&Beyond Benguerra Island

Situated off the coast of Mozambique within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, this island hideaway is the perfect place to escape from the cares of modern life. Warm waters, pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life, idyllic beaches, inland freshwater lakes and towering sand dunes have shaped this adventure haven which offers an array of activities from snorkelling and diving, fishing, excursions to see the conservation efforts to save the endangered dugongs, swimming with horses, castaway picnics and much more.

&Beyond Benguerra Lodge lies sheltered within the canopy of an indigenous forest and swaying palm trees. The welcoming guest areas offer views of the lush tropical garden and the ocean beyond. Under the shade of straw-covered wooden awnings, inviting comfortable loungers are set up around the lodge’s rim-flow swimming pool. A colourfully decorated traditional wooden dhow has been converted into a picturesque beach bar, while the cool surrounds of the massage sala hold the promise of deep relaxation.

Accommodation
Set among swaying palm trees, ten casinhas and two cabanas offer luxurious Mozambique island accommodation. They have a light and airy colour scheme that combines tropical chic with a distinct African feel and reminders of the area’s Portuguese heritage.

Set under local thatch, both casinhas and cabanas boast elegant four-poster beds with white linen canopies and comfortable day beds. Large windows with dark wooden shutters gaze out towards the Indian Ocean, while private timber decks and cool plunge pools offer a secluded alternative to beach sands and ocean waters. Bathrooms feature generous tubs big enough for two, while alfresco showers are decorated with hand-painted tiles.

Woven hammocks invite guests to an afternoon siesta, lulled by a chorus of songbirds that make the forest canopy their 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.

Casa Familia – Family Villa
Set in its own secluded garden and mere metres from the beach, the Casa Familia boasts three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, as well as a private swimming pool set on the sheltered wooden veranda. 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.

Activities
&Beyond Benguerra Island offers a wide variety of activities for guests to explore the island, discover island life and the incredible variety of fish and creatures which call these Indian Ocean reefs home.

Scheduled Snorkelling
Snorkelling is ideal for those who do not wish to do a scuba diving accreditation but who want to confidently explore the shallower coral reefs, situated off Benguerra Island, with the help of a snorkel. A guided snorkelling course is also available at an additional cost, offered by &Beyond’s Benguerra
Island specialist divemasters, and covers safety procedures, equipment, currents and suggested snorkelling spots.

Dhow Cruise
Hop aboard a traditional dhow (a wooden sailing vessel owned by one of the local people of the island and mostly used for fishing). A friendly fisherman will fetch guests from their Casita or Cabana in the late afternoon, where they will board his dhow for an unforgettable cruise around the bay.

Castaway Picnic
Spend an afternoon indulging in a mouth-watering “Cast-Away” picnic and explore the highest dune in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Guests will have the opportunity to simply put up their feet and enjoy the breath-taking, 360 degree views of South Point – bring a camera along for excellent photographic opportunities and keep a lookout for frolicking dolphins at play.

Scuba Diving
Those who have previous diving experience can enjoy a fantastic excursion to the Bazaruto Archipelago, accompanied by the lodge guide. Those with limited to no diving experience can enjoy a guided introduction to a whole new world of mystery, wonder and beauty! Dives sites vary according to experience and requests. A full PADI certification is required.

Swimming with Horses
Equine enthusiasts of all ages, and riding levels, will have the memorable opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled Swimming with Horses adventure, on &Beyond Benguerra Island. Dress down for the occasion, in just your swimwear, and ride bareback into azure waters, floating amongst the waves on top of your mount. Expect plentiful splashing, and bouts of laughter, as the horses love to frolic in the ocean.

Dugong Conservation (Additional cost)
Hunted by humans for thousands of years, the endangered dugong is a rare marine mammal related to the manatee. The protected waters surrounding &Beyond Benguerra Island have become a haven for this semi-nomadic animal, which means the conservation of this sensitive habitat has become one of the critical projects for &Beyond’s Ocean Without Borders initiative.

Fishing nets and community fishing have been identified as the single greatest threat to the dugong. Working in conjunction with Africa
Foundation and the island’s local community, the Benguerra conservation team have embarked on a strategy to establish alternative food sources and livelihoods to reduce the community’s dependency on the ocean’s resources.