GUEST ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
Azura offers a range of outdoor guest activities, by boat or landrover, with light refreshments and drinks provided. A
number of these are guided activities where you can have a real chance to learn about the wonderful environment
we have here at Azura. Guided activities are accompanied by our Environmental Guide or Marine Biologist/Specialist
as appropriate.

Activity duration & departure times listed are used only as a guideline, & can usually be specially
tailored to suit your schedule or interests. Please discuss your requests with your butler/host and Azura’s Guides who
are available each evening at 7pm in the Star Bar. Activities are very popular so please try to plan early!
All Activities are subject to Weather, Boat/Land Rover availability and Tide Conditions. Enjoy…

ISLAND ACTIVITIES

Red Dune & Crocodile Lakes Island Drive (By Land Rover Gameviewer Vehicles)
Highlights Include:
ï‚· Red Dune, Dune Hike, Crocodile Lakes and attendant birdlife
ï‚· Traditional Village and Local Communities
 Island’s Rich Fauna, Flora, and Topography, Indigenous Tree Species of the Region, and Wild Fruits to Taste
ï‚· Optional: Local School Project (Weekdays) or local Church Visit (Sundays)
ï‚· Refreshments & Drinks service at Red Dune Beach
 All interpreted by Azura’s marine biologist/environmentalist/community guide
We leave Azura on Game Drive vehicles toward Red Dune and Crocodile Lakes. En-route we will pass through the
Island’s many villages where you have the chance to meet the local people of the local communities. The Island’s
lifestyle, history and way of life will be explained to you. If you would like to we will visit Benguerra’s School (being
built by Azura’s Rainbow Fund, all donations are appreciated), and you may then have the unique opportunity to see
the local children attend class, meet the teachers, and even the school’s Headmaster. If drive is conducted on Sunday
morning, the Guides may take you briefly to a village church service, which is attended by many of the Islands locals.
This is a rare and unique cultural opportunity that’s been enjoyed by many of Azura’s previous guests who boasted this
to be one of their favourite experiences.
Making our way toward Red Dune & Croc Lakes we’ll pass indigenous trees with wild fruits for you to taste, a staggering
number of terrestrial animals, including a rich variety of reptiles, birds, and insects that all call this Island home, and
of course the chance to see some of the large Freshwater crocodiles that live at the 3 lakes on the island.

Some of these crocodiles have been seen to reach in excess of more than 2.5 metres in length! The Lake area boasts many
unique trees, plants and birds, some of the beautiful indigenous birds you’ll have the chance of seeing are Kingfishers
(Pied) hovering in the air diving into water looking for fish, brightly adorned Lilac Breasted Rollers and Bee-Eaters.
Red Dune is near the base of Croc Lakes, and is quite a sight from our crocodile viewing location. From the dune, we
can walk along the beach located east of the Island (the ‘Wild Side’) with strong wind and waves coming in from the
Mozambique Channel & Indian Ocean. You have the opportunity to hike up Red Dune, its an easy climb, and once at the
top offers amazing views of Benguerra Island. Drinks and refreshments will be offered either whilst we sit quietly in the
vehicle looking for crocodiles or on the beach at the Wild Side.
Duration: Flexible (approx. 2.0 – 3hrs), Cost: first outing complimentary (optional Rainbow Fund contribution) / $50pp
thereafter. Departure Time: 09.00 & 16.00.

