Vilankulos
Vilankulos is a coastal town located in the Inhambane province of Mozambique. It is situated approximately 750 kilometers northeast of Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. Access to Vilankulos is possible by both road and air travel.
By road, visitors can travel from Maputo to Vilankulos via a well-maintained highway. The journey takes approximately 10 hours by car or bus and offers some stunning views of the Mozambican countryside. Alternatively, visitors can take a flight from Maputo International Airport to Vilankulos Airport, which takes around 1 hour.
Vilankulos is famous for its stunning beaches and is often referred to as the "gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago". Some of the highlights of Villankulos include the chance to explore the Bazaruto Archipelago, which is a group of islands that make up the Bazaruto National Park.
Visitors can go on boat tours to explore these stunning islands, and can even swim with dolphins. The beaches of Vilankulos are also perfect for water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and kite surfing, and the town is home to several reputable schools that offer lessons and equipment rentals.
Other highlights of Vilankulos include the local markets, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and locally made crafts. The town is also famous for its fresh seafood, with several restaurants offering delicious local dishes such as peri-peri prawns and grilled fish.
Exploring Vilankulos
Find accomodation in Vilankulos
- Luke's Place
- VilanCool Beach Resort
- The Beach Village
- Baobab Beach Vilanculos
- Aurora Apartments
- Casa Babi
- Sanelar is guest house Vilanculos
- Muha's Backpackers
- Varanda by MAKICA - Vilankulo
- Baraka Beach Hotel
- Casa da praia
- The Time Will Tell
- Zombie Cucumber
- Boa Gente Lodge
- Solemar Complexo Mammamia
- Lemon Beach Lodge
- Complexo Alemanha
- Hotel Bernna
- Hotel Dona Ana
- Lazul beach house & Restaurant
- Hotel Pescador Limitada
- Vila Sol & Sal Vilanculos
- Samara
- Casa Cabana Beach and Casbah Restaurant
- Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Aguia Negra
- Vila la Mar Vilanculos
- Vila do Paraiso
- Vilanculos Beach Lodge
- Perlo do Mar Lodge
- Tsai-Tsai Villas
- Vila Dos Camelos
- Gecko Lodge Vilankulos
- Santorini Mozambique
- Villas do Indico Eco-Resort & Spa
- THE COVE - SAILAWAY TOURS
- Archipelago Resort
- Ebony Beach Villa
- Mangal Beach Lodge
7 day weather forecast Vilanculos
How to Get from Vilanculos to Bazaruto Island
Bazaruto Island, part of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, is a stunning destination renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. If you're starting your journey from Vilanculos, this memo will provide you with comprehensive information on how to reach this captivating island.
Distance to Bazaruto Island is approximately 30 km off the coast of Vilanculos.
Modes of Transport
By Air : Currently, there are no direct commercial flights from Vilanculos to Bazaruto Island. The nearest major airport is Vilanculos Airport (VNX), which is a convenient gateway for travelers. From there, you can opt for boat or helicopter transfers.
Helicopter Transfers : For a faster and more exhilarating option, consider a helicopter transfer. This method not only reduces travel time but also offers breathtaking aerial views of the coastline and the archipelago.
- Helicopter transfers can be arranged through various tour operators in Vilanculos or through your resort on Bazaruto Island.
- The flight usually takes about 15-20 minutes, providing a quick and scenic route to the island.
- Pre-booking is essential to ensure availability and to organize your departure according to your travel schedule.
By Boat : Reaching Bazaruto Island by boat is a popular and scenic choice, offering a firsthand experience of the maritime beauty between Vilanculos and the island.
- Shuttle Boats:
- Several resorts on Bazaruto Island offer boat shuttle services for their guests.
- The trip typically takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the weather and sea conditions.
- It is advisable to pre-book your boat transfer through your accommodation to ensure a smooth transfer.
- Private Charters:
- If you prefer a more personalized experience, private boat charters are available.
- This option offers flexibility in terms of departure times and can accommodate specific needs such as fishing or snorkeling trips en route.
- Many local operators in Vilanculos offer private charter services that can be arranged in advance or upon arrival.
7 day weather forecast for Vilanculos
Dive Center: Casa Babi & Underwater Africa
Location: Vilankulo, Inhambane Province
Address: Bairro Desse, Vilankulo, Mozambique
Website: Casa Babi & Underwater Africa
Phone: +258 84 327 4204
Website: Casa Babi & Underwater Africa
Vilankulos diving
Diving Depth Range:10 to 40 meters (33 to 131 feet)
Marine Life:Vilankulos offers a rich underwater world where divers can encounter majestic manta rays, vibrant reef fish, various pelagic species, and several types of sharks, including bull sharks and hammerheads.
Highlights:Diving in Vilankulos provides access to the stunning waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago, known for its crystal-clear visibility and diverse marine life. The area boasts beautiful coral reefs, dramatic rock formations, and an abundance of marine species, making every dive an adventure.
- Two Mile Reef: This extensive reef system, situated within the Bazaruto Marine National Park, offers a depth range of 10 to 22 meters. It's renowned for its vibrant coral gardens and the variety of reef fish. Divers may also spot turtles, moray eels, and occasionally, manta rays.
- San Sebastian: Located further offshore, this site offers depths ranging from 15 to 40 meters. It's a popular spot for encountering larger marine species, including pelagic fish and different types of sharks. The underwater topography features impressive drop-offs and pinnacles.
- The Gap: With a depth range of 12 to 25 meters, this site features a series of deep valleys and ridges. It's known for its schooling fish, reef sharks, and occasional visits from hammerheads.
- Brindle Bass Ridge: Known for its deeper dives (up to 30 meters), this site is frequented by large groupers, also known as brindle bass. It's a great spot for observing these massive fish in their natural habitat, along with manta rays and other pelagic species.
Vilankulos airport
The Vilakulos airport code is: VNX
Vilanculos Airport (VNX) serves as the primary gateway to the beautiful beaches and islands of Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago. Conveniently located just a few kilometers from the town center, the airport offers a range of services and amenities to facilitate a comfortable start to your adventure in Mozambique.
Location
- Address: Vilanculos Airport, Estrada de Aeródromo, Vilanculos, Mozambique
- Distance: Approximately 1 km southwest of Vilanculos town center
Airlines and Destinations
Vilanculos Airport connects the region to various domestic and international destinations through regular flights. The primary airlines operating out of Vilanculos Airport include:
- Airlink: flights to and from Johannesburg and a few flights per week to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
- LAM (Linhas Aereas de Moçambique) : Destinations to Maputo (MPM), Inhambane (INH)
Road Travel from RSA to Vilankulos
Driving from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Vilanculos, Mozambique, is a popular and scenic journey for travelers seeking adventure. The trip covers approximately 1,100 km and offers the flexibility to explore the landscapes and local attractions along the way. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your road trip.
Route Overview
- Total Distance: Approx. 1,200 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 15 - 20 hours (excluding stops)
- Primary Route: Johannesburg -> Nelspruit -> Ressano Garcia Border Post -> Maputo -> Xai-Xai -> Maxixe -> Vilanculos