Trip finderAll destinationsWhere to go each monthBest places to visitSee all: DestinationsAll 54 countriesInteractive mapNorth AfricaSee all: CountriesWhat safaris really costPlan your first safariGreat Migration by monthSee all: SafariAll animalsLionMountain gorillaSee all: WildlifeBest time to visitVisasHealth and malariaSee all: Plan
Photo: Brian DellBdell555 (talk), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mozambique · Southern Africa · Beach

Bazaruto Archipelago

Turquoise water, sand dunes and coral reefs in a protected marine park.

Best timeMay to Nov
Ideal stay3 to 5 nights
GatewayVilanculos
Month by month
  1. JAnuary
  2. FEbruary
  3. MArch
  4. APril
  5. MAy (good)
  6. JUne (good)
  7. JUly (good)
  8. AUgust (good)
  9. SEptember (good)
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember (good)
  12. DEcember

Travel advice: some regions are off-limits. Check your government’s advice for the exact areas before you book.

The Bazaruto islands, off Vilanculos, are a marine national park with dugongs, turtles, manta rays and some of Africa’s best snorkelling and diving.

Highlights

  • Snorkelling at Two Mile Reef
  • Dhow sailing
  • Sand dunes on Bazaruto island
  • Dugong spotting

Wildlife to look for

  • Dugong
  • Sea turtles
  • Manta ray

Where to stay

Luxury island lodges, or cheaper stays in Vilanculos with day trips.

Getting there

Fly to Vilanculos via Johannesburg or Maputo, then boat or helicopter.

Tips

  • Day trips from Vilanculos are a good-value way to see the islands.
  • Winter months are breezy but dry.
  • Combine with Kruger.

Best time to visit

May to Nov. See where to go in Africa in May and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Travel advice: Parts of the country are off-limits under most government travel advice. Check your government’s advice before booking.

Plan your stay

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

These searches open on the booking sites. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Always check reviews and the operator’s licence.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Bazaruto Archipelago?

May to Nov. Day trips from Vilanculos are a good-value way to see the islands.

How long should I spend at Bazaruto Archipelago?

3 to 5 nights.

How do I get to Bazaruto Archipelago?

Fly to Vilanculos via Johannesburg or Maputo, then boat or helicopter.

Have you been to Bazaruto Archipelago?

Rate it

Tips from travellers

Been to Bazaruto Archipelago? Share one tip for the next traveller. The first good one goes right here.

Share a tip

We read every tip before it goes live. No links, please, and nothing personal about other people.

Questions from readers

Got a question about Bazaruto Archipelago? Ask it here.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.

Nearby and similar

Zanzibar

Spice island beaches and the winding alleys of UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb 4 to 7 nights

Cape Town

Table Mountain, beaches, penguins, wine and food in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Oct to Apr 4 to 6 nights

Okavango Delta

A vast inland delta where floodwaters arrive in the dry season, drawing wildlife from all around.

May to Oct 3 to 5 nights

Lake Malawi

A vast freshwater lake with clear water and colourful fish.

May to Nov 3 to 5 nights