Large-Spotted Genet Track Dressed-Up for Church (Crocodylus niloticus), Azura Guests Top of Red Dune (Thelotornis capensis)
Nile Crocodile, Croc. Lakes Twig Snake in Trees
Southpoint Beach Picnic and Island Drive (By Land Rover Game Vehicles)

Highlights Include:

 Traditional Village and Local Communities
 Island’s Rich Fauna, Flora, and Topography
 Local School Project / Local Church Visit on Sundays (optional supplement $10pp to Rainbow Fund)
 Indigenous Tree Species of the Region, and Wild Fruits to Taste
 Magnificent Southpoint Beach
 Miniature Southpoint Beach Dunes
 Swim in Cool, Refreshing Waters of Southpoint Beach direct from the Indian Ocean
 Refreshments & Drinks service at Southpoint
 All interpreted by Azura’s marine biologist/environmentalist/community guide

Departing Azura we head right across the Island toward picturesque Southpoint Beach. En-route our Azura Field
Guides will talk to you about the unique fauna & flora, the Island’s unique topography, history and its landscapes.
The Island’s demographics will be explained to you whilst we head toward the school, which is funded by Azura.
Depending on the time of day, we may have the chance to see the children attend class, meet some of the teachers
and the Headmaster of Benguerra School.
As we continue, you’ll see the ‘real’ side of Benguerra’s Island life by greeting village locals, come face to face with
adorable children (who love getting their photo’s taken). If drive is conducted on Sunday morning, Guides may take
you briefly to a village church service, which is attended by many of the Islands locals. This is a rare and unique
cultural opportunity that’s been enjoyed by many of Azura’s previous guests who boasted this to be one of their
favourite experiences.
Making our way toward Southpoint we’ll pass indigenous trees, wild fruits for you to taste, a staggering number of
terrestrial animals, including a rich variety of reptiles, birds, and insects that all call this Island home.
Arriving at Southpoint Beach, you will notice how spectacular the scenery is that surrounds you. Southpoint is the
most southern tip of Benguerra Island, and consists of two sides. Eastern side faces the Mozambique Channel/Indian
Ocean with fierce waves crashing in. The location is dramatic, and a great place for taking photo’s as there are many
tree trunks lying on perfect white sands.
We walk through the miniature sand dunes and arrive at our swimming spot that is adjacent to the eastern side.
Conditions here are calm, as the waves are broken-up by Shell Island (a sand bar about 100 metres in length).
Swimming is highly recommended as you still experience the cool refreshing temperature crystal clear waters bought
in by the Indian Ocean without any wave action what so ever. Your host will set up a wonderful picnic lunch for you
with refreshments in a shady spot.

Duration: Flexible (approx. 3hrs), Cost: $75pp plus optional Rainbow Fund contribution.
Departure Time: Flexible
Benguerra School Children Dramatic Southpoint Beach Local Village Children Swimming Spot, Southpoint Village Church Service
WATER ACTIVITIES
Guided Island Hopping (By Speedboat)
Highlights Include:
 Snorkelling (optional) at either; Ponto-Dundo, Two-Mile Reef, or ‘The Aquarium’
 Pansy Island at Leisure
 Pansy Island Picnic Lunch
 Ponto Dundo and Bazaruto Dune, Bazaruto Island

This is a fantastic day out and Azura’s signature activity! Depart Azura by Speedboat across to Two Mile Reef, where
there are hundreds of species of tropical fish, rays, invertebrates, the possibility of Sea Turtles, and Dolphins. Our
Humpback whales are often seen in season as they pass on their migration (April-Oct). Our Biologist/Environmental
Guide will answer any questions you may have on the fauna, and perhaps point out some interesting sightings along
the way, including, if you are lucky, the highly endangered gentle giants of the area, Dugongs..
After snorkelling, a tantalising lunch is set up for you at Pansy Island. This has been prepared by our Azura chefs and is
accompanied by drinks and refreshments. Pansy Island is an isolated sand-bar nestled between Bazaruto Island and the
Mozambique Channel. It is an idyllic location, with bleached white sand that is coated with Pansy shells (Sea $$), and
surrounded by crystal blue turquoise waters. A great view of Bazaruto Dune can also be seen from here.
After lunch enjoy Pansy Island at your own leisure, bask in the sun, laze around on cushions and beanbags, and swim in
the cool clear deep waters. From here it’s as short hop to Bazaruto Island, where we hike up Bazaruto Dune. An easy
climb to the top offers unsurpassed 360 degree panoramic views of the Bazaruto Archipelago reef-system. If you are
lucky the shifting sands will reveal ancient pottery relics from the Queen of Sheba’s forays to these islands. Looking
east are sweeping views of the Mozambique Channel lying direct with Madagascar, watch the waves crash in and the
amazing amounts of ‘blues’ that are seen in the seas. For enthusiasts of photography, this location is a must!

