| |
Nestled
within a bay on the protected north-west side of the island, the Lodge
merges naturally into the indigenous milk wood and acacia forests and
is flanked by 13 thatched chalets built on stilts.
The Chalets have wooden
floors, reed walls and thatched roofs. Each chalet consists of a double
room, en-suite bathroom with a shower and a veranda / balcony. Six chalets
contain double beds and the rest are twin bedded. Each chalet offers
its own wonderful sea view and immediate access to the beach.
Sunsets, peace and solitude are a reality at Benguerra allowing the
visitor to choose what to do – or not to do. Guests can relax on unspoilt,
uncrowded, pristine beaches or for more active moments there is excellent
bird watching, superb diving and snorkelling as well as excellent fishing.
Nor should one miss the dhow cruise to view the flamingos.
Facilities
The main lodge building consists of an expansive separate lounge/dining
room with a bar area, leading out onto a large patio. In the Restaurant,
freshly caught fish, calamari and crab are served, tantalizingly prepared
together with exotic Portuguese dishes. Meals are relaxed affairs served
in different settings and always with unsurpassed personal attention.
Power
Generator lighting AC 220 volts, solar power is used to heat water. Videos
can be recharged AC 220 volts, 3 pin round plugs
Activities
Deep sea diving, snorkelling, game fishing, fly fishing, deep-sea fishing,
dhow cruises, castaway picnics, beachcombing, bird watching, visits to
freshwater lakes, mainland excursions to Vilanculos, wind surfing and
volley ball.
Diving
To encourage visitors to enjoy pristine reefs where no coral bleaching
has taken place, we have a fully equippeddive
school with Dive Master certified for PADI and NAUI. There are numerous
reefs to explore with stunning arrays of coral, fish species, rays, turtles
and, if lucky, dugongs. Two-Mile Reef is well known for superb opportunities
to see many species of game and reef fish – and, of course, to
view the magnificent untouched corals. All the equipment is available
and is included in the cost of the dive. Diving courses may be completed
at the Lodge and resort courses are offered.
Snorkelling
Superb, safe snorkelling can be indulged in on the inside of Two-Mile
Reef. There, the wide variety of bejeweled fish and extraordinarily shaped
corals is breathtaking. Snorkelling is also offered at “The Aquarium”.
The corals and multitudes of colourful fish will remain a highlight of
the trip. The reefs are protected, unspoilt and pristine. However, no
corals may be removed from the reefs as the entire Archipelago is a designated
nature reserve.
Fishing
Fishing at the Lodge is excellent. Game fish such as king-, queen- and
spanish mackerel, kawakawa, kingfish, queenfish and sailfish can be
caught all year round. Marlin season is from November – March.
The boats (Ace-cats), with experienced skipper and ghillie aboard are
fully equipped with 20lb rods and reels for 4 anglers. Two special
saltwater flyfishing boats with experienced guides are available. Numerous
species can be caught on fly.
Big Game Fishing
The Lodge maintains four 22-foot Ace-cat boats ready to do battle with
the monsters of the deep - such as Marlin and Sailfish. They are fully
equipped with fighting chairs, outriggers, safety equipment, radios,
and 20 lb fishing rods for four fishermen. Each boat is hosted by an
experienced skipper and ghillie who know the waters intimately. King-
queen- and spanish mackerel, kawakawa, kingfish, queenfish and sailfish
can be caught. Marlin season is Nov - March. A policy of "Catch and Release" is
encouraged and all boats have the necessary equipment on board for tagging.
Saltwater Fly-Fishing
The waters around Benguerra boast some of the finest saltwater flyfishing
on the continent. Fly fishers can pursue all the above game species,
including the much sought-after bonefish, which are also caught deep
fishing from time to time. Two specialist boats, “High Flyer” and “”Ahab”,
with experienced guides are available, each able to accommodate 2 fly
fishermen.
Excursions
Dhow cruises
Sail silently in a traditional Arab dhow along the coastline in search
of the island’s flamingos or glide peacefully, late afternoon with
sundowners, to witness one of Africa's marvels - the magnificent sunsets.
Mainland excursions
A trip to the historic town of Vilankulo can be arranged where you can
stroll the old harbour and famous Dona Ana
Hotel: browse the local market in search of treasures and tease your
palate with a local peri-peri dish.
Picnics
Arrange your own castaway picnic at a secret rendezvous under the island’s
casuarinas.
Birdwatching
Because of the diverse habitats – coastal dunes, open grasslands,
freshwater lakes, savannah and acacia woodlands - over 125 species of
birds, including all the sea birds visit Benguerra Island. See if you
too can spy the elusive crab plover.
Conservation
To maintain the ecology and social integrity of the Bazaruto National
Park, a long-term "Multiple Resource Use" project for the Archipelago
is underway. Benguerra Lodge subscribes to the wise and sustainable
use of the resources and contributes financially to the project. A
donation of US$10 per person is requested for the multiple resource
project. Currency
Payment for all reservations are due prior to arrival at the Lodge. All
extras incurred on the island are due in full on departure from the
Lodge, in US Dollars or SA Rands. Visa, MasterCard, and American
Express accepted, but not Diners Club. |
|
