Along the historical Mozambique channel lies tropical Ilha de Benguerra, part of the Bazaruto National Park - an island paradise situated within the renowned Bazaruto Archipelago - and perfect for the ultimate Mozambique beach holiday.  Edwin Doran reflects on his visit in August 2004...

We arrive at Benguerra by boat, bouncing across the surf for 30 minutes on a white white knuckle ride, and on arrival, we waded through the water to the beach. We were greeted by a welcome party, whereupon our cases were transported to our lodge on the heads of two local ladies!

Benguerra is everything we wanted it to be - homely, welcoming and warmly decorated in rich African reds, terracotta and orange. The structure is wooden and built on stilts, and all the furniture and fittings are traditional. The walls are only a few feet high, leaving everything completely open, until you reach the thatched roof, and blinds are pulled down at night to keep the wind out.

On arriving for dinner, we were entertained with drum playing and dancing.

The food on offer could be squid, crab cocktail with Thai sauce on blinis and Thai fishcakes, followed by langoustine, chicken and calamari skewers, fresh fish or fillet of beef on a skewer, accompanied by local vegetables. For dessert, expect coconut tart or creamy coffee mousse.

We are woken next morning with tea and the birds' morning chorus! Not to be outdone, at breakfast - juice and fruit, a delightful local cereal delightful, fish cakes, ham and wonderful scrambled eggs - a menagerie of animals and other birds perch on the edge of the dining room to sample any leftovers.

Lunch is taken on the lawn. Afterwards, we took a gentle stroll along the beach to soak up the unique atmosphere of this area – it really was very peaceful!

On the beach, the sun-bed cushions are housed in the rondavels, and the beach bar is built into an old dhow, with tree trunks acting as bar stools. Snorkelling is available and a trip to a reef two miles out is most enjoyable.

Benguerra is a delightful experience, and all over the lodge are wonderful personal touches by Sally, the Manager, who takes pride in her ‘home' and treats all visitors like personal house guests.

As we prepare for the return ride across the white horses back to the mainland, I reflect on a place that has thought of everything. I will long muse over the warmth and delightful hospitality of those who made this trip truly memorable.

Benguerra Beach

Benguerra Lodge locals

South Point of the island

Local kids enjoying the beach