Smugglers - Parque Nacional do Bazaruto
Smugglers is a safari lodge near Parque Nacional do Bazaruto.
- Location
- Parque Nacional do Bazaruto, Southern Coastal & Maputo Bay, Mozambique, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -21.984514, 35.322144
- Activities
- lodge
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Smugglers to experience the marine wildlife of Parque Nacional do Bazaruto?
We find the dry season, from May to October, offers the most pristine conditions for marine activities around Smugglers. The water visibility is exceptional then, perfect for spotting dugongs, manta rays, and vibrant coral reefs, and the weather is reliably sunny and calm. While whale sharks can be seen year-round, their peak season is typically from October to March.
What unique activities can we expect at Smugglers, given its proximity to Bazaruto Archipelago?
Beyond typical lodge relaxation, Smugglers truly shines with its ocean-centric offerings; we love the tailored dhow excursions to the Bazaruto islands for snorkeling and picnicking on deserted beaches. You can also enjoy world-class diving, deep-sea fishing, and even horseback riding along the pristine coastline, which feels incredibly liberating. The sunsets over the Indian Ocean from the lodge are sensational, a perfect end to an active day.
How do we get to Smugglers, and what are the practical travel considerations for reaching this remote lodge?
Accessing Smugglers typically involves flying into Vilanculos Airport (VNX) in Mozambique, which has direct flights from Johannesburg and Maputo. From Vilanculos, we recommend the lodge's private boat transfer, a scenic journey across the turquoise waters directly to Smugglers' beach, which usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. While Mozambique is generally safe for tourists, we always advise arranging all transfers directly through the lodge for seamless and secure travel.
Is Smugglers a suitable destination for families with younger children, and what facilities are available?
We find Smugglers to be wonderfully accommodating for families, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation that appeals to all ages. The calm, shallow waters near the lodge are ideal for safe swimming and paddleboarding, and the staff are excellent at arranging child-friendly activities like sandcastle building or guided nature walks. Many of the villas are spacious, providing ample room for families to spread out comfortably.
What is the typical cost range for a stay at Smugglers, and what is usually included in the rates?
Smugglers is positioned as a luxury escape, and we find the rates reflect its exclusive location and high-end service, typically ranging from $800 to $1,500+ per person per night, depending on the season and villa type. Most stays are all-inclusive, covering gourmet meals, select beverages, and a range of non-motorized water sports and island excursions. We recommend confirming specific inclusions, as some premium activities like diving or deep-sea fishing might incur additional costs.
Other Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional do Bazaruto
- Aguil Negra
- Archipelago Resort
- Azura Benguerra Island
- Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel
- Baobab Beach
- Baobab Beach Resort
- Beach Lodge
- Beach Village Backpackers
- Benguerra Lodge
- Blue Water Bay Restcamp
- Bush beach backpackers
- Casa Babi
- Casa Cabana Beach
- Casa Chibububo Lodge
- Casa Luna
- Casa Rex
- Complexo Alemannha Backpackers
- Complexo Turistico Josef & Tina
- Dona Anna Hotel
- Dugong Mozambique Lodge
- Grupo Salema
- Hotel Massunguine
- Hotel Sun & Fun
- Kululeku
- Lemon Beach Lodge
- Magaruque Island Resort
- Pensão Inhassoro
- Pescador
- Pestana Bazaruto Lodge
- Samara Lodge
- Santa Libre
- Santorini Mozambique
- Seta
- VilanCool Accommodation
- Vilanculos Camping
- Villanculos Campsite
- Villas do Indico
- Zenguelemo Lodge
- Zombie Cucumber