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andBeyond Benguerra Island lies on the Bazaruto & Benguerra Islands archipelago of Mozambique, only an 8 minute flight from Vilanculos on mainland Mozambique. At this idyllic African island paradise you have a personalized experience, infused with the style, standards and service of a bygone safari era. This is a small intimate lodge with a rich North African/Arabic feel, in both the décor, and the colour scheme.
andBeyond Benguerra Island lies on the western side of the island on its own palm-encircled bay, surrounded by silver beaches and the turquoise sea. The lodge merges into a natural milkwood forest and is surrounded by tropical greenery. There are no shops or tar roads on Benguerra island and very few vehicles so there’s a sense of tranquil seclusion.
The lodge offers a choice of two Beach Cabanas or ten secluded & spacious thatched Casitas built on stilts which merge naturally with the indigenous forest. All have easy access to the gorgeous white half-moon beach of Benguerra Bay and magnificent views of the ocean.
The Beach Cabanas have queen-sized beds with mosquito net, large bathroom with bath, shower and outdoor shower, ceiling fan, mini-bar and a private deck with jacuzzi/plunge pool and sun loungers.
The more luxurious Casita’s embrace Benguerra’s unique blend of safari chic and Arabic style. In keeping with island living, the ten open plan airy Casitas have romantic furnishings – beautifully carved wooden furniture, mosquito net draped queen sized beds, lounge area and open bathrooms with free-standing copper bath, copper basins and enclosed loo. Shuttered folding windows & double doors open completely so that you can enjoy wonderful views from your bed to the beach and ocean beyond. Each Casita has a huge 100m² private deck with a plunge pool, sunbeds and shaded dining gazebo for starlit dinners. On the beach each Casita has its own shady sala with canvas sunbeds. All have minibars and tea & coffee facilities but this lodge suits the eco-conscious traveller as there is no air conditioning only fans.
The exclusive Villa Chibuene is set away from the rest of the lodge with two bedrooms, each with copper bath and outdoor shower, lounge/dining area and a large garden with a private swimming pool. It comes with its own personal chef to prepare all meals and thus is ideal for smaller families, though guests are welcome to dine at the lodge as well.
The main lodge has a large open-side lounge area, bar, small curio shop and an open sided dining room. There’s a small pool and in front of the pool, and a beach bar made from an old dhow sailing boat, perfect for sundowners. Your private plunge pool, and the main pool, comes in useful as there is a dramatic tidal range on the western side of Benguerra Island and at low tide, the sea can be a long walk from the lodge across kilometres of sand!
The lodge prides itself on its personal arrangement of guest’s activities. Benguerra Island is a paradise for snorkellers and scuba divers. It has its own Activity/Dive centre a short walk along the beach from the lodge. The lodge has access to some of the most pristine reefs in the world. You can also enjoy excellent saltwater fly and deep sea fishing, horseback safaris along the beach, guided island and village tours by landrover, catamaran cruises, island walks, castaway picnics (ideal for honeymoon couples) and sunset dhow cruises.
You can indulge in countless hours of relaxation under the coconut palms, delight in the birdlife (over 140 species), kayak around the island, sail in a traditional Dhow and search the seas for the legendary dugongs… You can choose to do as much, or as little, as you like here…
The delectable food, which comprises largely of freshly caught seafood, traditional Moçambiquan cuisine, Portuguese flavours and a variety of delicious dishes make up the daily menus. Breakfast and lunch are buffet affairs, while dinner is a set menu served either in the dining room, on the deck or even on the beach.
