The Bazaruto Archipelago, was once part of the Mozambican mainland. Over the centuries the lower lying areas gradually fell prey to an encroaching ocean until just the islands of the archipelago remained - Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque being the main ones. Declared a national park in 1971, the archipelago boasts among its wildlife over 180 species of birds, endemic butterflies, Suni antelope and freshwater crocodile. The protected reefs and beaches support dolphin, dugong, game fish, giant lobster and several species of marine turtle. These combinations make for a diverse and unique ecosystem.
Benguerra Island embraces a wide variety of ecosystems within its 55sq. km. extent. The Indian Ocean surrounding the island, comprises pelagic waters and plays host to a multitude of sought-after game fish while the coral reefs remain pristine and home to a wealth of marine life. The waters surrounding the island are also one of the last refuges of the dugong communities. Inland, one will come across mangrove swamps, freshwater lakes, swamp forests and vegetated sand dunes, which are in turn replaced by evergreen forest savannah and grasslands. The freshwater lakes, one of the surviving clues of the island's ancient mainland past, are still home to resident freshwater crocodiles.
The Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary is the first privately managed National Park in Mozambique. The sanctuary lying on the San Sebastian Peninsula, Vilanculos, covers 30 000 hectares of pristine marine and wildlife territory, a unique 'Beach and Bush' experience in a hidden corner of sub tropical Africa. This diverse eco-system of bush and wetland, with its powder white beaches and crystal clear water is host to a magnificent array of fish, dolphin and very importantly, the nearly extinct "Dugong". Shallow and deepwater reefs reveal beautiful creatures such as the green and leatherback turtles, sailfish, manta ray, to name a few. Big deep-sea game fishing of marlin and barracuda is truly spectacular and the large flocks of flamingoes and pelicans are a sight to behold.
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