Vilanculos, Mozambique

Do me ...

Welcome to Vilanculos, Approximatley 750km North of the capital of Maputo, this bustling village paradise is a great "stepping-stone" for travellers who want to venture and explore Mozambique's popular Archipelago Bazaruto islands. (5 islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue Islands - most are national parks).

Some people argue "if you have never been to Vilanculos, then you've never experienced mozambiques true beauty".

Good news for tourists who want to travel to Vilanculos by vehicle, because the roads have been improved, which not only means the roads are better, but also means you don't need a 4x4 to get to there ... but if you're the type that does not like long distant drives ... flights can be booked on a daily basis from South Africa's, Johannesburg airport to Vilanculos (which supports medium sized aircraft).

5km inland from all the beach resorts and lodges is The vilanculos town itself - a busy / vibrant commercial village offering lots of fresh produce and vegetables at the local markets. Curios's & arts are sold everywhere - from stunning island paintings to well crafted quality wooden statues and the locals are more than willing to 'bargain'/trade with you. So you are bound to find your mozambiqan suivenior. Be Sure to visit the Cultural Centre.
If you are in town and your tastebuds are craving for some delicious seafood (especially the large mozambiqan prawns - that are well renowned) ... then there are a few good quaint restaurants to dine at... otherwise closer to the tropical ocean and beaches, almost all the restaurants & bars at the different lodges/resorts allow "walk-ins" for you to experience their own exquisite cuisine.
Although, just like most towns / places in Mozambique ... always be aware & keep an eye out for 'pocket-pickers'.
Petrol, Diesel, banks and telephone facilities can be found here as well as the basic supplies sold at shops.

Nitelife in vilanculos is quite vibrant ... either spend your night sipping and tasting the differnt types of local beers at the bars / pubs or spent the nite dancing at a local 'discoteque'.

Wake up to a Mozambique sunrise, gaze ... and simply take a long stroll down the beautiful unspoiled white beaches or lie back and soak up the sun. The bay's water is clear, calm and quite shallow between the Mainland and the islands ... making it a great place for Kitesurfing and swimming. Diving, snorkling and Game fishing is extremely popular, out, past the Bazaruto Islands. One of the best fishing zones in the Indian Ocean for Black Marlin - and is even home to the rare Dugong species that can be spotted.
See below for more Activities around Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago islands

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