Along the historical Mozambique channel lies tropical Ilha de Benguerra. It is here that Benguerra Lodge - a unique and incomparable African island paradise - is washed by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The Lodge is small and intimate and offers genuine all-inclusive hospitality, personalised service and an intimate knowledge of the natural environment. It has a rich East African/Arabic feel - evinced in both the decor, and the unique and delectable food. The rooms all merge naturally into the surrounding forest and are only moments from the gorgeous silver-white beach of Benguerra Bay.

Benguerra is passionate about conservation and dedicated to the involvement of the local community in conserving this idyllic corner of the world. This is barefoot luxury at its very best!

It is no wonder that Benguerra Lodge is one of the most sought after African island destinations for the discerning international traveller:

• Winner of 2007 World Travel Award: Mozambique's Leading Safari.

Benguerra Lodge is situated on the protected north-west side of Benguerra Island, which is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, off the coast of the Mozambique mainland.

There are four different kinds of accommodation at Benguerra - each with their unique characteristics and attractions.

The Cabanas: Built right on the edge of the beach. Romantic and elegant, the suites offer guests the chance to experience the ultimate island getaway.

The Cabanas each have Queen-sized bed with mosquito net, large bathroom with bath, shower and outdoor shower, overhead fan, private deck with jacuzzi/plunge pool and sun loungers, mini-bar, tea & coffee making facilities.

The Casitas: A home away from home, where the eco conscious traveller can relax and enjoy the spacious and luxurious comforts to be found in this African Island Paradise. The Casita embraces Benguerra's unique blend of safari chic and Arabic style.

Each Casita has a Queen size bed with mosquito net, tastefully appointed lounge area, 100m2 of private timber deck with plunge pool, and outdoor dining gazebo for starlit dinners.

Villa Chibuene: The epitome of exclusivity. The luxury furnishings and private facilities make it an ideal place for those wanting unsurpassed comfort and privacy, honeymooners and families.

A personal chef prepares all meals at the Villa, although the main lodge's dining facilities are also available to Villa guests, if desired. Villa Chibuene has two double bedrooms (which may be converted into twins), mosquito nets and overhead fans, en-suite bathrooms with beautiful copper baths, outdoor showers with intricate mosaic inlays, intimate lounge and dining area, personal chef, private wooden deck and swimming pool and direct beach access

The Villas at Benguerra: An extension of the award wining Benguerra Lodge. This fantastic addition to the property embraces Benguerra's unique blend of safari chic with Arabic flair and grandeur, while emphasizing privacy, warm intimate hospitality, fine service and pristine beauty. The Villas offer their guests sophisticated barefoot luxury on secluded white beaches in an unspoilt natural environment all infused with the classic East Africa safari experience.

Each luxurious villa features four romantic, elegantly appointed en-suite bedrooms, a central living area with sala, lounge, bar and dining room, a private rim-flow pool overlooking Benguerra Bay, an enclosed lounge with satellite television, audio system and book collection, a rooftop terrace with Bedouin shade, and a fully equipped kitchen.

The Main body of Benguerra Lodge consists of:

• Large Reception Area and Gift Shop
• Expansive Lounge and Bar, Dining Room - all with large wooden decks and indoor and outdoor seating areas.
• Swimming Pool
• Small Spa.

Meals at Benguerra are comprised largely of freshly caught seafood - with delicacies such as prawns, crab and crayfish. Traditional Mozambican cuisine, Portuguese flavours and a variety of delicious dishes make up the daily menus. Breakfast and lunch are buffet affairs, while dinner is a set menu. Guests with special dietary requirements can be individually catered for.

The island and the lodge provide a variety of settings for lunches and dinners which contribute to the magic and romance of the island experience.

Benguerra is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, which broke away from the mainland thousands of years ago. The island is approximately 55 square kilometers (11km long x 5.5 km wide), and lies 14km offshore. It is famous for its unspoiled white beaches, remarkable dive sites and excellent fishing (subject to a strict "catch & release" policy).

Some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world is available off Benguerra's shores with the surrounding coral reefs rich in sea life. The archipelago is one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered Dugong. A pale, voluptuous sea mammal fabled to have made bygone mariners believe in mermaids.

Inland, Benguerra Island comprises forest, savannah, freshwater lakes and wetland eco-systems that sustain a diverse population of fauna and flora. Fresh water crocodiles can be found in the three lakes, bearing testimony to the island's mainland past. The island, which is home to approximately 140 bird species, was declared a National Park in 1971. Benguerra Lodge and the Bazaruto National Park strive, in conjunction with the community and other related parties, to maintain the diverse and pristine environment for the enjoyment of future generations.

Indulge yourself in countless hours of relaxation under coconut palms, delight in the diversity of birdlife, visit the historic freshwater lakes (and their crocodiles), sail in a traditional Dhow and search the seas for the legendary dugongs... You can choose to do as much, or as little, as you like at Benguerra Lodge.

The Lodge takes great pride in their personal service - and whether you are snorkeling on the Archipelago's magnificent reefs, or casting a fly from a boat - you will have an experienced guide with you. Specific activities on offer include:

• Diving and Snorkeling
• Deep sea fishing
• Saltwater fly fishing
• Dhow cruises
• Castaway picnics
• Landrover trips
• Bird watching
• Island walks
• Village visits
• Sea kayaking
• Catamaran cruises
• Horse riding.

A single supplement of 50% is charged.

CHILD POLICY: No children under 8 years of age & only accommodated in the private Villa.

Rates are quoted in US Dollars and include:

• All meals and snacks, including beach dinners and private meals on Casita decks
• Local spirits & beers, house wines, soft drinks, bottled water, teas & coffees and 1 complimentary ?cocktail of the week?
• 15 minute neck/back massage on arrival or within 24 hours of arrival (booking essential)
• Refreshing, non-alcoholic welcome cocktail on arrival
• Sea kayaking, use of diving, snorkeling & fishing equipment
• Daytime guided island walk & village visit
• Guided village nightlife experience - end with drinks in the local tavern (drinks excluded from rate)
• Weekly cultural event, including beach barbeque and tribal dances
• Weekly wine tasting event
• Daily laundry service, medical evacuation, local taxes
• Various special honeymoon treats
• Services of a Mozambican host/butler - Casitas
• Services of a Mozambican cook/butler - Villa Chibuene