ARCHIPELAGO PARK NATIONAL BAZARUTO

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK 1 2 ANAC THE LAST REFUGE FOR DUGONGS IN THE EAST COAST OF AFRICA!

Fotografia da capa: Rani Resorts BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK 3 BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK

The last refuge for dugongs in the East Coast of Africa! Established in 1971, the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is located in the coastal line of the Vilankulo and Inhassoro districts, in the , spanning over 5 islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangué. The Park, with an extension of 1583 km2, was created to preserve the dugong and the sea turtles. Those who dive in the Park’s turquoise waters can witness the picturesque beauty of the corals and its rich ecosystem. You can also spend some quality time in the Park’s forests with saltwater lagoons, where the flamingos meet.

4 ANAC BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK 5 Inhassoro

Bazaruto Island HOW TO GET TO THE PARK

BY AIR If you are coming from South Africa, there are direct Vilanculos flights from Johannesburg and Nelspruit to Vilankulo. In case you are coming from another country, you can book a flight to Maputo and then to Vilankulo.

When you arrive at the Vilankulo International Airport, you will find charter flights available that will take you to the Park. By Sea By Air By Land

6 ANAC BY SEA After arriving at Vilankulo or Inhassoro by shopping. Throughout the road, enjoy land or air, you can take a boat to the Park. the vast coconut plantations, other green vegetation and crops until you reach the Pambara intersection. There you must take BY LAND the road to your right that leads to Vilankulo. From Maputo, follow the EN1 to Vilankulo. You will pass through the cities of Xai-Xai, While in Vilankulo, make a stop and in the Gaza Province, and Maxixe, in the enjoy a nice meal in one of the several Inhambane Province, two coastal cities where local restaurants. The population is kind you can make a stop to refuel your vehicle, and is used to interact with people from have a meal or even do some convenience different nationalities.

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK 7 8 ANAC BEST TIME TO VISIT

In , there isn’t a cold season equivalent in temperatures to the northern hemisphere’s winter. Therefore, any time of the year is adequate to visit the Park. The hottest season is between November and April, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 35ºC.

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK 9 ACTIVITIES

The Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is considered one of the best locations to practice both snorkelling and scuba diving in all of Southern Africa. Allow yourself to also practice recreational fishing, hiking, canoeing, car, boat and horseback rides. At dusk, the sunlight offers an image of nature with interesting tones, allowing you to capture stunning pictures.

10 ANAC ACCOMMODATION

In the Park, you will find excellent tourist resorts with the necessary conditions to enjoy the unusual natural beauty. In the Island of Bazaruto there is the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge and the Anantara Resort. In the Island of Benguerra you can find the Gabriel Eco Island, the Azura Benguerra Island and the &Beyond Benguerra Island. In the Island of Magaruque there is the Magaruque Island Lodge.

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK 11 MAIN ATTRACTIONS

The heavenly beaches and natural pools of turquoise waters, as well as the gigantic white sand parabolic dunes that characterize the Park, are the dreamlike location to anyone, especially thanks to its serenity and rare beauty. For those who enjoy venturing underwater, you can swim with dugongs, dolphins and sea turtles, making it one of the greatest experience to remember for the rest of your life. Besides that, the Park shelters more than 180 bird species, many of them rare and migratory. The saltwater lagoons inhabited by flamingos are also a view not to be missed.

12 ANAC MOST EMBLEMATIC SPECIES

The Bazaruto Archipelago hosts to biggest dugong population in the East Coast of Africa. Its wonderful marine diversity also includes species such as sea turtles, manta rays, sharks, whales, dolphins, and others. Land species, including samango monkeys, duikers, red squirrels and pythons can be observed in the islands. Christian Schlamann

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK 13 CURIOSITIES

The recovery of Persian porcelain in Ponta Dundo, in the southernmost point of the Island of Bazaruto, together with other fragments of jars found in several other archaeological locations, suggest connections with a broader commercial network in the Indian Ocean. The Bazaruto Archipelago is considered one of the oldest and most important commercial hubs on the Southern Africa coastline.

The Park’s gastronomy is famous for the high quality fresh fish, a diversity of crustaceans and shellfish and a variety of locally produced vegetables.

14 ANAC BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK 15 ENJOY NATURE CONSCIOUSLY!

Find out more by venturing into the Park. We await you

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK

Viewing hours: 24 hours (every day) Phone: (+258) 824740320 / 843331110 / 847118262 Fax: (+258) 293 82383 E-mail: [email protected]

2017 16 ANAC