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Benguerra Island

Coordinates: 21°51′59″S 35°26′24″E / 21.86639°S 35.44000°E / -21.86639; 35.44000
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Benguerra Island
Santa Antonio
Bazaruto Archipelago (Benguerra center, to the right of Bazaruto island)
Map
Geography
LocationIndian Ocean
Coordinates21°51′59″S 35°26′24″E / 21.86639°S 35.44000°E / -21.86639; 35.44000
ArchipelagoBazaruto
Area55 km2 (21 sq mi)
Length11 km (6.8 mi)
Width5.5 km (3.42 mi)
Administration
Mozambique

Benguerra (Portuguese pronunciation: [bẽˈɡɛʁa]) is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago of southern Mozambique. The island is approximately 55 km2 (21 sq mi) and lies 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) offshore. Portuguese explorers also gave the island the name Santo António.[1] It is famous for its unspoiled white beaches, dive sites, luxury resorts, horseback riding and fishing.

Habitat

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Benguerra Island comprises forest, savannah, freshwater lakes and wetland eco-systems that sustain a diverse population of fauna and flora. Fresh water crocodiles can be found in the three lakes, bearing testimony to the island's mainland past. The island, which is home to approximately 140 bird species, was declared a National Park in 1971.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Briggs, Philip (2011). Mozambique (5th ed.). Chalfont St Peter: Bradt Travel Guides. p. 188.
  2. ^ Four Seasons of Travel: 400 of the World's Best Destinations in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society. 2013. p. 297.