If you say Bazaruto, I think blue – many shades and hues of blue on the vast tidal flats that lie between mainland Mozambique and the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Bazaruto covers an area of more than 500 square miles, just a beautiful but tiny part of the entire 1,500 mile long Mozambique coastline. The Bazaruto archipelago is made up of 5 islands and is undoubtedly one of the most important marine sanctuaries in Africa. The fact that there is a handful of excellent lodges from which to explore help a lot!
In October last year, I was privileged to revisit the region and spend time with big supporters of African Parks in and around the archipelago getting to understand the conservation work being done. As wild as it is, Bazaruto is also a human landscape, primarily people involved in artisanal fishing. Much of the work revolves around understanding and monitoring impacts as well as working on training and education to find more sustainable ways of living from the ocean. There is also a marine law enforcement program which also forms a key part of the work being done.
The critically endangered Dugong (cousin of the more widespread Manatee) calls Bazaruto home. It can get entangled in nets and despite being illegal is also on the menu for some! African Parks has initiated research through tagging to monitor movements and gain a better understanding of their needs for living. It is estimated there may be roughly 300 individuals, the last remaining viable population in the western Indian Ocean. Finding one is not that easy, so you can imagine the exhilaration when we finally glimpsed one in the channel between Bazaruto and Benguerra Island!
There is a wonderful mix of wildlife to see. From dolphins and whales to the tiny Suni antelope and beautiful birds. This means keeping your binoculars and camera at hand! We spent time walking the beaches logging turtle nests and enjoyed the snorkelling on the many excellent reefs as well.
Beach clean-up is an important part of restoring the islands’ shoreline. This is done by a wonderful team and the waste moved to the mainland for processing and reuse. It is a never-ending task!
Having made the journey out here, there was also time to unwind and simply enjoy the calm pace the islands are known for. The great hospitality and the sounds of the ocean lapping on the shore outside the rooms will go down in memory!
