warm sun, and gaze down at the fish dashing through the clear, sparkling water below.

CASTAWAY PICNIC

Feel as though you have the island all to yourself as you indulge in a decadent picnic set up, in one of the most secluded sites on the Bazaruto Archipelago. Disappear for an afternoon to the north or south side of the island and we will leave you there for a totally blissful private interlude. Enjoy a mouth-watering castaway picnic set up at a table for two under an awning on your very own stretch of beach.

ISLAND EXPEDITION

Take a leisurely drive through the local communities enroute to explore inland lakes filled with crocodile and flamingo. If you are lucky, you may have a sighting of the shy suni antelope. Climb the highest sand dune on the northern side of the island and marvel at the 360-degree views from the summit. End this experience with a dip in the Indian Ocean or a delicious cocktail with exceptional views.

BIRDWATCHING

The last remaining patch of protected indigenous forest on the island can be found around &Beyond Benguerra Island lodge. Keen birders can keep an eye out for special sightings such as green malkoha and plain-backed sunbird. Head to the inland lakes to search for greater flamingo and western osprey. Pink-backed pelican, lesser crested tern, ruddy turnstone and other water birds can also be found in the area.

COMMUNITY VISITS

A Fascinating excursion to the community centre, Centro Cumunitario Kanhe Kwedo, will introduce you to the heart of the island, where local women create beautiful, beaded items for sale and men practice conservation initiatives. Stroll among the pews of the village church, visit the local clinic built with the help of past guest donations, taste fresh fruit and vegetables grown by local farmers and interact with the friendly Mozambican people in their coastal villages.

WELLNESS TREATMENTS*

&Beyond has partnered with Healing Earth, a leading natural, eco-friendly, and holistic spa and skin care company. This partnership has created a truly authentic African spa experience that rejuvenates and heals the mind, body and soul. Sink into serenity in the quiet massage room, tucked away within a small forest of native trees. The harmonic sound of the waves will ensure you unwind into a state of deep relaxation. We invite you to treat yourselves to a personalised massage.

* These activities are at an additional cost and some are weather dependent.

WHALE WATCHING*

Between the months of June and December each year, southern right whales are seen close to shore. Between mid-June to mid-August, migrating humpback whales are known to breech regularly. Our boats take guests out to enjoy this magical wildlife spectacle.

* These activities are at an additional cost and some are weather dependent.

SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS*

Experience the beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago from above as you board a state-of-the-art helicopter and fly along the Mozambican coastline. This scenic trip offers magnificent photographic opportunities through every window, with unobstructed views of the idyllic islands and the depths of clear water surrounding them.

* These activities are at an additional cost and some are weather dependent