Benguerra Island | |
Native Name Lang: | Portuguese |
Local Name: | Santa Antonio |
Coordinates: | -21.8664°N 35.44°W |
Location: | Indian Ocean |
Archipelago: | Bazaruto |
Area Km2: | 55 |
Length Km: | 11 |
Width Km: | 5.5 |
Coastline M: | --> |
Country: | Mozambique |
Country Area M2: | or |
Country Area Ha: | --> |
Benguerra (pronounced as /pt/) is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago of southern Mozambique. The island is approximately and lies offshore. Portuguese explorers also gave the island the name Santo António. It is famous for its unspoiled white beaches, dive sites, luxury resorts, horseback riding and fishing.
Benguerra Island comprises forest, savannah, freshwater lakes and wetland eco-systems that sustain a diverse population of fauna and flora. Fresh water crocodiles can be found in the three lakes, bearing testimony to the island's mainland past. The island, which is home to approximately 140 bird species, was declared a National Park in 1971.[1] [2]