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 °C. Bring a sweater for the evenings, The "rainy season" can be hot with temperatures ranging between 23 and 34 °C.

Get in
Vilanculos, has many options options with excellent coach service from Maputo or Beira and small 15 seater vans from Inhambane. Vilanculos International Airport is serviced by Airlink, LAM and by Federal 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.

From Maputo expect a 12 hours Coach ride leaving at 4 AM, one way ticket costs 1500 MTs as of January 2024.

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.



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.



Sailing
Explore the archipelago on board a fully crewed yacht.



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 the 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 30 m and visibility up to 40 m you will discover protected reefs teeming with dolphin, hump back whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta and spotted eagle rays, green and turtles.



Connect

 * TDM and the Tourist Information in the Town centre have computers offering internet access as well as some of the resorts and restaurants.
 * Vodacom 4G network works fine in Vilanculos.

Go next
Fly out of here to:
 * Kruger National Park
 * Mpumalanga