15-Day Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Eco-Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Vilankulo to Benguerra Island

You’ll be met at Vilankulo Airport and transported to the harbor for a boat transfer to Benguerra Island where you’ll stay at the rustic Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies research base with breathtaking views of the park and Flamingo Bay. Here, the shared dorm-style rooms feature single and double bunk beds, along with shared bathroom facilities. Private room upgrades are available upon request at an additional fee and subject to availability.

Amenities include a kitchen with an in-house cook, TV, limited Wi-Fi, an activities center, a workshop, and an equipped laboratory. Outside, the beach-front barbecue area provides enough space to relax with snacks and drinks while enjoying the breathtaking views.

The actual itinerary for this marine conservation eco-safari will be structured around your required dates. In the meantime, below are some highlights of what you can look forward to on this unique expedition.

Main Destination:

Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Accommodation:

Bazaruto Center for Scentific Studies

• Budget lodge located at Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Marine Exploration

During this immersive expedition, you’ll be in the center of the action —diving in the protected waters of Benguerra Island, collecting data on animal sightings like migratory humpback whales, and making an impact through beach cleanups.

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is home to five main islands —Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bangue. Here, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests blend seamlessly into the endless expanse of the open ocean. With gentle currents and temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience beneath the waves.

Main Destination:

Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Accommodation:

Bazaruto Center for Scentific Studies

• Budget lodge located at Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ecosystem Monitoring in Benguerra Island

You’ll have the unique opportunity to learn about oceanography and get hands-on with marine exploration, doing everything from monitoring marine debris to mapping wildlife and identifying species. Plus, our team of experts will guide you on survey techniques, how to present scientific data, and how to operate marine sensors.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a thriving hub of biodiversity. Here, you’ll find the last viable population of dugongs in East Africa along with five species of sea turtles, manta rays, marlin, whales, and whale sharks, and an amazing variety of over 2,000 fish species and other megafauna. The archipelago encompasses over six tropical marine ecosystems, each contributing to the rich biodiversity found in the area.

Main Destination:

Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Accommodation:

Bazaruto Center for Scentific Studies

• Budget lodge located at Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Species Identification and Habitat

Benguerra Island hosts a wide variety of habitats, including white sand beaches, coastal dunes, savannah grasslands, evergreen dune forests, freshwater lakes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows. Among these environments are approximately 140 species of birds, a multitude of reptiles and amphibians, such as crocodiles, chameleons, snakes, tortoises, and lizards, as well as a handful of mammals, including red squirrels and the rare suni antelope.

Main Destination:

Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Accommodation:

Bazaruto Center for Scentific Studies

• Budget lodge located at Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Adventure, Culture & Cuisine

In between participating in marine research projects, you'll get time to explore the archipelago’s rich cultural heritage and indulge in its exquisite cuisine. You'll scale the majestic dunes of Benguerra for breathtaking views of the island’s landscape, or dive into the warm turquoise waters for invigorating swimming and snorkeling adventures among vibrant coral reefs. You'll visit nearby communities and local villages for an authentic glimpse into Mozambican life. You'll explore their rich cultural heritage and indulge in their exquisite cuisine. You will embark on a sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhow, ride horses along the island’s picturesque shores, or venture to other captivating islands within the archipelago.

Main Destination:

Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Accommodation:

Bazaruto Center for Scentific Studies

• Budget lodge located at Benguerra Island (Bazaruto Archipelago)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Return to Vilankulos

After breakfast on the last day, you'll be transferred by boat from Benguerra Island to Vilankulo, the nearby coastal town brimming with charm and culture. We'll aim to get you to Vilankulo Airport by midday, so plan your homeward-bound arrangements accordingly. Your overnight accommodation in Vilankulo can be arranged at an additional cost on request.

Main Destination:

Vilanculos (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.