GENERAL INFORMATION

In a National Marine Park in Mozambique, lies an Archipelago of offshore Islands known as the Bazaruto Archipelago. There are four main islands known as Magaruque, Benguerua, Bazaruto and Santa Carolina. On the second largest island, Benguerua, lies an exciting getaway destination known as Marlin Lodge. The Lodge was officially opened on the 1st of October 1997.

The lodge is constructed from Mozambican hardwoods, reed and cement cladded brick walls and thatched roofs. Elevated wooden walkways connect the seventeen chalets to the main areas, preserving local plant life. Generator power supplies electricity for lighting, air conditioners and overhead fans. Water is supplied from a well situated about a kilometer away from the lodge. Our water is purified through a filter system and is safe to drink from the tap.

Over two hundred local residents were employed during the construction period. Once the project was completed, the workers were issued with certificates of competency, enabling them to gain further employment once the project was completed.

Benguerua Island was originally named “San Antonio” by Portuguese explorers and was later named “Benguerua” after a local tribal chief. The island is approximately 11km in length, and 5, 5 km wide and lies 14km offshore from the mainland and the town of Vilanculos. On the Southern point of the Island you will find casuarina trees planted by convicts from penal colonies in the area during Portuguese reign. The trees are not indigenous and prevent erosion on the Island.

Cashew nut trees are indigenous to the Island and found spread throughout it. The local residents harvest the nuts, and the toxic husk from the nuts is used to brew intoxicating liquor. Wild orange trees contain a natural strychnine poison when green and can be eaten when ripe. Sisal plants are plentiful and are used in a manufactured form by the locals to repair their fishing nets. Mlala palms are in abundance and the leaves are used for the weaving of mats, baskets and hats, which are then sold. The sap from the stem of the plant is also used to brew potent liquor. Coconut palms are harvested by the locals who also grow a small amount of sweet potatoes, paw – paws, onions and cassava.

For birding enthusiasts, approximately 78 different species of birds have been identified and confirmed on the island, in habitats varying from the coastal dunes, open grasslands and fresh water lakes, to Savannah and acacia woodlands. A few of the more unusual birds to be seen are the Green Coucals, Green Pigeons, Purple banded and Black Sunbirds, Lilac breasted Rollers, Olive Bee-eaters, Mannikins, Paradise Flycatchers, Fish Eagles, Flamingoes, Starlings and various waders such as Curlews, Bartailed Godwits, Whimbrels, and Crab Plovers. Other animals to be seen are the plentiful Red-tailed Squirrels, as well as Suni and Duiker, which have been re-introduced to the island.

The Dugong, the mythical mermaid, “The Original Sirenia” that beckoned woman hungry sailors to their doom, is among the most spectacular of the marine mammals. Dugongs are normally encountered in family groups of about two animals, grazing on marine grass meadows found in sheltered bays. There are five species of Dolphin found in the area and they can be seen frolicking around the sandbanks or lazily swimming past the front of Marlin Lodge. In deeper waters, Humpback whales can be seen in the summer months.

The Archipelago is a shell lover’s haven. At our North Point, Pansy Island and numerous surrounding sandbanks , many of the famous “Pansy Shells” can be found. There are two types of these shells, one of which is endemic to Moçambique. The two freshwater lakes on the Island are ideal for bird watching or just relaxing at. Indigenous crocodiles are also present in these lakes.

Please take note of the following conditions:

• Dive rates are inclusive of equipment, refills, boat charter and refreshments.
• Five Dive packages apply only to 2 and 5 Mile Reef. Additional charges for more distant reefs, e.g. San Sebastion.
• Open Water and Advanced Courses do not include required materials and certification.
• No price reduction is given if guests use their own equipment.
• Guest wanting to dive regardless of the minimum numbers of divers will be liable for the total applicable costs.
• Medical certificates are required for courses offered.
• All rates include the 17% Mozambican Sales Tax

Boats

We are proud to offer the best fleet of fishing boats in the Bazaruto Archipelago.

All fishing boats based at Marlin Lodge are twin engine, in touch with each other and our shore base, via a repeater VHF Marine Radio system that has a network circumference coverage of approximately 80 kms from our base station, thus ensuring that we are able to communicate with all our boats at all times. Each boat carries all Department of Transport Approved Safety Equipment. All our boats, skippers and deck hands are registered and licensed with the Maritime Department in Mozambique.

We have 4 boats in our fishing fleet at the lodge: 4 x 27 ft. Nova Cats (Marlin 1, 2, 3, 4).

These are fitted with 2 x 115 HP/ 200 HP Yamaha Outboard Motors, Schaffer Outriggers, Marlin Fighting chairs and Furuno Fish finders and GPS Systems. Suitable for both Game and Bill Fishing.

Crews & Skippers

Our boat skippers and deck hands are from Mozambique and many of them have grown up on the Bazaruto Archipelago Islands. They are all well versed in taking out experienced anglers as well as total novices and enjoy showing anglers how to enjoy the sport.

