The Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambique is vast, but its most celebrated tourism hotspot is the Bazaruto Archipelago - a chain of five islands known for changing sandbanks, protected waters and spectacular marine experiences. The two key islands for luxury stays are Bazaruto and Benguerra.
Benguerra Island is particularly prized for its beauty and setting: a protected western shoreline with calm, flat seas and sunshine-filled beaches that face the African continent for unforgettable sunsets.
Featured: AZURA Retreats (Benguerra Island)
AZURA Retreats offers two standout barefoot-luxury properties on Benguerra Island - designed for travellers who want privacy, space, ocean-front villas and a seamless Indian Ocean escape close to Southern Africa.
Two Distinct AZURA Experiences
AZURA Benguerra Island
- 20 beachfront villas - every villa positioned right on the beach (no “pay more for beachfront” categories).
- Private plunge pool + outdoor deck in each villa, plus a private beach sala/daybed area.
- Dedicated butler-host service throughout your stay, focused on personalised “wow” moments.
- Villa choice across categories, including family options and a highly exclusive Presidential Villa (ideal for VIP privacy).
- “Every day is different dining” - memorable settings from beach picnics to lantern-lit dinners under the stars.
AZURA Marlin Beach
- More exclusive: 10 villas with a fun, vibrant, modern feel.
- Value advantage - positioned as a more accessible Benguerra Island option (often around 30%+ less than AZURA Benguerra Island).
- Deep-water channel in front of the property helps keep swimming access easier at low tide.
- House reefs in the channel and a strong marine-life draw - with plans for unique experiences such as night diving.
- Raised boardwalk through canopy - a distinctive elevated walkway designed to reduce ground impact and enhance the sense of place.
We recommend AZURA Retreats for travellers who want authentic barefoot luxury: refined comfort without formality - and the freedom to slow down, reset and reconnect.
Why Choose Mozambique?
- Secluded island lodges and private villas with understated luxury
- Unrivalled sandbanks and tidal formations that change daily
- Ideal bush-and-beach combinations with Southern Africa
- World-class snorkelling and diving, including iconic reef systems
- Perfect for honeymooners, ocean lovers and luxury travellers seeking seclusion
Signature Experiences in the Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambique is as much about stillness as it is about adventure. Whether your idea of perfection is a private sandbank picnic or a day on the water, the archipelago delivers experiences that feel rare and deeply personal.
- Snorkelling & diving - including the famous Two-Mile Reef, renowned for vibrant marine life.
- Island-hopping picnic day - boat to Bazaruto Island, climb sweeping dunes for 360° views, then snorkel and picnic on a secluded sandbank.
- Dugong spotting - a conservation success story with increasingly regular sightings in the region.
- Whale watching (seasonal), plus fishing, dhow cruises and sunset sails.
- Horse riding on the beach and spa treatments for pure restoration.
Safari & Beach Combinations
Mozambique pairs seamlessly with Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. After wildlife-rich safari days, unwind on Benguerra Island with calm waters, barefoot luxury and sunsets over the African continent.
Best Time to Visit Mozambique
The dry season from May to October typically offers warm, sunny days and excellent ocean conditions. November to March can be hotter, with lush landscapes and refreshing coastal breezes - ideal for those seeking quieter travel periods.
Travel Logistics
Reaching the Bazaruto Archipelago is seamless. There are daily flights from Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) to Vilanculos, with a flight time of approximately 80 minutes. From Vilanculos International Airport, guests take a short, scenic helicopter transfer (typically around 8 minutes) to Benguerra Island - an unforgettable arrival over shifting sandbanks and turquoise channels.
In peak travel periods (typically June to January), there may also be additional routing options that support easy bush-and-beach combinations with Southern Africa.
Low-Impact Luxury
For travellers who value meaningful sustainability, AZURA Retreats emphasises low-impact operations, including solar-led energy systems and thoughtful environmental initiatives designed to reduce footprint while maintaining comfort and service.
Plan Your Mozambique Escape
At Dusty Boots Travel, we design bespoke Mozambique journeys tailored to travellers and photographers seeking privacy, refinement and extraordinary coastal wilderness.
Mozambique & AZURA Retreats FAQs
Why focus on the Bazaruto Archipelago rather than “Mozambique” generally?
Mozambique is a large country, but the Bazaruto Archipelago is the standout tourism hotspot for luxury island travel, known for changing sandbanks, protected waters and exceptional marine experiences.
Where is Benguerra Island?
Benguerra is one of the key islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago, located just south of Bazaruto Island and known for its beautiful protected western beaches and sunset-facing coastline.
How do you get to the Bazaruto Archipelago and Benguerra Island?
There are daily flights from Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) to Vilanculos (around 80 minutes), followed by a short scenic helicopter transfer (typically around 8 minutes) to Benguerra Island.
What are the AZURA Retreats properties on Benguerra Island?
AZURA Retreats includes two properties: AZURA Benguerra Island (20 beachfront villas) and AZURA Marlin Beach (a more exclusive 10-villa property with a vibrant, modern feel).
What makes AZURA Benguerra Island special?
Every villa is positioned on the beachfront, each with a private pool and dedicated butler-host service. Guests also enjoy memorable dining experiences where settings vary day-to-day, from beach picnics to lantern-lit dinners under the stars.
What makes AZURA Marlin Beach different?
AZURA Marlin Beach is smaller and more exclusive (10 villas) with a lively modern design. A deep-water channel in front of the property can make access to swimming easier at low tide, and there are house-reef areas that support strong marine life viewing.
What are the best activities in the Bazaruto Archipelago?
Highlights include snorkelling and diving (including Two-Mile Reef), island-hopping picnics, dugong spotting, whale watching (seasonal), dhow cruises, fishing, horse riding on the beach and spa treatments.
Can Mozambique be combined with a safari?
Yes. Mozambique is an exceptional bush-and-beach extension to safaris in Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
