The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands in Mozambique, near the mainland city of Vilankulo. It comprises the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque, Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island) and Shell.
The islands were formed from sand deposited by the Limpopo River, which has since shifted its course. Tourist attractions include sandy beaches, coral reefs, and opportunities for surfing and fishing. The archipelago became a National Park in 1971.
The Bazaruto archipelago is truly one of the most beautiful destinations on the African continent. The area is now protected as a conservation area and national park, including the coral reefs surrounding the islands.
The National Park and surrounding marine environment is a unique eco-system sustaining a diverse population of fauna and flora including forest, savannah and wetlands.
Bazaruto sustains the last viable population of the endangered dugong on the coast of Africa. Four species of turtle are found here. The samango monkey inhabits the islands and mangroves of the mainland. Wildlife includes small antelope, flamingos, pelicans, otters, dolphin, humpback whales and crocodiles in the inland island lakes. Hundreds of species of fish have been recorded and 160 species of birds.
