Benguerra Island Explained

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.

Habitat

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]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Briggs, Philip . 2011 . Mozambique . Bradt Travel Guides . Chalfont St Peter . 188 . 5th . registration.
  2. Book: Four Seasons of Travel: 400 of the World's Best Destinations in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall . 2013 . National Geographic Society . Washington, D.C. . 297 .