Duration: Flexible (allow at least 3 hours). Cost: US$175 pp (min 2 people). Snorkelling at low tide only.
Top of Bazaruto Dune Lunch, Pansy Island Pansy Shell, Pansy Island Cocktails, Pansy Island Laze about… Pansy Island
Paradise Island (Santa Carolina) - By Speedboat (or Heli at a supplement)
Highlights Include:
 Spend the day at Paradise Island, the only ‘rock’ island in the archipelago
 Tour the island and visit the relics of the old hotel and church
 Snorkelling in Paradise Island’s calm waters, right off the beach, with an amazing variety of sea life
 Paradise Island Picnic Basket Lunch

Depart Azura by Speedboat for the 1 hour trip to Paradise Island (Santa Carolina), in the far north of the Bazaruto
Archipelago, looking out for dolphins and dugongs on the way. This island is home to a ruined hotel from the days of
Portuguese rule, and was named Paradise Island for its beautiful white beaches and fantastic snorkelling. If you got
married in the 60s/70s this was the place to go on honeymoon! It is scheduled for redevelopment so the opportunity to
visit here won’t last for long.
The ruins of the old hotel and church are fascinating and your guide will show you around and tell you the stories of
yesteryear. Then settle down on Paradise Island’s pristine deserted white beaches for a picnic lunch. Relax and spend a
few hours here, wander in and out of the sea, and try your hand at snorkelling. The snorkelling here is amazing, and
completely different to the reefs closer to Azura. Its easy to access being straight off the beach in shallow water, with
schools of reef fish in abundance.
Duration: Flexible (allow at least 5 hours). Cost: US$250 pp (min 2 people).
Other Water Activities
Requests for the following must be made the night before planned departure, and are subject to availability.
Arrangements can be forwarded to your butler/host, at front reception, or to the Guides. Drinks and snacks provided
as appropriate.
 Sunset Dhow Cruise Departs 16.30. Duration: 1½ hours, Cost: Free
 Guided Ponto Dundo/Bazaruto Dune – climb the dune with our guide Duration: 1 hour, Cost: US$60pp
 Pansy Island Visit – look for pansy shells Duration: 1 hour, Cost: US$75pp
 Pansy Island at Leisure & Special Hosted Lunch Duration: 2 hours, Cost: US$125pp
 Benguerra Sandspit – be dropped on the sandspit with a picnic hamper Duration: Flexible, Cost: US$100pp
 Guided snorkelling Safari – have the marine life of Two-Mile Reef or ‘The Aquarium’ shown and explained to you
Duration: 1½ hours, Cost: US$75pp
NB All snorkelling is at low tide only. Where possible all activities will be undertaken privately, but this cannot be
guaranteed at busy times, and your understanding is appreciated. General boat hire: Dhow $40.00 per hour;
Speedboat $100.00 per hour plus $2.50 per litre fuel.
SCUBA DIVING
The reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago are abundant with a variety of fish and corals, and offer a range of depths
and reef topography to suit beginner and experienced divers and snorkellers alike. Azura is positioned closest to the
reefs and hence access is quick and easy. Our marine life and corals are often cited as the best off the East Coast of
Africa.
We have green and leatherback turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, devil rays, moray eels, whale sharks (seasonal),
manta rays (seasonal), grouper, as well as a variety of reef fish such as surgeons, puffers, moorish idols, parrot fish,
clown fish, trigger fish and chocolate dip fish. Hard and soft corals are in abundance, with Christmas tree anemones
and nudibranchs for those who like to spot the smaller stuff!
Azura has a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre with new top of the range Scubapro equipment. Our training pool is perfect for
refreshing your diving skills or even trying out snorkelling before you head off to the reefs, and for training we offer
a full range of courses and have a PADI MSDT Instructor. If you are interested in learning to dive and would like to
try it out first free of charge please contact the WaterSports Manager.
DIVING COURSES
2 mile reef $80.00
Other reefs $70.00 ++
Double tank dive $130.00
Speciality dive $95.00
5/8 dive package $350.00/$500.00
Camera Hire $10.00 per dive
Computer Hire $5.00 per dive
Scuba Review $100.00
Padi Discover Scuba $185.00
Padi Scuba Diver $385.00
Padi Openwater Course $575.00
Padi Adventure Diver $250.00
Padi Advanced Course $400.00
Other courses Please enquire
Note: no reduction for own equipment; appropriate certification/medical certificates to be shown prior to diving.
(Rates p.p. include all equipment, refills, refreshments and instructor leading the dive).
SALTWATER FISHING
The Bazaruto Archipelago has some of the best big game, reef and bill fishing in the Indian Ocean. Species include:
Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna/Bonito, King/Queen Mackerel, Prodigal Son, Wahoo, Dorado, and Barracuda. Giant Trevally
(GT’s), the local speciality, often top the scales above 25kg. Azura caters for beginner and experienced
fishermen/women alike, and operates a strict tag and release policy on protected species. Fishing is extremely
popular and should be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Rates: Half Day $350 + fuel
Full Day $600 + fuel
Rates quoted per boat include all equipment, local guide, and refreshments.

