Vilanculos is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. It was named after a local tribal chief, Gamala Vilankulo Mkoka. The town of Vilanculos is only 5km long and offers tourists all amenities, lively atmosphere, night life and friendly people. The newly built international airport has flights arriving and departing from Maputo, Johannesburg and Nelspruit on a daily basis. 

Highlights

Activities

Vilanculos, the pearl of Mozambique is everything you could wish for in terms of booking the ideal breakaway from the 9-5 hustle and bustle. As you touch down at their international airport you cannot but feel the stress and strain melt away as the Indian Ocean air warmly wraps its arms around you and gently welcomes you to paradise.

What makes Vilanculos accommodation so attractive is the fact, diving aside, that many visitors come specifically for the pampering and spoiling that these resorts offer. Many on Vilanculos offer for example spa treatments, incredible lunches and dinners with tables groaning under mouth-watering seafood and local specialities; canoe hire and private dhow trips for one to explore at ones leisure and even water sports such as skiing and tubing.

Several choice venues offer a resort experience with many visitors to interact with as you party into the night or alternatively exclusive boutique hotels that offer a more specialised, intimate and unique experience.

Vilanculos is about 700 km north of Maputo and is accessible from road and air. The town of Vilanculos is well supplied and you'll find loads of bohemian restaurants, bars and cafes, fully stocked shops and markets as well as a clinic. Beaches invite you to relax and spend lazy days next to brilliant blue waters.

Productive offshore reefs in the area ensures that anything from barracuda and sailfish to wahoo, kingfish and tuna can be expected when fishing from the boat. Kingfish concentrations are highest during summer when spawning take place. Dolphins and whales frequent these waters and there are 5 species of turtles. Eighty percent of Indo-Pacific fish species reside here. You can also enjoy horse riding and bird watching. The Bazaruto Archipelago National Park hosts the last viable population of dugongs on the east African Coast. Spend a day or two in the town of Vilaculos where you can enjoy excellent eating houses and quaint restaurants or stroll through the markets. Some of these beautiful spots have chalets built on stilts to overlook the turquoise water.

Vilanculos has wonderful restaurants and Bohemian cafes serving some of the best seafood you will ever taste. Visit the Donna Anna Hotel that was once a beacon of pride, but now in bad repair.