Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park FAQ

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Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park near Mozambique

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  1. How does one get to the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park?

    You can get to the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park, by:

    1. By Plane: There are direct flights from Johannesburg, Maputo and Kruger Mpumulanga International Airports to Vilanculos and from there you can book a private charter flight to Bazaruto Island which takes approximately 15 minutes depending on weather conditions. If you are booking accommodation on any of the Bazaruto Islands, please enquire what costs are involved hiring a charter flight to take you there.
    2. By Helicopter: Some resorts have private helicopters which can pick you up and take you to your destination. Please enquire directly with the associated business to arrange a helicopter transfer.
    3. By Boat: Most resorts offer boat "shuttle" transfers from Vilanculos or Inhassoro. The trip is much longer than by air (as long as 2 hours) but is cheaper. Note that most boat transfer departures are very time specific and tides also play a part with transfers. Arrangements and planning must be done in advance.
    4. By Local Dhow Transfer Services: This is a budget option but is also serves an opportunity to experience a local dhow cruise to your destination
    5. Using your own Boat: If you are planning to bring your own boat with up to Vilanculos, then that's your transfer vessel

  2. Can I hire a 4x4 in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park?

    Some resorts may offer vehicle hire but most offer tourists tours around the island by vehicle. Otherwise some do hire out "Mini Mokes" (small electric vehicles) in which you can explore the island and surroundings if you have a valid drivers license. Kindly enquire with the resort you're staying with directly for more information.

  3. How far is the drive from Johannesburg / Durban to Vilanculos?

    We advise if you self-drive, that you make it a 2 day trip, with your overnight stay either in Maputo or Marracuene. The drive from Johannesburg to Maputo is approximately 545km. The drive from Durban to Maputo is approximately 728km. The drive from Maputo to Vilanculos is approximately a 9 hour drive. As mentioned above, there are some bad stretches of road between Xai Xai and Vilanculos that may bring your speed right down to 40km/h or even less due to potholes and poor road conditions.

    When travelling and calculating time, please consider the border opening times, queues and the time it may take processing documents at the border, speed limits, poor road conditions and unforseen weather conditions.

  4. Great, do I need a visa to fly to Vilanculos / Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park?

    Only citizens from Mozambique's neighbouring countries are exempt from visas to travel to Mozambique for leisure, however overseas visitors will have to obtain visas at the airport upon arrival (approximately US$ 50.00 per person - prices are subject to change - please contact the airport for more information regarding visa prices).

  5. Are there Banks or ATMS in Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park?

    No, but there are 3 major banks in Vilanculos: Barclays, BCI (Banco Comercial e de Investimentos) and BIM (Banco Internacional de Mocambique) Millennium which all have ATM machines for Visa cards (not always Mastercard). Banks are open from 08h00 - 15h00 on weekdays. Barclays Bank is open on Saturdays from 9h00 - 12h00.

    Be prepared and withdraw a sufficient amount of money either in the country you are travelling from and / or in large cities and towns in Mozambique to avoid inconveniences. Please remember to always keep your money in a safe and discreet place

  6. Are there credit card facilities in Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park?

    We kindly advise you ask and confirm with the venue you're staying at or visiting if they offer credit card facilities prior to taking on their services. Otherwise cash is ONLY accepted in small shops and markets, so it's important to have cash on-hand.

  7. Is there a shop or market where I can buy groceries and supplies in Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park?

    Not quite on the main larger islands, however most resorts will have curio shops, kiosks where you can buy basic products. But you will find locals selling freshly caught fish on the islands. Before embarking on your journey to the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park, you can purchase everything you need in Vilanculos 5km inland where a busy and vibrant commercial village offers lots of fresh fish, produce and vegetables from their local market stalls.

  8. Is Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park a malaria area and do I need to take anti-malaria medication?

    Yes, Mozambique as a whole is a Malaria risk Area / Country. We recommend you take precautions and visit your nearest doctor (you now need a prescription for Malaria Tablets) to prescribe you with what's recommended.

    Be prepared and take other prophylactics like insect repellent sprays, mosquito coils, light long sleeve tops and bottoms to further prevent bites.

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See Holiday Destinations Near Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park:

Inhassoro 30 km

A beautiful beach village perfect for exploring the magnificent Bazaruto Archipelago Islands. Welcome to Inhassoro, a beautiful secluded village approximately 80km north of Vilanculos ...