AIRBORNE ACTIVITIES
Azura’s helicopter is available for charter on request to take you on sightseeing flips around the Archipelago. A
great opportunity to take photographs, visit another island, or spot marine life from the air.
Cost: $1,500 per hour, subject to availability.

EVENING ACTIVITIES
Star Gazing & Astronomy Talk
Join our Environmentalist who will guide you through an informative presentation and discussion about the African
night skies. We will show you beautiful constellations such as Taurus, Hydra, and the glittering Milky Way. Learn about
astronomical phenomena, stellar events from Nebula’s to Gas Clouds and Black Holes! We’ll even show you how to
orientate direction from constellations such as Orion and the famed Southern Cross to locate North and South! We also
have a local Sky Ranger who will tell his own African stories of the night sky.
Our Sky Rangers will be equipped with laser pointers reaching 1.5km into the skies, and an 8-inch reflecting telescope.
If we’re lucky we can point our telescope toward Mars, Jupiter, our Moon, even Saturn’s icy rings!
The presentation will be conducted on our beach with comfortable beanbags and cocktails/drinks (if requested).

(Starts: 19.30 – 20:30, Offered Most Evenings, Location: Beachfront, Cost: Free, Cloud Cover & Weather Dependent)
Lunar Eclipse, Initial Lunar Eclipse, Mid-Phase Lunar Eclipse, Final Phase
Southern Africa, Feb’07
Private Beach Dinners
Your host will set up a private dinner on the beach in front of your villa, surrounded by candles arranged in the sand.
Alternatively you can choose to have this candle-lit on your deck or beneath your sala. The ultimate in romantic
dining!
If you would like to have your own private BBQ this can also be arranged. You choose what you would like to eat and
one of our chef’s will prepare and cook it all right in front of you.
Cost: $20p/p (BBQ $40p/p), Tide & Weather Dependent
All Information is Correct at the Time of Print. Photographs + Information provided & Prepared by Stella Bettany & Oliver Yuen of Azura & Cannot
be Copied, Reproduced, or Transmitted in any kind without Consent. Issued July2009. E & OE.
All activities are subject to tide and weather conditions and boat/vehicle availability. Safety is our priority.

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