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Benguerra

Mozambique · Island · MZN · -21.850000, 35.450000
Family friendly 5.5/10 · Rank 1952 of 2 709
Best season: May-November (dry season)

Best for

Suitable for luxury travellers, diving enthusiasts, marine life watchers and secluded beach lovers.

Best season

May-November (dry season)

Daily budget
$249.00 (≈ 22 410 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 743.00 (≈ 156 870 ₽)
Benguerra is the second-largest island of the Bazaruto Archipelago, famous for its white-sand beaches, sand dunes, and crystal-clear water. The island is a popular destination for luxury holidays, offering travelers eco-lodges, excellent diving opportunities, and marine life watching. Benguerra is the perfect place for those seeking solitude and wanting to enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Summer
31.0°C
Winter
16.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, working in tourism.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • White sand beaches
  • Crystal clear water
  • Sea turtles and dugongs
  • Luxury resorts

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Remoteness
  • Limited infrastructure
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
31.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
22.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
25.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
16.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
27.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
January-March (wet season)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
white sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
West Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Water shoes recommended due to sea urchins and corals.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found on reefs and rocky areas

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs along the coast, possible cuts

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish occur in warm months

Sharks — details

  • Various shark species inhabit the waters of Benguerra Island, including the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum), as well as endangered hammerhead sharks and shorttail nurse sharks.
  • Shark attacks on humans in the Benguerra Island area are extremely rare. It is recommended to swim only in lifeguard-patrolled areas and avoid swimming in the open ocean.
Attractions

White Sand Beaches

Endless white sand beaches with turquoise water.

Coral Reefs

Great spots for snorkeling and diving.

Sea Turtles

Opportunity to observe sea turtles.

Dugongs

Dugong watching in the marine national park.

Best areas

Benguerra (centre)

Main settlement with resorts and restaurants.

Must-try food

Seafood

Fresh prawns, crabs and fish from the Indian Ocean.

Portuguese Cuisine

Portuguese influence with seafood dishes.

Where to go next

Bazaruto

Neighbouring island with the national park, ~10 km.

Vilanculos

Mainland town with an airport, ~30 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
none
Getting there
Nearest airports
Vilanculos Airport (VNX).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (e-visa)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-November (dry season)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$80.00
≈ 7 200 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 16 200 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$455.00
≈ 40 950 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 9 000 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$1 200.00
≈ 108 000 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$250.00
≈ 22 500 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$18.00
≈ 1 620 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$6.00
≈ 540 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.50
≈ 225 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$18.00
≈ 1 620 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$12.00
≈ 1 080 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$4.00
≈ 360 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$70.00
≈ 6 300 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 250 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$35.00
≈ 3 150 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$70.00
≈ 6 300 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$120.00
≈ 10 800 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Benguerra Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 400 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$30.00
≈ 2 700 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 800 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Benguerra: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-November (dry season). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Benguerra: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +31.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Benguerra: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +16.0°C, during the day — up to +25.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Benguerra: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Benguerra: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on January-March (wet season). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Benguerra: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white sand" surface, white sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: West Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Benguerra: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
Benguerra: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, jellyfish. Water shoes recommended due to sea urchins and corals.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Benguerra: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $249.00 (≈ 22 410 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Benguerra: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $80.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $180.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $455.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $100.00 per night, an apartment — $250.00 per night, a villa — $1 200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Benguerra: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $18.00, dinner at a restaurant — $40.00, a cup of cappuccino — $5.00, a 0.5L beer — $6.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Benguerra: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $50.00, a single public transport ticket — $4.00, a short taxi ride — $15.00, car rental — $70.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Benguerra: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: White Sand Beaches — Endless white sand beaches with turquoise water.; Coral Reefs — Great spots for snorkeling and diving.; Sea Turtles — Opportunity to observe sea turtles.; Dugongs — Dugong watching in the marine national park.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Benguerra: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Seafood — Fresh prawns, crabs and fish from the Indian Ocean.; Portuguese Cuisine — Portuguese influence with seafood dishes.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Benguerra: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Benguerra (centre) — Main settlement with resorts and restaurants.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Benguerra: is a visa required?
Visa: required (e-visa). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Benguerra: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Vilanculos Airport (code VNX). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $50.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Benguerra: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — MZN. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $249.00 (≈ 22 410 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Benguerra: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Benguerra: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Bazaruto — Neighbouring island with the national park, ~10 km.; Vilanculos — Mainland town with an airport, ~30 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.5/10
Overall rank: 1952 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1155

Best season

May-November (dry season)

Useful information

Currency: MZN
Coordinates: -21.850000, 35.450000