Vilanculos Beach Lodge is situated in the small coastal town of Vilankulo, in the subtropical province of Inhambane, Mozambique. Vilankulo lies approximately 700kms north of Maputo and 500kms south of Beira. The town, with friendly people and a lively atmosphere, offers the perfect base from which to explore the picturesque Bazaruto Archipelago and the Bazaruto National Park.
The marine reserve includes five islands – Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island), Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Bangue. The Archipelago offers some of the worlds best snorkeling, diving and big game fishing. The islands are pristine in their natural beauty and diverse ecologies. The coral reefs are profuse with a diversity of tropical fish and turtles, and are amongst the most pristine in the Western Indian Ocean. Dolphins are seen year round and whales are seasonal visitors to the Archipelago. The park is also home to the last viable population of Dugong on the east African coast.
There is an abundance of bird species, including the crab plover and olive bee-eater that tunnels its nest into the sand dunes. Large flocks of migrant waders visit the fertile mud flats from September to April and the nomadic Greater Fla- mingo arrive around mid-October. The town of Vilankulo has grown extensively over the last decade, and has been the recipient of considerable inward investment into its tourism infrastructure. Vilankulo has an international airport with daily flights from Maputo and South Africa.
Vilanculos Beach Lodge is constructed from natural indigenous elements of thatch and local hardwood simbire poles which have been combined in perfect harmony with plaster walls and wood frame doors and windows. The result is the relaxed yet stylish finish. The property extends right on to the beach and the lodge buildings are set back about 100m up the ridge, overlooking the sea.
22 DOUBLE LUXURY BUNGALOWS
Accommodation is in privately appointed Luxury Bungalows constructed on ironwood stilts with “majeka” (local thatch) roofs and beautiful mahogany floors. All bungalows have en-suite bathrooms with showers, mosquito nets, room safes, coffee & tea facilities and amenities, they are also all air conditioned for your comfort. The bungalows are set amidst lush indigenous gardens with private balconies – most with sea-views which offer exceptional views of the sunrise over the ocean- allowing guests to truly relax and soak up the idyllic atmosphere.
1 Presidential Suite- The Suite is built on stilts and offers a superb view of the ocean and the islands in the distance. It has two en-suite rooms, a comfortable open plan lounge as well as a spacious covered veranda which is perfect for those early morning cups of coffee or the late afternoon Sundowners. The air-conditioned rooms are large and comfortably appointed with mosquito nets, desk, arm chairs, electronic safes and coffee & tea facilities. The en-suite bathrooms boast open shower, double vanity, toilet, bidet and all amenities.
MAIN BUILDING
The Main building houses the lounge, reception, main bar, restaurant and kitchen .This welcoming thatched structure invites guests to unwind in the comfort of its open spaces and passages which lead into the garden, allowing for a refreshing escape and uninterrupted views of the sea. In the event of inclement weather, awnings are available to offer protection, without blocking the magnificent views. The large comfortable couches in the lounge provide the perfect place to relax indoors and the main bar is equally well-positioned overlooking the lush gardens, palm trees and pool in the distance.
RESTAURANT
The spacious restaurant offers the choice of dining indoors, or out on the patio under well-designed, attractive shade sails. For true outdoor dining, the option of dining under the palm trees or next to the pool is available. Traditional Mozambican, Portuguese and international fare is served and whenever possible fresh, scrumptious seafood remains the recommended plate of the day. Breakfast is a typical continental feast – fresh bread, jam, honey, rich butter cereals, yoghurt & fruit with a delicious homemade pastry of the day beautifully crafted by our passionate kitchen team. You are also welcome to order from our a la carte menu for a hot breakfast. Please note that all Espressos, Galao and Cappuccinos are not included and are charged as additional extras. The Restaurant serves breakfast from 07h00 am and the last dinner request should be made by 20h00 pm. Should you require a breakfast prior to 07h00 please advise our staff of your request and we will make the necessary arrangements.
