Vilanculos Holidays

The first thing to do in Vilanculos is slow down. Everything you need is accessible by foot, tuk-tuk, or boat, and the laidback vibe is all part of the appeal. Horse ride or cycle on the beach, sail in the Indian Ocean to spot whales and dugongs or visit the nearby Bazaruto Islands. Scuba, snorkel, or try out the many watersports available. Taste the day’s fresh catch from the afternoon market.

Welcome the sunset from the Red Dunes after a dhow cruise. Join a walking tour to learn the history and culture of the town. Sample the blended Portuguese-African cuisine showcased in local restaurants. See eland, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe in the wetland habitats of Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary. Or forget it all and sit sipping drinks by your resort pool until the sun fades and the stars appear.

Vilankulo isn’t just a gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago; it’s a playground resort itself. With an out-of-the-way feel and a relaxed atmosphere, restaurants and bars sit beside hotels and lodges at the edge of the Indian Ocean. There’s plenty to do on the beach, from horseback riding and swimming in the clear water to kitesurfing and jet-skiing.

Watch for passing dolphins from the historic sandbank of Death Island or, if you’re visiting between July and October, sail out to spot whales passing along the 'Humpback Highway.' Get closer to the colourful fish, rays, turtles, and dugongs when you snorkel or scuba among unspoiled reefs. No matter how long you stay, Vilankulo is the perfect spot to unwind, have fun, and soak up the sun in Mozambique.

From the north to the south, Vilankulo is lined with several amazing accommodations to choose from. Check-in ten minutes from Vilankulo Airport at Casa Babi by a beautiful beach with an in-house dive centre and kitesurf school. Stay in the heart of town and pamper yourself in the spa of Bahia Ma Boutique Hotel or relax in a shoreside bungalow at Vilanculos Beach Lodge.

Choose luxury beside the Red Dunes at the Mediterranean-inspired Santorini Mozambique, or find a little quiet in the picturesque gardens of Villas do Indico Eco-Resort & Spa. Looking for a true away-from-it-all feel? Leave the town behind for the Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary, a luxury chalet at Dugong Beach Lodge, or a thatched bungalow at Azulik Lodge.

Thanks to warm days and low rainfall, Vilankulo is an excellent destination to visit at any time. Average daytime temperatures range from 25°C in July to 30°C in January. While December to February experiences the most rainfall, prolonged showers are rare.

The driest months are August and September, the peak whale-watching season. More visitors tend to arrive during the second half of the year, so flexible travellers may prefer to visit between April and June for a better balance of weather and fewer crowds.