Benguerra Island in Mozambique

Mozambique

Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique , is a country in southeastern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest...

 is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago

Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands in Mozambique, near the mainland city of Vilankulo. It comprises the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque, Santa Carolina and Shell....

, which broke away from the mainland thousands of years ago. The island is approximately 55 square kilometers (11km long x 5.5 km wide), and lies 14km offshore. It is famous for its unspoiled white beaches, remarkable dive sites, excellent horse riding and incredible fishing.

Habitat

Benguerra Island comprises forest, savannah, freshwater lakes and wetland eco-systems that sustain a diverse population of fauna and flora. Fresh water crocodiles can be found in the three lakes, bearing testimony to the island’s mainland past. The island, which is home to approximately 140 bird species, was declared a National Park

Bazaruto National Park

The Bazaruto National Park is a protected area in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique on the Bazaruto Archipelago.The park was proclaimed on 25 May 1971...

in 1971.

Activities

Benguerra is a paradise for scuba divers and there is a fully equipped dive centre at Benguerra Lodge. There are numerous dive venues available, including the superb Two-Mile Reef. There is also horse riding.