Bazaruto Environment

The Bazaruto islands were formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, when sand was deposited by the waters of the Limpopo River (the estuary of this great river has now shifted several hundred kilometers to the south).

Freshwater Lakes and Natural Forests

Back then, both Benguerra Island and Bazaruto Island were part of a vast sand peninsula, which jutted out from Mozambique's mainland. This explains the presence of massive crocodiles in the islands' freshwater lakes, as well as other mainland species such as suni antelope.

Running along the edge of the islands are tall sand dunes, while inland the diverse vegetation ranges from natural forests, grasslands and wetlands, to indigenous trees bearing edible fruit. If you'd like to learn more about the islands' environment during your Bazaruto island holiday, we'd recommend an island tour.

The Ocean and Smaller Islands

The islands and ocean all form part of the Bazaruto National Park, which protects the fauna and flora as well as the magnificent coral reefs and marine environment.

Flying over the brilliant turquoise ocean on a clear day, you'll notice pale sand. At low tide many white sandy islands pop up, covered in shells; six hours later they'll be ten meters underwater again. Legend has it that the Portuguese disposed of prisoners by leaving them on a beautiful deserted island at the mercy of the tides.

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