Marine Predator Tagging Expeditions

BENGUERRA ISLAND - 4 nights

Day 1: After landing in Mozambique’s Vilanculos International Airport, you will be ushered onto a helicopter for short and breath-taking flight to Benguerra Island. You should arrive just in time for lunch, followed by an orientation of your surrounds.

You will have the rest of your afternoon to spend at your leisure before heading to the lodge library for a briefing of the next few days line-up. This briefing will be hosted by Dr Tessa Hempson, the Oceans Without Borders Program Manager and Principle Scientist. She will explore the importance of coral reef ecosystems, climate and people and their interconnection, together with the conservation role of apex predator tagging, what you can expect from the experience, and how the next few days will unfold.

Day 2: It’s an early start today as you rise before the sun to follow the research boat out to sea as they search for marine predator species such as giant trevally and grey reef sharks. Isac will accompany you and share first-hand insights on the marine research happening within the archipelago. Mother Nature can be unpredictable at best, so we have allowed two days for this experience to unfold; to better your chances of participating in the tagging on the research boat.

In addition , you may well have the opportunity for catch-and-release fishing. (Your adventure will last the morning; you’ll then break for lunch back at the lodge).

Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind, freshen up and take some time for reflection before opting to go on a horseback ride on the beach, or perhaps taking a scenic helicopter flight over the marine park, in search of the elusive dugong and whales from the air. This flight would attract an additional cost. Tonight, feast on the beach alongside your hosts and a representative from African Parks who will talk about the fascinating projects such as coral reef conservation and other measures being taken to protect the waters of Mozambique. 

Day 3: Make a splash this morning, either on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion (depending on what you are comfortable with) to a nearby coral reef.  Following on the evening discussions, this is your opportunity to view for yourself the beauty and fragility of these marine habitats. After a fun-filled morning, you will head back to the lodge for lunch and the opportunity to freshen up before spending the afternoon on an island drive. You’ll be visiting some current Africa Foundation community projects and witnessing the important role played by these island communities in marine conservation. The opportunity for a spectacular sundowner stop on the “wild side” of the island, amidst pristine sand dunes, will bring your afternoon to the perfect end. Tonight, enjoy a dinner with your hosts and the research team or simply choose to take a little time out to enjoy your meal in privacy.

Day 4: Today, you will have the option of once again heading out with the research team to fish for, and tag, predator species, or you can spend the morning unwinding and enjoying the many lodge activities available to you. For lunch, you will be whisked away for an island picnic, on the northern point of Benguerra, with the full research team to celebrate your expedition’s success. In the late afternoon, meet at the Dhow Bar for sundowners and the opportunity to see a VEMCO receiver, learn more about hydrophones, also known as a ‘GT telephone’, where you will even get to listen to the signals from the tags. Tonight, will be your final dinner with the lodge manager.

Day 5: Spend time at your leisure this morning before we wave a fond farewell as you hop onboard the helicopter flight back to the mainland, where you will catch your onward flight.