Wildlife of Mozambique

Extraordinary wildlife surround Nyati Beach Lodge in Mozambique

Nyati Beach Lodge is one of the few private lodges located within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary's dune-covered coastlines, tropical islets, coral reef, blue ocean, large wetlands and African bush provide the breeding grounds for an extraordinary variety of marine and animal life. Endangered wildlife such as the Indian Ocean dugong and the leatherbacked turtle live here, while flocks of flamingos color the lakes pink. Unique experiences await any visitor looking to explore the biodiversity of the archipelago.

Wildlife of the Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago separated from the mainland some 10 000 years ago and declared a national park in 1971, is one of the best places to experience the great variety of eco-systems and wildlife Mozambique has to offer. Natural inhabitants include 11 mammal species, 40 butterfly species, 180 species of birds and the coast with the abundance of coral reefs is home to more than 400 offshore fish species. These animals are found in diverse habitats such as mangroves, grassland, forested dunes, freshwater lakes and the sea. The waters surrounding the Bazaruto Archipelago is home to the largest remaining populations in the Indian Ocean of the endangered dugongs (sea cow). Other notable marine species of the area include freshwater crocodiles, five species of nesting sea turtles, several species of dolphins, whale sharks and the southern right whale.

A unique experience, Wildlife at Nyati Beach Lodge

Nyati Beach Lodge is one of the few private game lodges situated inside the Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounding the lodge is a panoramic view of the sanctuary's dune-covered coastlines, tropical islets, coral reef, blue ocean, large wetlands and African bush, which provide the breeding grounds for the extraordinary wildlife of the archipelago. Unique experiences await both anglers and divers when the giants of the ocean bite the hook or glide elegantly through the water. Living in the midst of this enchanted environment in a society where nothing has changed for the past 500 years is a solace to soul and mind. Early every morning fishermen still pole their richly colored dhows towards the horizon while peasants harvest coconuts and cashews. Everything breathes peace and quiet. At Nyati Beach Lodge the guests set their own agenda - diving, fishing, sailing, looking indigenous wildlife, or just simply enjoying the amazing ocean view.

Selected species of the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary include:

Wildlife of Mozambique: Mammals

Dugong (Dugong dugon)
Several species of dolphins (Family, Delphinidae)
Porpoises (Family, Phocoenidae)
Breeding southern right whale (Eubalaena australis)
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Samango (vervet) monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus)
Suni antelope (Neotragus moschatus)
Red duiker (Cephalophus natalensis)

Wildlife of Mozambique: Fish

Several species of sharks, including the Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
Giant manta ray (Manta birostris)
Shallow-water Cape hake (Merluccius capensis)
Blackhand sole (Solea bleekeri)
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)
Albacore (T. alalunga)
Giant lobster (Nephropidae, Homaridae)
Seahorse (Hippocampus)
Several species of Octopus
Lion fish (Pterois volitans)
Parrot fish (Scaridae)
Wrasse (Labridae)
Angel fish (Pomacanthidae)
Puffer fish (Tetraodontidae)

Wildlife of Mozambique: Reptiles

Freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnsoni)
Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)
Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta)
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Wildlife of Mozambique: Birds

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Saddle billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
Lesser Jacana (Microparra capensis)
Wattle-eyed Flycatcher (Platysteira peltata)
Mangrove Kingfisher (Halcyon senegaloides)
Little-spotted Woodpecker (Campethera cailliautii)
Lemon-breasted Canary (Serinus citrinipectus)
Neergaard’s Sunbird (Nectarinia neergardi)
Pink-throated Twinspot (Hypargos margaritatus)
Rudd’s Apalis (Apalis ruddi)
Woodward’s Batis (Batis fratrum)

- And many more, click here to see the full list of 272 bird species spotted in the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary