Vilanculos

Vilanculos (Vilankulo) is the Mozambican capital of water sports. It's a popular beach resort area with accommodation from economy to 5 star barefoot luxury. The gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique's only underwater national park. The dry season is from March to November with temperatures around 15 to 23 degrees. Bring a sweater for the evenings, The "rainy season" can be hot with temperatures ranging between 23 and 34 degrees.

Get in

Vilanculos, has many options options with excellent coach service from Maputo or Beira and small 15 seater vans fro Inhambane . Vilanculos International Airport is serviced by LAM and by Federal Air (Pelican Air), from all major airports (stopover in Johannesburg or Maputo may be nesserary, road transport is less expensive. Charter flights are offered ay competitive prices from South Africa and Zimbabwe

By road:

From South Africa a good asphalt road 730 km north of Maputo Follow the EN4 to the outskirts of Maputo then take the EN1 to Xai Xai, always go straight on, once you pass Xai Xai the highway signs will direct you to Vilanculos turn-off which is 18 km from Vilanculos town (The total distance from Johannesburg to Vilanculos is Approximately 1,378 km

From Zimbabwe a good asphalt road from Forbes Border Post Mutari approximately 584 km to Vilanculos. Follow the EN6 on the Beira road, turn right (south) on the EN1 for 384 km to the turn-off to Vilanculos for further details

Get around

The town is compact and walkable.

See

South Beach Vilankulo

Do

The Bazaruto Archipelago comprises five islands which are within the Bazaruto Archipelago. From north to south, these islands are: Bazaruto, Santa Carolina Known as Paradise Island, Benguerra, Margaruque and Bangue. There are a number of dive sites around the islands, generally on the seaward side. Other dive sites are located on the seaward side of San Sebastian (south of the islands on the mainland peninsular ), A point jutting out in line with the islands. From San Sebastian, the mainland curves south west to form a large bay which is protected from rough seas by the point and the islands. Travelling northwards up the bay, Archipelago Resort looks out to the south of Margaruque Island.

• African Impact Community Project, [e-mail], ☎ [phone]. A volunteering community project with a preeschool, orphanage, housebuilding. 

Horse Riding

• Mozambique Horse Safari, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Pat & Mandy specialize in custom-made horse safaris and day rides along the Vilanculos coast and on Benguerra Island in Mozambique. Enjoy long stretches of untouched white sand beaches and magnificent views overlooking the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The area is suitable for riders of all levels of ability. 
• Horse Volunteer, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Mozambique Horse Safari offers you a Volunteer Programme which is aimed at gap year students and adult volunteers who are looking to develop their riding skills, discover the culture of Mozambique and make a difference in Africa helping horses. In addition to working with horses you will be able to volunteer out at the local orphanages in Vilankulo where you will experience poverty and the problems that are faced by the people of Mozambique. 

Dhow Safari

Experience the wonder of a traditional sailing dhow gliding through the Bazaruto Archipelago. The islands of Benguerra, Bazaruto, Magaruque and Santa Carolina are complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees and pristine coral reefs.

• Sailaway Dhow Safaris, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Fully catered sailing safaris in traditional dhows, exploring the islands of the Bazaruto archipelago. Day trips and overnight journeys, staying in a beach camp. Day safari $70, overnight safari $230. 
• Dolphin Dhow Safaris, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Day trips and overnight safaris to the Bazaruto Archipelago Islands,Professional Cook - meals and drinks. Accommodation, Boat Hire (Dhow or Speed Boat, Snorkelling & Fishing, Sunset Cruise. Offices on beachfront. Day safari $65, Overnight safari $100. 

Sailing

Discover the ultimate escape by exploring the Archipelago on board a fully crewed yacht.

• Yacht Regal, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Plan your own holiday in paradise. 

Game Fishing

The area surrounding is ranked as the best Black Marlin destination in the Eastern Indian Ocean. The season runs from early October through to end of January each year. The Marlin 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.

Scuba Diving

The Bazaruto Archipelago is nearby, an offers some excellent scuba diving on daytrips from Vilanculos. 2-tank dives are the norm, and snorkellers are also welcome. The archipelago's coral reefs and clear waters offer some of the best diving in the world, dive sites are un-crowded and marine life is varied and abundant. With sites at a depth of 12 to 30m and visibility up to 40m you will discover protected reefs teeming with dolphin, hump back whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta and spotted eagle rays, green and turtles.

• Big Blue, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. At Aguie Negra. PADI certified dive centre offering courses, fundiving, gamefishing, snorkelling, islandtrips. 
• Dive Bazaruto, e-mail: [e-mail]. A PADI dive resort, [phone] /848 506507. Special packages including accommodation, dive courses and boat charter. 
• Odyssea Dive, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. At Boabab Beach. PADI certified with fast, inflatable dive boats. 

