Benguerra Island is a postcard-perfect island paradise located within the protected Bazaruto Archipelago National Park in Mozambique. As the second largest island in the archipelago, it is a world-renowned destination celebrated for its pristine white-sand beaches, towering sand dunes, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Embodying the concept of “barefoot luxury,” the island offers an exclusive and tranquil escape from the modern world. Its diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush forests and inland lakes to savanna grasslands, create a stunning natural sanctuary for both wildlife and discerning travelers.

Name and Location

• Name: Benguerra Island.
• Location: Bazaruto Archipelago, Inhambane Province, off the coast of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean.

How to Get There

Access to the island is designed to be exclusive, preserving its remote and untouched character.

• By Air and Boat/Helicopter: The primary gateway is Vilanculos Airport (VNX) on the Mozambique mainland, which receives flights from Johannesburg (South Africa) and Maputo (Mozambique). From Vilanculos, visitors take a short, scenic helicopter flight or a boat transfer directly to their lodge on Benguerra Island.

Landscape and Architecture

The island’s landscape is a breathtaking mix of coastal and terrestrial habitats, with architecture designed to complement the natural beauty.

• Natural Landscape: Benguerra is defined by its dramatic coastline, featuring expansive beaches that give way to towering sand dunes. The interior of the island is surprisingly diverse, with freshwater lakes that attract crocodiles and a rich variety of birdlife, as well as savanna and forest ecosystems. The surrounding turquoise waters are home to some of the most well-preserved coral reefs in the Indian Ocean.
• Architectural Style: Accommodation on the island consists of a few exclusive luxury lodges that blend seamlessly into the environment. The architecture often features traditional influences, such as thatched roofs and natural materials, combined with modern comforts to create an eco-chic, “castaway” aesthetic. These are complemented by small, local fishing villages where the indigenous culture is preserved.

What Makes It Famous

Benguerra Island is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty and its status as a premier marine and beach destination.

• Bazaruto Archipelago National Park: The island is a core part of a protected marine reserve, ensuring its reefs and marine life remain pristine.
• World-Class Diving and Snorkeling: The nearby Two Mile Reef is considered one of the world’s best snorkeling and diving sites, offering incredible underwater visibility and a dazzling array of coral and fish.
• Dugong Population: The archipelago is one of the last viable habitats for the rare dugong, making sightings a unique and special experience.
• Barefoot Luxury: The island is synonymous with exclusive, high-end tourism that emphasizes relaxation, privacy, and a deep connection with nature.
• Unique Activities: It is renowned for unique experiences like horseback riding along the beach and into the ocean, and climbing massive sand dunes for spectacular sunset views.

Differences from Other Wonders

Benguerra Island offers a completely different experience from the vast, geological East African Rift Valley.

• Scale (Island vs. Continental): Benguerra is a small, contained island covering about 55 square kilometers (21 sq mi). The Rift Valley is a massive geological system stretching across thousands of kilometers of the African continent.
• Environment (Marine vs. Terrestrial/Geological): Benguerra is an ocean-centric destination defined by its marine ecosystem—beaches, reefs, and sea life. The Rift Valley is a terrestrial wonder defined by its geology—escarpments, volcanoes, and inland lakes.
• Primary Attraction (Pristine Beaches & Marine Life vs. Geological Grandeur): The main draw of Benguerra is its “sand and sea” appeal for diving, snorkeling, and relaxation. The Rift Valley’s attraction is its immense landscape, volcanic features, and paleoanthropological importance.
• Type of Experience: A trip to Benguerra is an immersive beach holiday focused on water-based activities and relaxation. Exploring the Rift Valley involves overland travel, safaris, and visits to diverse national parks and historical sites.