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Vilanculos 40 km

Some people argue "If you have never been to Vilanculos, then you've never experienced Mozambique's true beauty". Welcome to Vilanculos, Approximatley 750km north of the capital of Maputo. This bustling seaside paradise is a great "stepping-stone" for ...

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Nova Mambone 170 km
The area of Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park is characterized under: Beach Getaways Diving & Snorkeling Peace & Tranquillity Wildlife & Nature

Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park Reviews thus far:

If you have been to the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park before, we'd appreciate you share your experiences, tips and suggestions. Please rate and write your review below ...

The Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park

Five beautiful islands, unspoilt reefs, fresh water lakes, grasslands and bird watching what more could you want! Known as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' Bazaruto is the largest of five tropical islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago and is surrounded by the Bazaruto National Park. This is undoubtedly one of the world’s most stunning destinations, surrounded by magical coral reefs and perfect sandy beaches.

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Other Places of Interest:

Bazaruto Islands

Southern Mozambique

Santa Carolina (One of the Bazaruto Islands) hosted the popular and well known TV Show 'Survivor South Africa' in 2010.

Machangulo

Southern Mozambique

Visitors will be pleasantly treated with a game drive through the Maputo Special Reserve before reaching the Machangulo Peninsula. Spot various wildlife from elephants to giraffes, zebra, antelope, flamingos, crocodiles, hippos, birdlife among others ...

Zavora

Southern Mozambique

Zavora is a beautiful beach renowned for its huge protective reef running 2km parallel and close to the shoreline. This reef acts as a natural tidal pool with shallow, calm waters, perfect for activities such as snorkeling, swimming and fishing

Island of Mozambique

Northern Mozambique

The Island of Mozambique has played an important role since the 10th century in intercontinental trade to the East, in the 16th century is was an established and wealthy trading port for ships sailing on monsoon winds and where cargoes of ivory, gold and slaves were traded for fabrics and spices from India and Arabia.

Tofo

Southern Mozambique

Tofo Bay is ideally situated along the well renowned Manta Coast - a popular dive site region for all levels of diving experience with over 30 dive sites to explore.

Santa Maria

Southern Mozambique

Find beautiful pansy shells off the beaches of Santa Maria during a spring low tide, full or new moon.

Pomene

Southern Mozambique

Ponta Falsa (the tip of Pomene beach) has some great rocky cliff features including the "whole in the wall" and a huge blowhole. Explore the ruins of the Old Pomene Hotel which was once the holiday home of Samora Machel where one can admire beautiful bay views

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Quick Tips
Booking early is crucial !!

If you are serious about planning a holiday in Mozambique for Easter, the school holidays or during the Christmas festive season and New Year, then we highly suggest you start placing enquiries a few months in advance to avoid dissapointment. Eg: Start enquiring no later than October for the December holidays.

Believe it or not, people start enquiring as early as January for the December holidays.

Looking for border information?

Need to know what documents are required at Mozambique's border as well as other important information? Click here (opens in new tab) for all the details ...

The "From" (starting) rates ...

Remember, some establishments charge either per unit or per person sharing. If the rate is per unit, then you'll see we have conveniently divided the rate to what-it-would-be per person sharing on their advert under the "Rates" tab.

Use the Currency Converter tool

Some establishments charge in different currencies such as the US Dollar, South African Rands or Mozambican Meticais (Mt).
So we've provided a handy currency converter tool at the bottom left-hand side of your screen (or under 'Useful Tools' if you're on a mobile device) to convert these currencies into yours.

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Use our Mozambique Pictorial Map to find other amazing places you've never heard of before whether it be close to where you're looking or further beyond. There are so many "hidden gems" in Mozambique than just the usual spots.

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Categories Explained

For better understanding, we have put together a brief summary guide of what each category means and to also give you an idea of what each associated icon refers to when you see them on listings & adverts.

Listed in alphabetical order

Backpackers Lodge:

Those who are on a tight budget should keep a lookout for this category icon. This type of establishment offers dormitory (shared) bedroom accommodation with other "Backpackers" generally using either single beds or bunk beds with a communal kitchen and shared ablutions.

Bar On-Site:

Meaning the venue has its own bar on-site with staff serving alcohol/non-alcohol beverages and perhaps "pub-grub" included. They may offer satellite TV for bar patrons to follow the latest sporting fixtures live and may also host live music on certain days / evenings.

Bed & Breakfast:

If an establishment has this icon, this means they either include breakfast in their rates or offer the opportunity for you to choose to include breakfast during your stay which is usually served to guests in an on-site breakfast room dinette or restaurant. Some B&B's offer basic / light (continental) breakfasts, Full English breakfasts or buffet style breakfast options.

