Benguerra, lodge, luxury, beach, mozambique, diving

One of the finest beach lodges in the world has undergone an exciting new refurbishment - modern comforts with the old charm. Benguerra Lodge luxury on the white sands of the Bazaruto and crystal clear Indian Ocean waters.

Benguerra Lodge was hit hard by Hurricane Favio and will not be open again until 2008. Our best wishes go out to the islanders.

The Bazaruto Archipelago, lying in the Indian Ocean off Mozambique, is the home to some of the finest beach lodges in the world. Here, the white sand squeaks under-foot and the coral reefs are spectacularly well-preserved in the crystal clear waters perfect for diving. Benguerra Island is just eleven kilometres long by five and a half wide and the landscape is dominated by a ridge of shifting sand dunes, a fragile barrier against the rolling Indian Ocean, that curves out gracefully to the north and neighbouring Bazaruto Island.

At low tide, a number of tiny islets emerge from shallow waters and pink flamingoes come in to land on the bright white sand. Inland, at the dunes’ base, are two mirror-like lakes - the home to a crocodile or two - and a mixture of open savannah and scrubby acacia woodland. The tiny thatched lodge cottages lie in the shade of mlala palms - luxury, Indian Ocean style.

Benguerra Lodge, now seventeen years old, has become a barefoot-chic paradise but has lost none of its original charm and authenticity. Tree squirrels and beautiful birds frequent the mature, Kenyan-style colonial lawns that spread out between the chalets and the beach.

The arabic, zanzibari styling of the lodge adds layers of colour and detail whilst providing rustic comfort and maintaining a slightly ramshackle style - Robinsoe Crusoe with candlelit tables and fine wines. The seafood available here has always been good but now,  refinements to the cuisine over the years have produced fabulous results - presented before guests four times a day!

The staff are amongst the friendliest we have ever met and the service is just right. The diving and snorkeling possibilities (some say the best in the world), deep sea fishing and the sublime and unlimited scope for recharging and relaxing, should not be missed.