Almost all exotic islands around the world—well-known by seasoned travelers—boast stunning backdrops, crystal blue water, and sprawling beaches, but none can compare to Mozambique’s prized gem, the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Whether you’re a sun worshiper, beach lover, water sports enthusiast, scuba diver, bird watcher, or adventurist, Bazaruto Archipelago is paradise on earth. It’s the ideal destination for travelers with an appetite for both exciting and relaxing activities, pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations, a cultural learning experience, and a tourism-free atmosphere.
Celebrating a unique mixture of African spirit, tropical ambiance, and breath-taking landscapes, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a cluster of five, untouched islands off the coast of Mozambique. Completely embodying the term “untouched,” these islands are free from commercial and tourism institutions.
Just how free from tourism are they? There are no roads . . . no shops . . . and no tourist attractions. The unspoiled nature of these islands is what provides you with a sense of complete clarity and an authentic insight into the local culture, and Mozambique’s natural world.
While visiting the islands of Bazaruto Archipelago, enjoy . . .
- Exceptional Scuba Diving: Home to some of the world’s most stunning and lively reefs and aquatic creatures, the Bazaruto Archipelago is every scuba diver’s dream. Unfortunately, for many areas of the world our coral reefs have been stripped of life and color because of human activity and global warming, but luckily for the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, the coral in these waters continues to live on.Whether you’re a beginner diver or an experienced diver, the Bazaruto Archipelago’s surrounding ocean is characterized by its varying depths and currents, making it possible for every level of diver to enjoy.One of the most popular dive sites is Two Mile Reef—a shallow reef teeming with colorful fish, turtles, black-tip reef sharks, and moray eels. For more advanced divers, Cabo San Sebastio hosts a variety of reef fish as well as manta rays and whale sharks.For those who snorkel, the shallow reefs lining the islands provide exceptional snorkeling experiences and a plethora of reef fish and turtles.

- Exciting Island Tours: Mozambique safari tours take you through an expansive variety of eco-systems including dunes, grasslands, fresh water lakes, and the vast ocean. Here, you’ll see colorful birds, crocodiles, flamingos, breath-taking views, and much more. With over 164 species of bird, it’s no wonder the Bazaruto Archipelago is celebrated for its spectacular birding. Frequently spotted birds include Green coucals, green pigeons, purple banded and black sunbirds, olive bee-eaters, paradise fly-catchers, and crab plovers.In addition to island drives, cultural island tours are another great activity to enjoy while visiting the Bazaruto Archipelago. Depending on which cultural tour you choose to take part in, locals teach you about the abundant fauna and flora indigenous to the area, point out some of the most interesting natural aspects of the islands, and enlighten you with an insight into their local history. While visiting local villages, learn about the Benguerra Cashew nut trees that line the island and how the villagers harvest the nuts and husk to create delightful liquor that is unique to the area.

- Horseback Riding: Famous for its sprawling and untouched pink beaches, aqua blue water, and vast grasslands, the Bazaruto Archipelago is arguably Africa’s best place to enjoy horseback riding. As you ride through indescribable landscapes with nothing but the sounds of the ocean and wind in the background, you’ll have the opportunity take in all of your surroundings and observe some of nature’s most prized gems.From the very beginning of this safari to the very end, you’ll experience the most thrilling and life-altering experience you could ever imagine. Whether you’re an experienced rider or new ride, you won’t want to miss this unforgettable horseback safari. A well trusted and respected operator is Mozambique Horse Safaris and Amanda and Patrick.
- Excellent Fishing: As one of the world’s most famous big game fishing hubs, the Bazaruto Archipelago is famous for its ability to entice fishing enthusiasts to take part in some challenging and exciting deep sea fishing and fly fishing excursions. The deep Mozambique Channel is home to marlin, sailfish, king mackerel, bonito, travelly, and queen mackerel, making fishing in the Mozambique Channel not only challenging but exhilarating.
In addition to the rare opportunities you can experience in the Bazaruto Archipelago, the islands offer a handful of exceptional accommodations that radiate luxurious, soothing, and inspirational atmospheres. The lodges on the islands are designed for you to retreat to after a long day enjoying the Bazaruto Archipelago’s phenomenal nature. Some of our favorite lodges include Indigo Bay, Benguerra Lodge, Marlin Beach Lodge, and Azura Retreat, among many others.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a vacation full of diving, fishing, horseback riding, beach lounging, touring, or a combination of them all, Hills of Africa Travel can create completely tailored itineraries and find you the perfect accommodations to fit your specific preferences.
Have you been to Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago? What were some of your lasting impressions?





{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I haven’t been to Bazaruto Archipelago, but I am planning on it. I did spend some time farther North — in Lamu, off the coast of Kenya. It was the most relaxing, quiet, exotic 2 weeks of my life. My next trip to Africa will be to Mozambique’s coast.
Thanks Michelle, Lamu is beautiful, you will love Bazaruto too and I can’t wait to help you to live the magic of Bazaruto. You can now combine safari and beach in Mozambique, so you can have the best of Africa in one country.
If you are going to visit the islands of Mozambique… why not visit Gorongosa National Park? Mozambique’s flagship National Park that is undergoing a fantastic restoration project funded by an American philanthropist – Greg Carr. Check it out http://www.exploregorongosa.com
Jos – we love Explore Gorongosa too and will be doing a blog on your wonderful property very soon, in fact we very recently wrote about Explore Gorongosa in our weekly newsletter. I can’t wait to share the magic of Mozambique’s safari with our readers. It is so exciting that you can now combine safari and beach in Mozambique. Hugs, Sandy
If you are going to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago … why not do so the traditional way – in a dhow?
I completely agree. That has to be one of the most stunning places I have ever been. went there for our honeymoon and cant wait to go back