The lodge is situated on the western coast of Benguerra Island, overlooking its own beautiful palm-fringed bay about a kilometre down the beach from Azura. One of the most attractive features is that the lodge was built next to the last remaining tract of forest on the island, which gives it an attractive abundance of greenery that the other lodges on the island lack. The lodge buildings itself are also some of the most attractive in Mozambique and decorated in uniquely North African style – the colour palette for example offers up an arresting array of ochres, reds, golds and oranges that harmonises beautifully with the timber and thatch finishes of the buildings.

the rooms at Benguerra have perhaps the finest beach views of any of the lodges in the area – open the folding shuttered windows and the doors and you enjoy wonderful views over your private deck with plunge pool to the beach and sea beyond There are 2 different room types - the Casitas and Chalets – as well as a large and luxurious Villa. There are just 2 Chalets and these are the smallest of the rooms at Benguerra – having said that they still come with their own plunge pool/Jacuzzi on a private deck overlooking the beach, as well as an outdoor shower. But it’s the gorgeous Casitas that perhaps best encapsulate Benguerra’s unique blend of safari chic and Arabic style. A lot larger than the Chalets, the Casitas are similarly constructed with lovely timber and thatch roofs – inside they are completely open plan with a lounge area, sleeping area, and bathroom at the far end. We especially love the stand alone burnished copper baths not to mention the outside shower, with its lovely mosaic floor and dry-stone wall style enclosure!

The rooms at Benguerra have perhaps the finest beach views of any of the lodges in the area – open the folding shuttered windows and the doors and you enjoy wonderful views over your private deck with plunge pool to the beach and sea beyond. Down on the beach is your own thatched shady sala where you can relax with a book or enjoy the timeless sight of local fishing dhows tacking past the lodge on the trade winds. From there you’re faced with the tricky choice as to whether to refresh yourself in the sea or your private plunge pool (there is also a main lodge pool often used for training divers)

The lodge was originally built to cater for the many fishermen wanting to target the huge game fish that abound in these waters. Excellent deep sea fishing is still on offer today (and fly fishing for the enthusiasts) but Benguerra Lodge offers a lot more besides – for a start there’s fantastic diving and snorkelling, kayaking or dhow cruises, enjoy a castaway picnic on a deserted island or perhaps horse-riding along the beach to name just a few. Afterwards relax with a massage either in the privacy of your room or the treatment room, before heading to the fantastic beach bar (in the shape of a classic old wooden dhow pulled up on the sand next to the pool) for sundowners as you watch the sun set and the moon rise with your feet in the sand.

After all that action (or even if you’ve just been lazing all day!) you’ll no doubt be ready for dinner – and here Benguerra Lodge is unlikely to disappoint either, especially if you’re a keen seafood lover! You’ll feast on the freshest fish, Mozambique’s famous prawns and lobster on occasion. Whilst there is an open sided dining room under thatch next to the main bar, dinners will often be enjoyed under the stars on the deck or on the beach with your toes in the sand. Ultimately Benguerra Lodge makes for a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life – highly recommended!

We love the Safari Style meets North Africa chic design of the lodge buildings – the feel is very much that of a game lodge located on the beach rather than in the bush!

Private plunge pools always add a romantic edge to any lodge and Benguerra is no exception (no children under 8 also adds to the romantic atmosphere that prevails)

Fantastic beach bar right on the endless sandy beach is a great place to chill out with a few cold ones – and because it faces west you enjoy spectacular sunsets!

The sea offers the perfect playground for the more active including superb fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling – back on land choose from things like horse-riding and landrover tours of the island

The days when Mozambique was a bargain destination are long over – like all the island lodges Benguerra carries a not insignificant price tag

No air-conditioning which may be a concern for some clients during the heat of summer – Azura or one of the Rani lodges may be a better bet if this is an issue

Like most of East Africa, Benguerra Island is very tidal so the sea retreats considerably at low tide (good news that you have a private plunge pool then!)