Benguerra Island
Santa Antonio
Bazaruto Archipelago (Benguerra center, to the right of Bazaruto island)
Map
Geography
LocationIndian Ocean
Coordinates21°51′59″S 35°26′24″E / 21.86639°S 35.44000°E / -21.86639; 35.44000
ArchipelagoBazaruto
Area55 km2 (21 sq mi)
Length11 km (6.8 mi)
Width5.5 km (3.42 mi)
Administration
Mozambique

Benguerra Island in Mozambique is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, which broke away from the mainland thousands of years ago. The island is approximately 55 square kilometers (11km long x 5.5 km wide), and lies 14km offshore. Portuguese explorers also gave the island the name Santo António.[1] 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]

References

  1. ^ a b Briggs, Philip (2011). Mozambique (5th ed.). Chalfont St Peter: Bradt Travel Guides Ltd. pp. 188.
  2. ^ Four Seasons of Travel: 400 of the World's Best Destinations in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society. 2013. p. 297.

21°51′59″S 35°26′24″E / 21.86639°S 35.44000°E / -21.86639; 35.44000

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