Overview

Vilanculos is a popular tourist destination and the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. It is a great fishing area and is ranked the best black marlin destination in the eastern Indian Ocean. Its long beaches, with white sand and clear azure waters are unspoiled – wonderful for horse safaris, snorkelling and scuba diving. A trip on a traditional dhow around the archipelago makes for a delightful way to explore the area.

Just beyond the beautiful calm bay is the magnificent Bazaruto Archipelago, a collection of islands that form part of a marine protected area.

Climate

The dry season (June to October) produces almost perfect tropical weather – clear skies, plenty of sun and almost no rain.

Rains fall largely between December and March. Shielded by Madagascar, it experiences a relatively low annual rainfall and is largely protected from the tropical storms and the occasional cyclone.

In April, the sun comes out and the sometimes uncomfortable humidity that comes with the rainy season, drops.

Getting There

Flights: Vilanculos Airport is located a short distance to the South of the town Vilankulo.

Direct flights are available from Johannesburg to Vilanculos Airport as well as Nelspruit Airport.

Flying from Maputo to Vilanculos is also an option.

Ideal Destination For

  • Adventure
  • Bucket List
  • Romance
  • Safari
  • Solo Travel
  • Special Interest

Points of Interest

Benguerra Island

Benguerra Island (the second largest island of the Bazaruto Archipelago) is an unspoiled natural paradise which is fast becoming one of the best luxury beach destinations in Africa, as well as a popular honeymoon destination. For adventure lovers the deep Mozambique Channel, which runs alongside the island, is renowned for its game fish and visitors can enjoy some of the world’s best catch-and-release deep sea fishing and fly fishing opportunities here. There is also the thrill of snorkelling just off the island, at Two Mile Reef, which is home to beautiful tropical fish and exquisite coral reefs.

Bazaruto

Bazaruto, the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, is world famous for its big game fishing and popularity as a diving destination. The dives here are all between 12 and 30 metres and offer one the chance to see reef sharks, dolphins, manta rays and turtles.

The island is filled with fresh water lakes which are inhabited by crocodiles, and the area boasts beautiful and exotic butterflies and around 125 species of birds.

Vilanculos Activities

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