Bazaruto Frequently Asked Questions

What's the weather like in Bazaruto, and when is the best time to go?

Mozambique has a tropical climate, with year-round warm temperatures. The rainy season lasts from November to April. It's very hot and humid at this time of year, with temperatures reaching high into the 30°Cs. There are usually brief downpours of rain, after which the sun comes out again.

The best time to visit the islands is from May to September when both humidity and temperatures are slightly lower (around 22° to 30°C). These months also experience the least rainfall, so you can look forward to brilliant blue sky and sunshine.

When is the cyclone season?

January and February - during these months the weather can turn nasty for days at a time.

How accessible are the islands?

There are regular flights from Johannesburg in South Africa to Vilanculos - the springboard to the islands. A popular option is combining an island holiday in Mozambique with a safari in the Greater Kruger region, and there are now twice weekly flights from Kruger Airport direct to Vilanculos. From Vilanculos you'll be transferred to the islands by light aircraft, helicopter or boat - depending on your island accommodation.

Read more about getting to the islands.

Do I have to pay airport taxes?

You'll need to pay both an arrival and departure tax at Vilanculos Airport:

Domestic = US$ 8 pp (upon arrival)
Immigration = US$ 3 pp (upon arrival and departure)
International = US$ 20 pp (upon departure)

Can I drive from South Africa into Mozambique?

You can, but we don't recommend it. Many of the roads in Mozambique are in poor condition, and petrol stations can be few and far between. Also, a lot of car rental companies don't allow their cars to be driven over the border into Mozambique.

Do I need a visa to visit Mozambique?

All nationalities, apart from South Africans and Zambians, require a visa to enter Mozambique. You should obtain your visa prior to arrival, although it's possible (but not advisable) to get your visa at your port of entry. Check with your nearest Mozambican consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information regarding visas.

What is the water temperature, and when is the best time for scuba diving?

Scuba diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago occurs year-round. The water is always warm, with temperatures ranging from 28°C in summer to 22°C during the winter months. The water is also generally crystal-clear, and you can expect between 15 and 30 metres visibility.

October to early December is the best time to see whale sharks.

Read more about Bazaruto diving holidays.

When are the fishing seasons?

The Bazaruto Archipelago has some of the best big game and bill-fishing as well as saltwater fly-fishing in the Indian Ocean, with people coming year-round to cast for trophy-sized catches.

Tuna, king and queen mackerel and giant trevally are available throughout the year. The main marlin season runs from September to January, and sailfish patrol the waters from May to September. Your best chance of catching the much sought-after, but fairly elusive, bonefish is between the months of April and August.

Read more about Bazaruto fishing holidays.

Is malaria a risk on the islands?

Malaria is a risk everywhere in Mozambique, but substantially less so on the islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago, due to the low numbers of people living there.

Indigo Bay, on Bazaruto Island, has a regular spraying programme, and government testing has found that there are no malaria-carrying mosquitoes on Benguerra Island. However, we wouldn't suggest relying on this, and highly recommend you consult your doctor about anti-malaria medication.

How much can I expect to pay for accommodation in Bazaruto?

You can expect to pay between US$380 and US$700 per person per night sharing, at one of the luxury lodges on the islands. This price usually includes all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and non-motorised water activities. Some lodges also include local beers and spirits, as well as house wine.

You can find accommodation priced at around US$100 per person per night in some of the lodges in Vilanculos, on Mozambique's mainland. But, for the experience of waking up in the lap of luxury, footsteps from a stretch of blindingly white sand and turquoise sea, it's definitely worth staying on the islands.

Is the tap water on the islands safe to drink?

The tap water at your island accommodation will probably be filtered and safe to drink, but we'd advise drinking bottled water. There's sure to be plenty of bottled water available in your room.

What is the standard tipping procedure?

Tipping is entirely at your discretion, depending on the level of service that you feel you received.

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