PESTANA BAZARUTO LODGE ISLAND RESORT

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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 the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge Island Resort is in newly renovated air-conditioned A-frame chalets nestling among the forested sand dunes at the north point of Bazaruto Island, just below the lighthouse. There are 40 chalets, all air-conditioned and with en-suite bathrooms. All chalets are also equipped with ceiling fans, mosquito nets, satellite TV and tea / coffee making facilities. The water is filtered and safe to drink

The resort boasts a stunning new Spa, and has two huge fresh water swimming pools with Jacuzzi's. The new Spa is perfectly situated with stunning ocean views, and there is also a new children’s play area for younger children. The resort has an air-conditioned conference room, and a games room with pool tables, table tennis, darts and other games. Watersports include ski boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, water-skiing and banana boat rides, etc.

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.

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.

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

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 andeven 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 achallenge, 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