How to get to andBeyond Benguerra Island – Travel is easy with direct flights to Vilanculos on the Mozambique mainland from Johannesburg or KMIA near the Kruger (selected days). From there you fly by helicopter directly to Benguerra Island.
andBeyond Benguerra Island
Two cabanas are set under local thatch, amongst a lush island forest. The cabanas boast a light and airy colour scheme that combines tropical chic with a distinct African feel and reminders of the area’s Portuguese heritage. The cosy interiors of the cabanas makes them perfect for couples and honeymooners. The cabanas are slightly smaller than casinhas and vertical in shape. There is no sitting area in the cabanas, however a lounger is located at the foot of the bed. The ensuite bathroom features an outdoor shower and is located behind the bed. The cabanas offer private timber decks and cool rim flow pools. There is also a private sala with a hanging daybed, as well as private sun loungers situated on the beach
Ten casinhas are set under local thatch, amongst a lush island forest. The casinhas boast a light and airy colour scheme that combines tropical chic with a distinct African feel and reminders of the area’s Portuguese heritage. An ensuite bathroom is located on one side of the bedroom and a small sitting area is located on the other side of the bed.The casinhas offer private timber decks and cool rim flow pools. There is also a private sala with a hanging daybed, as well as private sun loungers situated on the beach
&Beyond Benguerra Island offers families the opportunity to reconnect in the Casa Familia, which features three ensuite bedrooms - a main bedroom and lounge area with two interleading bedrooms on each side. Families will also love splashing around in the private swimming pool set on a sheltered wooden veranda overlooking the beach. The Casa Familia is situated on the edge of the main lodge, offering private views of the ocean plus its own stretch of sandy white beach.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Meal on Request, Pool, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service
Activities on Site
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Fine Dining, Garden Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights, High Tea, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Kayaking, Massages, Natural History Tours, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Whale Watching
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Cultural Tours, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Horse Riding, Kayaking / Paddling, Marine Adventures, Massages, Natural History Tours, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
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 andBeyond’s Benguerra Island specialist dive masters, and covers safety procedures, equipment, currents and suggested snorkelling spots.
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 you from your Casita or Cabana in the late afternoon, where you will board his dhow for an unforgettable cruise around the bay.
The adventure can be tailored according to your requirements and varies from a 30 minute trip to the school or 2 hours around the Island. The journey will take you past the lakes and dunes on the northern side of the island, past the school, the church and through the village so you can interact with some of the local people and find out more about the community projects that are run on the island.
Spend an afternoon indulging on a mouth-watering “Cast-Away” picnic and explore the highest dune in the Bazaruto Archipelago. You will have the opportunity to simply put your feet up and enjoy the breathtaking, 360 degree views of South Point – bring your camera along for excellent photographic opportunities and keep a look out for frolicking dolphins at play.
Additional costs apply on a Full Board rate only.
If you have previous diving experience then you 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 required.
Additional costs apply on a Full Board rate only.
Horseback riding is the perfect activity to take in the exceptional beauty of Benguerra Island.
Enjoy a different perspective of this piece of paradise, at a pace that is comfortable for you. Nine horses and a dedicated guide, based at Benguerra Lodge, are on hand to introduce you to fantastic trails (suitable for all riding levels from first time to experienced riders and with a 85kg weight restriction).
Additional costs apply on a Full Board rate only.
Experience Mozambique from above. Hop aboard a helicopter and fly along the coastline of Benguerra Island and marvel at the crystal clear water and pristine white beaches with a bird’s eye view.
Additional costs apply.
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 absolutely love to frolic in the ocean. Afterwards, hop off your steed and allow them to enjoy a well-deserved roll on the beach. This 30 to 45 minute adventure allows for a maximum of 4 guests per swim and is perfect as a standalone activity or can be added after a more extensive horseback exploration of the island. The Swimming with Horses activity is seasonal as well as weather and tide dependent.
Additional costs apply.
andBeyond’s WILDchild programme, designed especially for children visiting our safari lodges and camps in Africa, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, 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.
&Beyond has partnered with Healing Earth, a leading natural, eco-friendly and holistic spa & skincare company, to produce a truly authentic African spa experience for the mind, body and soul. Therapeutic in its approach,Healing Earth only uses all-natural ingredients and essential oils. The luxuriant spa products & soothing treatments are inspired by the wisdom of Africa’s traditional healers & celebrate our continent’s vibrant heritage, communities and plant life.
