The rural fishing village of Vilankulo is on the Mozambican coast 750km north of the capital, Maputo. We are the gateway to the idyllic islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago with their pristine natural beauty and diverse ecologies.
The Archipelago offers some of the world's best diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing. Take a day trip on a speed boat ... or a leisurely sail on a traditional Arab dhow.
Vilankulo offers a range of accommodation options – from luxurious lodges to camping and everything in between. You can experience rural Mozambican culture - the traditional fishing methods, the local cuisine, the drum beats at night…. You don't need a 4x4 to drive there and we have an international airport with direct flights from South Africa, Beira and Maputo.
'culos or 'kulo ...?
Vilankulo is named after chief Vilankulo, and some of the "bairros" (suburbs) are named after his sons. During colonial times the name was changed to Vilanculos since the Portuguese do not use the letter K much, and love the 'ssh' sound of the S. At independence the name was changed back to Vilankulo – with a K and no S. Today the district is called Vilanculos and the town Vilankulo, and many residents have Vilankulo as their last name.
Benguerra Lodge – barefoot luxury at its best – reopens on the first of December. Visit www.benguerra.co.za to see! (posted 01-12-2007)
Internet Everywhere! Smugglers now has an internet café that’s open 8h00 – 22h00 daily. So now you can choose - if you are in the nearer the market there’s the Varanda Restaurante (closed Mondays) and the Tourism Office (closed Sundays & public holidays). If you are at the other end of the town there’s Smugglers and the Áncora (open daily). (posted 30-10-2007)
More accommodation options! Beach Lodge is open again - for walk-in tourists for the next few months. They have 5 chalets available, with the restaurant, bar, pool and free non-motorised water sports as usual. This will be available from 1 November till 8 February when they will continue with construction. The Pescador will be opening any day now. This new option is managed by the same company as Casa Rex, so we all look forward to something special!
Casa Chibubobo, a self-catering complex situated on the river mouth, beyond the mangroves to the south of the town, is also open now. See WHERE TO STAY for their contact details. (posted 30-10-2007)
Need internet? Casa Rex & Smugglers now offer a wireless service – bring your laptop and download on the veranda. If you're travelling light, the Varanda Restaurante offers an internet service for their customers. Note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays. (posted 30-09-2007)
Our new Tourism Information Office is open!! The Vilankulo Tourism Forum is happy to announce that we now have a Tourism Information Office. You will find us very close to the town's entrance, near the municipality, in the WWF office. We have a flip-file with frequently asked questions, brochures, – and maps & information sheets for sale. We also offer an internet service. Nildi & Jonas are there everyday except Sundays & public holidays. If you want to contact us, our email address is info@vilankulo.com. (posted 30-09-2007)
More flights. Transairways is now running flights Maputo-Vilankulo on Mondays and Fridays. Phone Cassamo in Vilankulo on 823881424 to book.LAM /MEX has launched a new routes: Vilankulo - Lanseria ( Johannesburg ) Mondays, Tuesdays & Saturdays; and Vilankulo – Inhambane 3 days a week. (posted 30-09-2007)
New luxury lodge, Azura opens in October - on Benguera Island, where Gabriel’s Lodge used to be. Visit www.azura-retreats.com for more info. (posted 30-09-2007) Need a stretch? Join the yoga class at Beach Lodge on Tuesday afternoons or Saturday mornings. First class free. Call Helga +258 825367933 for more information. (posted 30-09-2007)It's whale watching time! Go with Big Blue and marine biologist Aaron to see these amazing mammals. The trip includes a stop-over at one of the islands and a packed lunch. July to Sept only. $100 per person. Phone Tracey +258 823180460 to make a booking. (posted 16-07-2007)The Varanda Restaurant is back and better than ever. Tony and Sandra provide gracious service with a magnificent view of the sea and truly special food. Find it on the beach road.Aguia Negra Resort is offering a special reduced backpackers rate of only $10 per person to groups of 5 or more.More flights! - Swazi Express are resuming their flights from Durban, and Pelican Air will be offering daily flights from Johannesburg from August.Complexo Áncora (including New York Pizza) has a well-equipped and fast internet café that also offers a range of business services including faxing, printing, DHL and photocopying. Palmeiras Lodge, on the beach and near the town centre, is taking bookings for Bed & Breakfast and self-catering accommodation. Indigo Bay Island Resort and Bazaruto Lodge are open again. Both are on the beautiful Bazaruto Island.
Updated 30 November 2007
