Introduction
Along the historical Mozambique channel lies tropical Ilha de Benguerra, an
island paradise situated within the renowned Bazaruto Archipelago - and perfect for the
ultimate Mozambique beach holiday.
Benguerra Island (approximately 11 kms by 5 kms in extent) was declared a National Park
in 1971. It is the center of the three biggest islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago and
while it is famous for it's white pristine beaches, much of the body of the island
comprises forest, savannah and wetland eco-systems, which sustain a diverse population of
flora and fauna. As a legacy of its mainland past, there are also three freshwater lakes,
which host freshwater crocodiles as well as many bird species.
Here too is beautiful Benguerra Lodge, where peace and contentment penetrate
the soul. Merged into a natural acacia forest bordering Benguerra Bay and encircled by
silver beaches, coral reefs and turquoise seas, this Benguerra offers exclusivity in a
tranquil setting. The Lodge itself is situated on the protected north-west side of the
island.
At Benguerra Lodge, relaxation is the name of the game. Yet, while you may choose to
recline within the shade of a beach umbrella, there are many wonderful activities to
enjoy.
The main lodge building comprising reception offices, lounge, dining room
and patio area is flanked by thirteen comfortable thatched chalets. On the large patio,
guests can enjoy a cocktail and sit back after the day's events.
The chalets, built on stilts, with reed walls and wooden floors, merge within the
surrounding indigenous Acacia and Natal Mahogany forest. However, each chalet is not more
than 20 meters from the beach and each has a verandah/balcony looking out to sea. All are
comprised of double rooms (5 with double beds and the rest are twin bedded) with en-suite
bathroom and shower.
The meals are fresh from the sea, with delicacies such as crayfish, crab and calamari,
tantalizingly prepared together with exotic Portuguese dishes. Meals are relaxed affairs
served in different settings and always with unsurpassed personal attention.
The Villa
Launched in mid-2003, this exclusive, private Villa is ideal for honeymoon couples and family special occasions. Set away from the rest of the complex, guests enjoy total privacy. A personal chef is available to prepare all meals. However guests may have any meal at the Lodge should they wish to.
The Villa is decorated in
East African style and consists of two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, intimate
lounge and dining area with hand carved mahogany table. Outside on the wooden deck is a
Jacuzzi/plunge pool for relaxation.
The stay at The Villa includes 3 meals per day, all drinks, daily laundry, medical rescue
insurance, 17% Mozambique tax, 1 snorkel trip, 1 Landrover trip with picnic lunch and 1
dhow sunset cruise.
ACTIVITIES
Diving & Snorkeling: Benguerra is a snorkeler and diver's paradise. To
encourage visitors to enjoy the pristine reefs, a fully equipped dive school with dive
master has been set up. There are numerous dive venues available, including the superb
Two-Mile Reef. The most striking aspects of diving the reefs around the island is the
sheer unspoiled beauty combined with the variety and abundance of marine life. Many exotic
reef fish abound such as schooling banner fish, moorish idols, butterfly fish, blue
striped snappers, barred sweetlips, goldies, trigger fish and hosts of others. After
snorkeling the reef, go to the deserted Pansy Island, a unique breeding ground for the
legendary pansy shell. We will set up your own private picnic and leave you to explore the
bird life along the tide line and the fresh water lakes or simply comb deserted beaches in
solitude and serenity.
Saltwater fly fishing: Mozambique boasts some of the finest saltwater flyfishing on the
continent and the Lodge has experienced, professional guides to accompany fly rodders in
one of two specialist boats. The fly fishing boats are Lowrence equipped (fish finders).
Fly fishers can throw a line for an absolute wealth of species. Most commonly encountered
are kingfish (including Giant Trevally) king and queen mackerel, kawakawa and springer.
Even the much sought-after bonefish is found around the island and is occasionally caught
fishing deep.
Deep Sea fishing: The Lodge maintains three by 22 foot Acecats boats ready to join battle
with the monsters of the deep, including marlin and sailfish. They are fully equipped with
fighting chairs, outriggers, safety equipment, radios and 20lb. fishing rods for four
fishermen. Each boat is hosted by an experienced skipper and ghillie who know the waters
intimately. Marlin season is November to March. A policy of "Catch and Release"
is encouraged and all boats have the necessary equipment on board should a marlin or
sailfish be tagged and released
Birdwatching: Because of the amazing diverse habitats existing on the island
- coastal dunes, open grasslands, freshwater lakes, savannah and acacia woodlands - over
125 species of birds, including all the sea birds visit Benguerra. High on the list of the
most wanted is the elusive Crab Plover, Olive Bee-eater, Green Coucal and Narina Trogon.
Dhow cruising: Sail silently and peacefully in the traditional Dhow with its triangular
sail. Glide up to the flamingos or be joined by friendly dolphins. Perhaps catch a glimpse
of an elusive dugong, but even if the legendary "mermaid" does not make an
appearance, there is always the opportunity to witness one of Africa's marvels - the
magnificent sunset.
Picnicking: Sunbathe and picnic in seclusion. We'll set up your own private picnic and
leave you to explore the tide line or the freshwater lakes or simply comb deserted beaches
in solitude and serenity.
KHANI KWEDHO -- "OUR HOME"
The Bazaruto Archipelago embraces a
wide variety of ecosystems e.g. pelagic waters, coral reefs, tidal flats, marine grass
meadows, mangrove communities, freshwater lakes, swamp forests, evergreen forest savannah,
grasslands and vegetated sand dunes. All of these require careful management for there has
been evidence of environmental perturbation.
The administration of the Bazaruto National Park falls under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Tourism, Department of Conservation Areas and the Mozambique government has
been engaged in the formulation of a development plan for the Bazaruto Archipelago, which,
based on sound conservation principles, will safeguard the ecological integrity of the
Archipelago. Central to the success of any development plan, the interests of local
resident communities who traditionally depend on the fauna and flora for their livelihood,
should be fully represented and integrated into the overall plan for the development of
the park.
The importance of tourism is not underrated with regard to the role it can play in this
regard e.g. creation of employment and income generation. With this in mind came the
concept of Khani Kwedho.
Origination of Khani Kwedho
Tourism development first started in 1988 with the establishment of Benguerra Lodge and in
later years so more commercial entities arrived which also subscribed to the policy of low
environmental impact tourism. Benguerra Lodge and others have, since their inception,
participated in an informal arrangement involving the collection of a park levy from
bednights. These funds have been distributed to the local resident communities, which in
turn, has led to a local primary school being built with logistic support from the private
sector and schoolteacher salaries supported by the cash generated from the levy.
For over a decade this loose association between local resident communities and the
private sector has strengthened. Both parties have benefited from the association. The
Association born was named Khani Kwedho (translated from the Xitsonga dialect as "our
home".)
Agreements have been reached on issues where traditional practices merge with the tourism
e.g. the promotion of practices that contribute to increasing the environmental attraction
of the Archipelago.
Conversely tourism activities have been adapted to respect local custom and limit negative
socio-economic impacts.
Khani Kwedho, whilst not unique in terms of concept, is nevertheless without precedent in
the Bazaruto Archipelago. The successful delivery of the stated objectives of Khani Kwedho
will contribute to safeguarding the environmental integrity of this special Island, for
the benefit of generations to come.