Buy

• Machilla Magic, ☎ [phone]. Monday to Friday 08:00- 16:00, Saturday 08.00-12.00. A community based projerct working with Local Mozambican artists and their families to create unique, sustainable crafts..... 

Eat

Drink

• Kilimanjaro Coffee Shop, 22M Eduarod Mondale Avenida, ☎ [phone]. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff, Wifi, coffee and tasteful meals 

Sleep

Budget

• Dolphinn Dhow Accommodation, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Overlooking The Bazaruto Archipelago offers exclusive beach front accommodation and fine dining in the vibrant coastal town of Vilanculos. Rooms feature private bathrooms and air-conditioning, and there is also deck with sea views. From R150. 
• The Beach Village, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The Beach Village is situated on the Mozambican coast of the Indian Ocean surrounded by the majestic Bazaruto Archipelago in the town Vilankulo just a few steps from the sea, 5 Bungalows, Dormitories, swimming pool, Beach-Bar, Bar & Restaurant with High-Speed WiFi Access From $12. 
• Baobab Beach, ☎ [phone]. Head south for about 5 minutes from the center of town. A large place overlooking the beach with many huts and a few that serve as dorms with about 8 beds each. Also good for campers with tents. It's a little quieter up here than the northern end of town. 
• Casa Chibububo Lodge, Bairo du Airporto, Stand 10, ☎ [phone]. Casa Chibububo Lodge offers double and twin room with refrigerator, beds with mosquito nets and balcony. Its facilities and services include restaurant, bar, airport shuttle service and babysitting service. 
• Josef & Tina's, ☎ [phone]. It is a small and affordable beachfront lodge with one guest house, three suites, three chalets, camp site and bar/restaurant 
• Smugglers, ☎ [phone]. Popular with a range of options in various blocks of rooms. Hot water in the shared bathrooms, and a sports bar with satellite TV and pool table with weekly competitions. Tues and Thurs are volleyball night. Swimming pool with a pool bar. Come here if you like to party R150-525. 
• Turtle Suites, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Very nice suites on the beach with Air con, Wifi, full self catering kitchen and Swimming pool with a bar for a reasonable price 500 Zar. 
• Varanda, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. on the beachfront. Venue with view of the Bazauto islands. The cuisine is a mix of Portuguese and Mozambican. Try the prawn curry. 2 suites with private toilet.1 studio on the top of a kind of moulin...incredible view. suites 70 $ studio 100 $.. 
• Zombie Cucumber. To get here walk a few minutes south of the town center. Dorms Mts 360 Chalets Mts 1100. Swimming pool and internet. 

Mid-range

• Pescador, Beach Road, Vilankulo, Mozambique, ☎ [phone]. All rooms have ocean views and air conditioning. There is also an a la carte restaurant and wifi with ADSL access US$100 - US$130/person/night. 
• Hotel Massunguine, Av. Eduardo Mondlane, ☎ [phone]. Very good hotel in town. Has 27 en-suite rooms with A/C. The manager is British/South African and very helpful. Restaurant provides very good food. MTS 1800. 
• Archipelago Resort, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 18 Indonesian styled casa's that sleep up to 6 comfortably. On site restaurant. Horse riding and deep sea diving. US$150 per casa per night or US$40.00 per person sharing. 
• Aguie Negra, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. [mail to: ]. Newly renovated lodge right at the beachfront. 
• Casa Guci, ☎ [phone]. A German owned resort with 3 chalets, 2-4 beds in each and fully equipped kitchens. Has a small swimming pool and a restaurant that serves European and local food, including good pizzas €60/R480/person for self catering or €85/R680/person for full board. 
• Beach chalets, South Beach, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. sea and garden view chalets with Restaurant and swimming pool on South beach US$40 /50 per person sharing per night or $150 per unit/night. 
• Casa Rex, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Terrace and swimming pool with views over the harbour. US$95 - US$130/person/night. 
• Deacra, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. self catering as well as B&B accommodation, the houses each comprise of 3 twin bedrooms all with bathrooms en-suite and a private swimming pool US$350/person/night. 
• Hotel Ancora, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Step out of your room and you are on the beach. Business centre and restaurant. All rooms include ensuite bathrooms, TV (DSTv) with movies/sports/news, A/C, free breakfast and free wifi. Single $105USD/Double $170USD.. 
• Vilanculos Beach Lodge (at the northern end of Vilanculos), e-mail: [e-mail]. R850-1050/night. 

Connect

• TDM and the Tourist Information in the Town centre have computers offering internet access as well as some of the resorts and restaurants.

Go next

Fly out of here to:

• Kruger National Park
• Mpumalanga