Activities:

No vaccinations are required when visiting the island. However, as a precaution, Malaria tablets must be taken. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist. All drinking water is filtered and treated. Beware of razor clams in the bay area. Cuts and scratches can result in coral poisoning and must therefore be treated immediately. Some first-aid equipment is available, however, we recommend you bring along the following personal medication: Insect repellent, suntan and blockout creams, Immodium, Malaria tablets, antihistamine creams.

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.

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.

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.

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 and even the occasional Open billed 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.

Walking trails could lead visitors to interesting areas such as mangrove communities, freshwater lakes and turtle nests. For those who like a challenge, a walk up to the light-house 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.

A ‘tag and release’ policy is encouraged.

Recommended fishing spots:

• Dom Carlos Sandspit. For Springer, Sandshark, Stumpnose, Bonefish and big Garfish all year round. The Kingfish peak from November to March. Recommended bait is live-bait, plugs squid and sardine. (Available daily from local boats.)
  
• Lighthouse and Northpoint reefs. For Cuta, Kingfish, Grouper and assorted rock fish. (Be prepared to lose tackle! Please return all reef fish)
  
• Bays between the reefs. For Bonefish, Pompano, Sandsharks, Kingfish. Recommended bait is spoon, squid and sardine.
  
• Gengarema Point. For King and Queen Mackerel, Grunter, Bonito, Kingfish. Recommended bait is spoon, plugs and driftbait.

General fishing information: It may be necessary to hire a Landrover to reach the best spots. Boats can be hired for fly fishing. Kingfish, Bonito, Bonefish and Gars are prevalent at evening high tide.

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.)

• Lighthouse Point (max. depth 15m average 12m)
• Greek Temple (max. depth 16m average 13m)
• 12 Mile Reef (max. depth 25m average 14m)
• Whale Rock (max. depth 12m)
• Two Mile Reef (max. depth 15m)
• Gengarema Point (max. depth 23m)
• Manta Reef
• Rainbow Runner Dive

• Venges Bay
• Coral Gardens

• Drinks in coolboxes can be arranged with the barman for picnics or boat outings.
• Food baskets for picnics can be arranged with the caterer in advance for longer trips on the island.
• A daily laundry service is offered at the Lodge at no charge.

• MARLIN LODGE
• INDIGO BAY
• AGUIA NEGRA