In the Mozambique Channel, opposite Vilanculos on the mainland is a chain of 5 islands known as the Bazaruto Archipelago. They are – Bazaruto, Benguerra, Maraque, Banque and Santa Carolina.
Originally named “Santa Antonio” by Portuguese explorers, Benguerra Island was eventually named after a local chief. This island is about 11 kms long and 5 kms wide and its forests, savannah and wetland eco-systems sustain a diverse population of flora and fauna. The island was declared a National Park in 1971. On the seaward side of the island cashew nut trees are indigenous and the local residents harvest the nuts and the toxic husks to brew very intoxicating liquor

Bazaruto Island is the biggest of the islands at is 37kms long by 7 kms wide. Flamingos frequent the tidal flats, and the freshwater lakes on the island are home to many large crocodiles. The West of the island is savanna grassland and thicket whereas the East is composed entirely of enormous sand dunes that change colour in the different lights of the day.

The whole Bazaruto Archipelago is part of a Conservation project whose primary objective is to maintain the ecological and social integrity of the Bazaruto National Park by wise sustainable use of the resources. Wild orange trees abound, as do sisal plants that are used by locals, in a manufactured form, to repair their fishing nets. Mlala palms are everywhere and the leaves are used in the weaving of mats, baskets and souvenir hats. The sap from the palms is used to brew potent liquor.

The islands attract nature lovers, sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts alike. One of the highlights is the diving and snorkelling as there are numerous coral reefs and old wrecks to explore.
Other pastimes are saltwater fly-fishing and above all game fishing. The best time for Marlin fishing is from mid September to the end of December. Sailfish fishing is from April to August and smaller game fish such as King Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli, Queen Mackerel are available all year round. “Tag and Release” fishing is the usual policy.

For birding enthusiasts, approximately 164 different birds have been identified and confirmed on the islands in habitats varying from the coastal dunes, open grasslands and fresh water lakes. More unusual birds to be seen are the green coucals, green pigeons, purple banded and black sunbirds, olive bee-eaters, paradise fly-catchers and crab plovers.

Island cuisine relies heavily on freshly caught fish and shellfish and these are combined with the exotic flavours of the Portuguese.