Vilanculos

Great little town with lots to do!

Now that the EN1 main road of Mozambique running north to south has been extensively repaired, it is an easy one day drive from Maputo to Vilanculos in the State of Inhambane, the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. The archipelago is the largest marine park in Africa and comprises five islands, Santa Carolina, Bazaruto, Benguerra, Margaruque and Bangue, with Bazaruto and Benguerra offering five star lodge accommodation. The diving and snorkelling on the reefs around these islands is world class with a huge variety of marine life on show. Whales and whale sharks are regular visitors to the coast and dolphins play around the boats in the bay. Even the increasingly rare and shy dugong can be seen now and then. Vilanculos is a relaxed and friendly town with three supermarkets, two fresh fruit and vegetable markets, a fish market and many small boutiques and stalls. For the car traveller there are mechanics, electricians, spare parts shops, fuel stations and solutions to most problems. The town has an active nightlife for anyone fancying a bit of clubbing and there are many restaurants to chose from, in the resorts as well as independent venues. For the family there is lots to do as the sea along the beaches is calm due to the protection of the islands. Hire a canoe and go paddling, learn to snorkel in the shallow waters, take a fishing boat out to catch the big one, ride a horse along the sand - have fun and join an impromptu beach football game. For the more adventurous, take a scuba diving course and discover the magic of the underwater world of the reef. Accommodation comes in many forms, from camping, backpacker rooms, sea view twin bed rondavels, self catering chalets sleeping 6 people, even a great big house for groups of 26 travellers, and luxury private houses. The national language is Portuguese but the staff in the hotels and restaurants speak English. A lot of local people you meet speak the mine dialect of "fanagalo" from working in South Africa.

We enjoyed our stay there, despite the bad wheather and wind. We may go back to explore the islands and sea for snorkling, diving and fishing as we could not as of the wind.

Draped along Africa’s Indian Ocean coastline from South Africa up to Tanzania is magical Mozambique. Vilanculos is a small, vibrant, coastal town 700 kilometres from the Mozambique capital, Maputo. It boasts a new international airport and is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelagos, idyllic offshore islands that make up a string of jewels in the Indian Ocean. Vilanculos is a piece of paradise with dazzling powder-white beaches, coconut palms, crystal blue waters, superb all-year round temperate climate and is the perfect hideaway for a holiday that offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. There is a wide variety of accommodation anywhere from camping and backpackers to sublime luxury hotels and private, self-catering homes. Dining out is a pleasure as there are a handful of excelled restaurants offering the freshest sea food among other delights and specialities in Portuguese fair. For those who prefer self-catering, the local markets and fishermen have all that is necessary to do your own thing. Plus there are small supermarkets for all your little necessities. Adventure comes in so many forms – best marlin fishing in the world, snorkelling, boating, diving, kite surfing and just good old swimming. Dhow sailboat trips and motorboat trips are offered by many to fulfil your adrenalin rush or provide the amazing opportunity of swimming with dolphins or sea turtles. The people are friendly and in no time at all, you would have made life-long friends. Vilanculos is just pure bliss! Indulge yourself!

Vilanculos is a quant village with beautiful friendly people! A visit to the Mercado Municipal is a must! A boat trip to the islands and the snorkeling was a lovely day out. The simple meal cooked so yummy that I just wanted to eat fish after that! I found the interaction with the local people brilliant ... they are friendly and non-invasive, but always wanting to selll their product! The location is nature at is best and alll nature lovers should visit the area as it the archipeligo is really something to witness for oneself.

An absolutley amazing place to explore the beauty of Mozambique. I have never seen such a huge variety of sea life anywhere else in the world. If you love the beach and you love snorkeling or scuba diving, this is a great getaway location.