What is the best way to end a safari? I might answer the questions “with another safari”. However many people would probably point to the beach and some well-deserved relaxation time. I can now point to Benguerra Island in Mozambique as a great option after my visit. While Benguerra offers as much of relaxation as you can manage, for me the opportunity to explore the island and explore the waters around the island makes is compelling post safari destination. On the nature front, the island offers the chance to search for suni antelope and crocodiles on land. Birders can keep their eyes peeled for a myriad of birds, including beautiful egrets and the aptly named paradise fly catcher.

Without doubt a real highlight of Benguerra is to take to the waters around the island. On it or under, the tropical, rich, azure waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago surrounding Benguerra are the drawcard. Dolphins, whales, and the rare Western Indian Ocean dugong are mammal highlights. They are complemented by sea turtles, rays, sharks, and of course numerous fish. It is easy to see why the non-profit conservation organization African Parks, champions of conserving Africa’s unique biospheres, have taken management over this marine National Park. Their approach and management will hopefully provide the protection this area deserves for the long-term. You can learn more about African Parks’ activities in Bazaruto and throughout Africa at www.africanparks.org.

If this all sounds too active, there is always there is always the opportunity for deserted island style picnics and days spent rolling out of bed onto beautiful white sand beaches. I stayed with AndBeyond at their fantastic AndBeyond Benguerra Island resort (www.andbeyond.com). The always awesome and reliable Anderson Expeditions (www.andersonexpeditions.com) took care of all the logistics from bush to beach. This was definitely another adventure where I did not want to leave!

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