POOL, GARDENS AND BAR
The pool area has incredible uninterrupted views of the Azure blue ocean as well as of the stunning Archipelago whilst our spectacular infinity pool offers a welcome retreat from the heat of the day. The pool bar, overlooking the gardens, pool and beach, offers a relaxed atmosphere. A selection of drinks, shooters, and cocktails are available from this fully equipped bar. Our Sunset lounge strategically placed for optimum views of both the sunrise and the sunset is the perfect place to end the day. The well-kept gardens are an appealing blend of indigenous bush on the slopes around the bungalows and pathways, and tropical lush green palms and lawns around the guest entertainment areas. The rolling green lawns of the gardens around the main building, pool and pool bar are peppered with palm trees, offering shade on the hot summer days. Scattered paved areas amongst the trees offer quiet shaded areas for drinks, meetings, meals or to simply relax. Comfortable loungers, large thatched umbrellas and waiter service guarantee complete relaxation on the beach. Alternatively, a day can be spent next to the swimming pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil gardens.
GETTING THERE
Vilanculos Beach Lodge is situated just 8km from the airport on a tarred road and offers complimentary transfers to and from the airport.
FLY
Vilankulo hosts an international airport with flights departing to/from Maputo and Johannesburg on a daily basis. There are also flights from KMIA (Nelspruit) to Vilankulo twice weekly. Both SA Airlink and LAM operate flights into Vilankulo.
DRIVE
The roads to Vilankulo are acceptable and tarred, but look out for potholes on route; a 4×4 is not a necessity. We do not suggest travelling at night in Mozambique. Fuel is readily available, but it is suggested to fill up when possible.
VISAS
South African passport-holders do not require a visa for leisure travel to Mozambique. For all other passport holders we recommend that you contact the Mozambican embassy in your country of origin.
ACTIVITIES
Activities available are all booked via our reliable local partner operators.
SCUBA DIVING
Dive in the warm, subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean, in and around the Bazaruto Archipelago. Let the dive instruc- tor, guide you around the pristine coral reefs which abound with more than 200 species of fish. As the reefs range from shallow to deep, they offer the diver an abundance of marine life with a huge diversity of both coral and fish life. In addition to most of the beautiful East Indian Ocean reef fish, we have the privilege of seeing various species of Sharks, Whale sharks, Manta rays, Potato bass, Turtles, Guitarfish and various Rays and Eels. For those extremely fortunate, a Humpback Whale during the months of July to October. For the non-diver there is always the opportunity to take a snorkeling trip to the amazing 2 mile reef. Here, one may appreciate the beauty and colors of a coral reef and the abundant marine life it supports without having to don scuba gear.
WHALE WATCHING
Excursions are seasonal and take place during the months of July to October and Dolphins are seen year round.
FISHING
Go fishing in and around the prolific waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Let one of our local skippers take you expertly to the current fishing hot spot aboard one of the many fishing vessels available- be it for game fishing, drop shotting, light tackle or fly fishing. Fishing is excellent all year round, especially for giant king fish, king mackerel, yellow fin tuna and barracuda, with Dorado and Wahoo being found in the summer months. October to February produces three species of Marlin, mainly Black, Blue and Stripped. For the Sailfish enthusiast the best months are May to July. Fly fishing is available from the shores of one of the idyllic islands, the sand flats around the Archipelago or out at sea.
ISLAND HOPPING
Various packages allow mind boggling options of adventure, sport and recreation to suit your requirements. Enjoy an idyllic picnic on the pristine beaches of a deserted island, where calm indigo waters stretch to the horizon.
COCKTAIL CRUISE
Day time, late afternoon and evening cocktail cruises are available
BOATS FOR CHARTER
Catamarans Yachts Fishing Boats
Water sports Boat
NON MOTORIZED WATER SPORTS
Non-motorized activities include sea kayaks, paddle boards, soccer and beach volleyball. The sea is calm and shallow in front of the lodge and ideal for swimming and paddling. Vilankulo is proving to be a popular kite surfing destination, particularly between the months of September and February.
HORSE RIDING
The breeze on your skin and the ocean at your side – this is a wonderful experience and of course you also have the option of a swim ride with your horse.