It is important that you inform the skipper on how much fishing experience you have and how much you want to be involved in the initial setting up of baits and striking of fish. This is a skill that must be learnt so the crew will not mind what you decide as long as it is communicated to them beforehand. Remember that fish strikes happen very fast so there is no time for casual conversation on this matter when the big fish are crashing around the baits.

The boat crew will be happy to clean and prepare any fish you, to be cooked by our chefs for you.

Tipping of boat crew direct is accepted with thanks. Please note that this should only be in the case when you have received excellent service. Tipping is not compulsory.

Tackle

Marlin Lodge has a comprehensive Fishing Centre which is stocked with fishing tackle to cater for all the disciplines of fishing.

All our fishing rods are manufactured by Purglass and Fenwick and are fitted with lever drag Pen International and Shimano Tiagra reels. We carry a full range of Halco, C Lever, Rapala and Williamson Lures.

For catching Marlin, each boat has range of 50, 80 & 130 lb. rods. For Game and Sailfish, we use 30 lb. rods. We also have a range of spinning rods for the use on boats and shore Angling. We stock a basic range of Saltwater Fly-fishing rods, reels and flies.

Anglers are more than welcome to bring their own fishing gear, especially light tackle as we realize fishermen are more comfortable catching fish with their own equipment.

Fishing Seasons

We are open for fishing through out the year. The Bazaruto Archipelago is ranked as the best Black Marlin destination in the Eastern Indian Ocean.

The main Black Marlin season runs from early October through to end of January each year. These fish come close in to the shallow waters around the Islands and can often be found feeding around the shoals of various species of Tuna that frequent our waters during this time of the year. The average size fish caught is around 700 lbs. Numerous fish over 1000 lbs have been caught over the years as well as the all Africa record caught in November 1998 off the north point of Bazaruto which weighed in at 1298lbs.

The Black Marlin is the buffalo of the species and very tough, initially after the strike you will be amazed at his aerobatic display out the water as he tries to throw the hook, failing at this he will then fight deep using his pectoral fins to hold him down so if you haven’t done your homework he’ll find you out and be gone.

Blue and Striped Marlin are found between the months of September to January. These fish are found usually in the deep waters off the islands targeting the Yellow Fin and other Tuna shoals. A jumping Blue Marlin is the ultimate thrill as the power and fury of these fish under full throttle is simply awesome.

A Blue Marlin of approximately 650 lbs was caught and released during June 2002.

The main Sailfish season starts at the beginning of June till the end of September but it is not uncommon for these aerobatic gladiators to appear around the Islands during the middle of April. The average weight is 90 lbs. For the light tackle enthusiast this fish provides an awesome display when grey hounding across the ocean and it is quite normal for a boat to tag and release up to four fish per day. Finicky and sometimes skittish or playful, they can make a fool of the best of anglers at times and this makes them a sort after Billfish. This fish is a milestone in any angler’s early fishing experience.

We at Marlin Lodge support the practice of “Tag & Release” of Billfish and award certificates to anglers who have done so.

The Waters off the Bazaruto Archipelago Islands are world renown for the diversity of game fish species that occur there.

This is truly a light tackle angler’s escape as the following species occur throughout the year:

A variety species of Shark that occur offshore are mainly from the Carcharhinus Family. Examples of these are: Silvertip, Zambezi, Blacktip, Dusky, Blackspot and Tiger Shark.

Bookings for all activities and services:

• All activities and services can be pre-booked, but can only be paid for on check out; unfortunately we can not accept pre-payments on these services.
• Please contact our Guest relations manager once at the lodge for any bookings.
• Guests are welcome to inform our Head Office of preferred activities.

MARLIN LODGE INFORMATION

Activities
Activities such as Diving, Fishing, Picnics & Beauty Treatments can be booked each night with the Guest Relations Manager in the bar from 7pm onwards. The relevant managers will be there to assist with any queries.

Beaches
The beaches in front of the lodge are not private and all residents of the island have access to the beach. Please ensure that you always lock your Chalet and do not leave any clothing items or sports equipment on your patio when you are not at your Chalet. Our Beach Bar is open from 9:00am until 18:30pm daily, with limited service along the beach for beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks and water.

Cell Phones
Please respect other guests and refrain from using cell phones in the dining area.

Credit Cards
We only accept MasterCard & Visa Credit Cards. In accordance with International & Mozambican Credit Card Banking Laws, guests wishing to settle their accounts with Credit Card will be processed in Meticais (Mozambican currency) even though prices are quoted in US Dollars. Daily exchange rates are available in the Reception. We also accept traveller’s cheques and cash. Debit cards cannot be processed in Mozambique therefore we not able to accept them as a form of payment. Should you have any further queries, please feel free to ask at Reception.

Curio Shop
Forgotten necessities can be purchased at the Curio Shop, which is opened on request during Reception Hours.