Campsite / Glamping:

Either they offer camping grounds for you to pitch your own tent if on a tight budget and / or they have their own pre-setup tents for you to camp in, some offering private facilities (aka "Glamping") within their tents such as beds, a fridge, sofa and bathroom.

Conference Venue:

This means the establishment has a dedicated hall room specially arranged and equipped with most facilities to host important business meetings, teambuilding events or any other occasion alike.

Disabled Friendly Accommodation:

Goes without saying. Any establishment marked with this icon and listed under this category offers facilities for those who have reduced mobility. They may have basic facilities for these conditions or advanced. Kindly enquire with them directly for more information and/or specific requirements you may need.

Dive Charter:

These are dive centres who are a team of qualified dive instructors (PADI which means Professional Association of Diving Instructors) offering SCUBA diving lessons for clients and excursions to some of the best dive sites in the region for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Eco Lodges:

Environmentally friendly establishments built by local communities using naturally sourced / non-toxic materials with the objective of protecting the surrounding habitat. These types of lodges range from rustic bush and beach to luxury accommodation. Not only does this movement protect the environment, but it also helps support local families.

Fishing Charter:

This means the associated business offers professional paid-for deep sea fishing charters / outings and excursions for those fishing enthusiasts (and for newbies). They generally have a fully equipped fishing boat and all the fishing gear ready for clients to bait up and cast a line. Their expertize, knowledge and experience will reward you with some of the best fishing spots for an action packed deep sea fishing experience.

For Sale:

If you're looking to invest or buy property in Mozambique, keep an eye out for this category for the latest in the property market.

Full Board Accommodation:

Full Board means breakfast, lunch and dinner (also known as "All Inclusive"). If a venue is listed under this category, then they either offer guests the choice of a full board meal plan during their stay or their rates by default include full board meals. a lot of these establishments will have private personal chefs serving guests top class cuisine.

Group Accommodation:

Because this is a popular search and request amongst many, we have created this specific category for exactly that - group accommodation which is very much the same as our Holiday Homes category. These are establishments that can cater and accommodate for large groups of 8 people and up in the same house / unit offering most self catering facilities as if you are "home away from home".

Guest House:

Similar to a typical B&B, a Guest House is usually a private house offering very few accommodation units all within the main building structure (or some seperately). Some serve home cooked meals within their in-house dining room specially catered to seat all their guests and offer a lounge area where fellow travellers can interact, socialize and share stories.

Holiday Home:

This type of accommodation is usually ideal for large groups of people going on holiday being a "home away from home" with numerous bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen for your self catering needs, lounge, toilets, braai/BBQ area, some with a swimming pool and some offering exclusive privacy.

Honeymoon / Romantic Accommodation:

Very self-explanatory. A venue will be listed under this category if they offer a specific luxury, private honeymoon suite or because our admin has "hand-picked" the establishment to be perfect for such an occasion based on their location and facilities offered. However, you are the best judge when it comes to planning that special getaway with your loved one anyway. Pssst ... and it doesn't have to be expensive either to enjoy, right?!

Hotel:

A hotel is generally a large premises that can accommodate a large amount of guests in many adjacent rooms grading from standard 2 sleeper units to "executive" luxury suites offering more in-room space and facilities. They generally have a restaurant and bar on-site for all day meals and drinks (quite often offered on a buffet dining basis). Other on-site facilities may include a swimming pool, gym, spa, in/outdoor entertainment area for kids, a conference / wedding room for meetings / ceremonies and a small shop.

Restaurant / Personal Chef(s) On-Site:

This indicates that the establishment has a small / large restaurant on-site for their guests (they may also accept walk-ins for non-guests) or they have on-board catering staff serving guests in their own private space or in a designated dining area.

Self Catering:

This type of establishment offers guests facilities required to cater / cook on their own terms whether it be within a holiday home for example or on communal grounds.

Spa:

This means the establishment has spa facilities and services offered to guests who are looking for personal treatments during their vacation.

Tours & Safaris:

These business services can range from swimming with dolphins, horse riding, city tours, boat tours, island tours, dhow tours to game drives and more. You'll have to click on their advert to find out more and what they have to offer.

Wedding Venue:

This means, the venue has all the on-site facilities and catering services to host large or small weddings and ceremonies. Depending on the size of the wedding, some may have enough units to accommodate all wedding guests.