LOCATION
In a National Marine Park in Mozambique, lies an archipelago of offshore
islands known as The Bazaruto Archipelago. There are three main islands
known as Margaruque, Benguerra and Bazaruto. On the second largest island
of Benguerra lies an exciting getaway destination known as Marlin Lodge.
Benguerra Island was originally named “Santa Antonio” by
Portuguese explorers and was later named “Benguerra” after
a local Tribal chief. The island is approximately 11km in length and
5,5km wide and lies 14km offshore from the mainland and the town of
Vilankulo.
ACCOMMODATION
Situated along the beach of Flamingo Bay, Marlin Lodge is constructed
from hardwood, and is an elevated structure on stilts with deck platforms,
cement-clad brick walls and thatched roofs. Wooden walkways connect the seventeen
chalets to the main areas. All Chalets have en-suite bathrooms and are air-conditioned,
and have overhead fans. Hot and cold running water is supplied
from a well about one kilometer from the lodge. The water is purified
through a filter system and is safe to drink.
The main complex of the
lodge consists of a restaurant, bar and a fresh-water swimming pool,
set in a glade of Coconut and Ilala palms. The restaurant serves a full
English breakfast, buffet lunch and a sumptuous dinner. Dinners range
from semi-formal in the dining room, to tables laid out on the beach
at the end of an avenue of palm fronds and flaming torches.
WILDLIFE
For the Birding enthusiasts, approximately 164 different birds have
been identified and confirmed on theisland in habitats varying from
the coastal dunes, open grasslands and fresh water lakes to savannah
and acacia woodlands. Just to name a few of the more unusual birds to
be seen are the Green coucals, Green pigeons, Purple banded and Black
sunbirds, Lilac breasted rollers, Olive bee-eaters, Mannikins, Paradise
flycatchers, Fish eagles, Flamingoes, Starlings and various waders such
as Curlews, Bartailed godwits, Whimbrels and Crab plovers. Other animals
to be seen are the plentiful Red-tailed squirrels, Suni and Duiker,
which have been re-introduced to the island.
The
Dugongs are the most spectacular of the marine mammals. This mythical
mermaid, “The original Sirenia” which was supposed to have
beckoned woman-hungry sailors onto the rocks to their doom. Dugongs
are normally encountered in family groups of about five animals, grazing
on marine grass meadows found in sheltered bays. There are five species
of dolphins found in the area and they can often be seen frolicking
around the sandbanks or lazily swimming past the front of Marlin Lodge.
In deeper waters Humpback whales can be seen in the summer months.
The Archipelago is a shell
collector’s haven. At our North point, Pansy Island andnumerous
surrounding sandbanks, many of the famous “Pansy shells”
can be seen. There are two types of these shells, one of which is endemic
to Mozambique.
The two fresh water lakes
on the island are ideal for bird watching or just relaxing your time
away.
GETTING THERE
Scheduled flights depart regularly from Johannesburg International Airport
to Vilankulo on the mainland. Clients can also travel by road to Vilankulo.

TRANSFERS TO THE LODGE
From the airport it is a 10-Minute drive with our own Marlin Lodge Mini
bus to the harbor, from there, guests are taken to the lodge by boat.
The transfer time by boat ranges from 20 – 25 minutes subject
to tides & weather conditions.
ACTIVITIES ON OFFER
MOTORISED
WATERSPORTS
-
Water
skiing
-
Para-sailing
-
Kneeboarding
-
Tubing
-
Watersnaking
NON-MOTORISED
WATERSPORTS
SCUBA DIVING
Marlin Lodge has a fully equipped Dive Centre. There are numerous reefs to explore including the well-known Two-Mile Reef with stunning arrays of coral, fish species, rays, turtles and, if lucky, dugongs. Diving courses may be completed at the Lodge and resort courses are offered.
FISHING AT
MARLIN LODGE
Recommended periods for fishing
-
The
best time for Marlin fishing is from mid September to the end of December.
-
The
recommended time for Sailfish fishing is from April to August.
-
Smaller
game fish can be caught all year round: King Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli,
Queen Mackerel and many more.
-
Rock,
fly and surf fishing is excellent all year round.
Fishing
Boats:
MACARENA
All boat
charter rates include: Boat Hire, Skipper, Gilly and fishing tackle. Excludes
fuel.
All boats equipped with
safety gear, fish finders, GPS and two-way radios. Please note that
boats and activities cannot be booked in advance and must be booked
at the lodge on a first come first serve basis.
Rod Rental:
A rod, reel and terminal tackle for fly; rock and surf fishing can be
rented from the tackle shop. Bait is also available at a nominal charge
when in stock.
DAY TRIPS are offered to: Bazaruto Island, Paradise Island
(Sta Carolina), Magaruque Island, Vilankulo on the mainland and Pansy
Island (north point of Benguerra Island). Various island tours, and
sunset cruises are also offered.
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