Departure
Please be aware that check out from your room is 10h00 on the morning of departure. Shower facilities are available at our private lounge located at the Vilanculos airport.

Donations
Should you wish to donate clothes, stationery or any other goods to the local community, please do so through our Human Resources Manager or Guest Relations Manager. We will ensure that it is distributed amongst the community. If you would like to know more about our Community Development Projects, please speak to our Guest Relations Manager.

Dress Code
With respect for the local culture, please be fully clothed whilst visiting the village and airport in Vilanculos. When in our dining area, an appropriate top should be worn so as not to offend other guests.

Electricity
The lodge operates on a 240V generator.

House Keeping
Each chalet is serviced by it’s own personal house keeper, and such is reflected in the finishing touches that guests will find in their rooms. Your house keeper will also come in daily at approximately 19h30 to turn down your bed, prepare your mosquito net and light your mosquito coil.

Internet
The complementary Business Centre is open from 8am-8pm. Please note that as the Internet connection is slow, it is advisable not to upload or download large files. Please ask a manager should you require any assistance.

Laundry
Your housekeeper will collect any laundry you may have between approximately 08h00 and 09h00 in the mornings. Please complete the laundry books which you will find on top of your laundry basket. Weather permitting, we try and ensure a same day return service, alternatively guests will receive a 24 hour service.

Malaria
Please note that Mozambique is a malaria area and it is advised that you use a malaria prophylactic.

Meals
Breakfast is at leisure and is served from 07h30 to 10h00 in the dining room. Breakfast consists of fruit, yoghurt, cereals and a full cooked meal including eggs to order, fruit juice, tea and coffee.
Lunch is served from 13h00 to 14h30 in the dining room.
Dinner is served from 19h30 although not always in the dining room. Weather permitting; we could have a beach braai(beach barbecue) with a selection of fish, meat, calamari and seafood being prepared according to your personal preference. A magical beach bonfire creates an unforgettable ambience and is the perfect setting in which to end your day. However, as your hosts we do understand that there are times you just want to get away from it all and have your own private romantic dinner and that is what Marlin Lodge is all about. If your agent has made any special arrangements, please advise management on arrival.

Should you wish to meet fellow guests, please liaise with the guest relations manager or Head Chef and we will gladly arrange a communal table for dinner. Should you also wish to have a manager join you for dinner, please do not hesitate to ask. Please liaise with the relevant members of Management by lunchtime to ensure enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Rainy Days
For those unfortunate occasional rainy or overcast days, we have a selection of Fiction books to read in the Business Centre as well as Games, Magazines and Reference books in the Lounge. Please feel free to ask about a selection of Nature DVD’s that can be viewed in the Dive Centre. We also have soccer, rugby & volleyballs available in reception for your use.

Reading Material
Books may be borrowed from our Business Centre, which operates on a book-swap system.

Reception Hours
Kindly note that our reception hours are from 7am to 8pm. (However, access to security bags are 7am to 5pm only. In case of an emergency, please contact the Duty Manager.)

Scuba Diving
Please note that we do have a PADI qualified Diving Instructor at the lodge.

Shells
Benguerua Island is part of a National Park and conservation is a priority to Marlin Lodge. Kindly do not pick up shells which are still “alive” and do not buy shells from the local island residents.

Smoking Policy
In complying with International smoking policies, kindly refrain from smoking in the dining area.

Staff
Should you need any assistance at night, staff chalets are located throughout the lodge on the opposite side of the guest chalets. Alternatively you can contact a guard who will call management.

Taxes & Levies
Please note that all our rates & prices include 17% Mozambican sales tax. A $10 per adult National Parks Levy will be added to the final bill in aid of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Parks. This amount can change without any prior notice.

Telephone Calls & Flight Confirmations
Telephone calls can be made at reception during reception hours. We will gladly confirm flights at a cost which will then be added to your account.

Towels
Kindly note that towels for use at the swimming pool or on the beach are placed in your room. Marlin Lodge supports the world wide campaign for the conservation of water. We therefore request that if you are able to use your towels again, please hang them up. Any towels found on the floor by your house keeper will be replaced with fresh towels in the morning or at turndown only. Should you require fresh towels during the day please ask reception or your housekeeper.

Water
Running water in the rooms is purified and safe to drink. We request that you assist us in conserving water where possible.

Water Sports Activities
We have a number of complimentary watersport activities such as kayaks, windsurfers & Hobiecats. Should you wish to make use of these, please speak to the Guest Relations Manager or alternatively arrange it with the Water Sports Manager. However, if we feel it is unsafe to use the equipment due to weather conditions, we will inform you and arrange it for a later time.

Wellness Centre
This haven of peace and tranquillity is open to guests from 8:30 am to 16:30 pm. Our Beauty Therapist will be available in the evenings to discuss the various therapies. Your appointment can be arranged at this time.