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| Bazaruto
Lodge
Location
Bazaruto Island is the largest of five islands in the Bazaruto
Archipelago, which is situated approx. 800 km North of Maputo.
Vilankulo, on the mainland is the nearest International Airport,
and is approx. 2 ½ hours flying time from Johannesburg - either
direct, or via Maputo. The name Bazaruto originates from a local
word; "Ushurutswa", which means "island of the mist"; the Portuguese
later converted it to Bazaruto. Legend has it that pearls were
collected for the Queen of Sheba off the coast of Bazaruto.
The eastern strip of the island is composed of enormous sand dunes.
The remainder of the island is thicket, grassland, scrub and wetland.
Wildlife species include dolphins, dugongs, humpback whales and
marine turtles. The freshwater lakes are home to big crocodiles.
Near the north point of the island is an old lighthouse, the Farol
do Bazaruto, built by the Portuguese over 100 years ago. This
has not been in operation for many years, but the view from the
top of the lighthouse is truly spectacular.
Accommodation
The accommodation at Bazaruto Lodge Island Resort is in rustic
A-frame thatch chalets nestling among the forested sand dunes
at the north point of Bazaruto Island, just below the lighthouse.
There are 26 comfortable, neatly appointed thatched chalets with
en-suite bathrooms (hot water), which are serviced daily. All
chalets are equipped with ceiling fans and mosquito nets. The
water is filtered and generally safe to drink.
The Lodge restaurant caters to the enthusiastic appetite of guests
with a variety of delicious fresh seafood served daily. The attractive
open-air bar encourages guests to meet new friends, while a sundown
trip on a Dhow provides a breath-taking way to end the day. The
well-stocked bar has Portuguese and South African wines. There
is also a fresh-water swimming pool, games room with pool table
and darts, ski boating, scuba diving, snorkelling and Landover
hire. The lodge also has a small air-conditioned conference room.
Weather
Being within the tropics the Bazaruto Archipelago never gets cold,
but on some evenings during the winter months of June and July
a light jacket or pullover may be necessary. For the rest of the
time, swimming costumes and light tropical wear are all you need.
The summer months of November through to February can be extremely
hot. This is also the rainy season, though storms seldom last
long.
Dress
Minimal clothing is required as dress is casual at all times.
A tracksuit or jersey is recommended in case of an occasional
cool evening. Raincoats or waterproofs are wise during the rainy
months and while boating and fishing. Sunhats and caps are necessary,
as are tennis-type shoes for walking on the reefs.
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| Activities
/ Facilities
The activities at Bazaruto Lodge are run by Gone Fishin' and they
offer a wide range of watersports, scuba diving, fishing, as well
as excursions to various spots on the island, and boat trips to
neighbouring islands.
Scuba Diving
The diving at Bazaruto has been compared to that of the Great
Barrier Reef and there are approximately 37 km of reef suitable
for diving. Gone Fishin' at the Lodge has a fully equipped diving
operation, with resident diving instructor (NAUI & PADI). Dives
undertaken are all between 12m and 30m. All equipment, including
dive compressors, tanks and weight belts are available in the
water-sports centre.
Best Diving Spots
Lighthouse Point (max. depth 15m average 12m)
Greek Temple (max. depth 16m average 13m)
12 Mile Reef (max. depth 25m average 14m)
Whale Rock (max. depth 12m)
Two Mile Reef (max. depth 15m)
Gengarema Point (max. depth 23m)
Manta Reef
Rainbow Runner Dive
Snorkelling
A number of safe bays enclosed by coral reefs, with warm water
three to four metres deep inhabited by a kaleidoscope of tropical
fish, magnificent corals, star fish and sea cucumbers wait. There
are some wonderful shore entry snorkelling spots, where even young
children can experience the wonders of the ocean in complete safety.
Venges Bay
Coral Gardens
Rock and Surf Fishing
A 'tag and release' policy is encouraged.
Recommended fishing spots:
Dom Carlos Sandspit. For Springer, Sandshark, Stumpnose, Bonefish
and big Garfish all year round. The Kingfish peak from November
to March. Recommended bait is live-bait, plugs squid and sardine.
(Available daily from local boats.) Lighthouse and Northpoint
reefs. For Cuta, Kingfish, Grouper and assorted rock fish. (Be
prepared to lose tackle! Please return all reef fish) Bays between
the reefs. For Bonefish, Pompano, Sandsharks, Kingfish. Recommended
bait is spoon, squid and sardine. Gengarema Point. For King and
Queen Mackerel, Grunter, Bonito, Kingfish. Recommended bait is
spoon, plugs and driftbait.
General fishing information
It may be necessary to hire a Landrover to reach the best spots.
Boats can be hired for flyfishing. Kingfish, Bonito, Bonefish
and Gars are prevalent at evening high tide.
Game Fishing
Being on the very edge of the deep Mozambique Channel, Bazaruto
is Africa's most productive area for Marlin (Black, Blue and Striped)
and Sailfish as well as warm water game fish such as Giant Kingfish,
Wahoo, King Mackerel, Dorado and Bonito. October to March are
the prime Marlin months with June to September being best for
Sailfish. Many other species of fish are caught all year round.
Boats can be hired with or without rods and tackle. All boats
must be in by 16H30 to allow for a daylight search if a problem
arises. Full safety equipment and radios are supplied on all boats.
No bottom fishing allowed from the boats. Terminal tackle must
be brought along or can be bought at the Lodge. (Limited stock
available.)
Bird Life
The shores fringing the island are a paradise for plovers, sandpipers
and other wading birds. Thousands of Palearctic migrants cram
the shallow waters during the summer months and a keen eye and
a good pair of binoculars will reveal many rarities among them.
Terns, flamingos, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants and even the
occasional Openbilled Stork forage close to the shore at low tide.
Of the migrant bird-hunting falcons, only the Peregrine and European
Hobby have so far been recorded, but the rarer Eleanora's and
Sooty Falcons may be expected. A good variety of birds occur in
the savannah and grasslands.
Walks
Walking trails could lead visitors to interesting areas such as
mangrove communities, freshwater lakes and turtle nests. For those
who like a challenge, a walk up to the lighthouse is a must. And
with the crossing over sand dunes so high and vast, you feel you
are in the middle of a desert, but surrounded on all sides by
tropical ocean is an experience never to be forgotten.
Shell Collecting
The export of shellfish, shells, fish and coral from the islands
is strictly illegal. Therefore, locals are discouraged from removing
live shells and coral from the reefs.
General
Drinks in cool boxes can be arranged with the barman for picnics
or boat outings.
Food baskets for picnics can be arranged with the caterer in advance
for longer trips on the island.
A daily laundry service is offered at the Lodge at no charge.
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