Vilanculos is a stepping-stone to the 3 main islands
of the Bazaruto Archipelago (Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque)
and truly the only way to discover Mozambique and its
beautiful and untouched coastline.
It's only a small seaside town but tourism is well
established. It has some beautiful beaches, a lively nightlife
and excellent lodges. It is a busy, bustling town with
a lively atmosphere and friendly people. There is a great
market selling fresh produce and every kind of fish imaginable,
plus a number of restaurants serving delicious seafood.
There are plenty of good beaches on the mainland and it
is possible to take day trips into the Archipelago by
dhow sailing boats or motorised boats for snorkelling
and to explore the islands. The Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife
Sanctuary covers 30 000 hectares of pristine marine and
wildlife territory. This diverse eco-system of bush and
wetland, with its powder white beaches and crystal clear
water is host to a magnificent array of fish, dolphin
and very importantly, the nearly extinct "Dugong".
The coast harbour a mix of mangroves, vast offshore coral
reefs, and sea grass beds that provide food resources
and habitat for seabird colonies, nesting sea turtles,
and numerous fishes.
How to get there?
Guests can fly to Vilanculos Airport from Johannesburg
and Durban. There are also daily connections from Maputo.
Transfers to Dugong lodge are by boat (40 minutes) or
with a Sanctuaries 6 seater island hopper aircraft.
| Accomodation |
| Dugong
Beach Lodge |
Following the assessment of the widespread damage caused by Cyclone Favio, Indigo Bay will reopening Ocotber 2007, weather permitting and provided the restoration goes according to plan.
Poised on the East African seaboard on the dazzling
Indian Ocean shores of Mozambique, this remote refuge
resides within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dugong Beach Lodge is perched right on the edge of
the powdery white beach beneath the shade of Msasa
trees.
Overlooking the ocean, this romantic hideaway offers
the beauty of pristine surroundings, tranquillity
and solitude. Dugong consists of 10 luxuriously appointed
framed tented rooms with Jekka thatched grass canopies,
hardwood floors, teak decking and private patios.
A private bathroom features a huge bath and romantic
outdoor shower. All have hair dryer, fans and mosquito
nets.
Cuisine in Mozambique is unique, incorporating lots
of fresh seafood and a Portuguese influence. Nature
is your playmate at Dugong as you explore shallow
and deepwater reefs that may reveal such beautiful
creatures as leatherback turtles, sailfish and manta
ray.
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| Vilanculos
Beach Lodge |
Vilanculos Beach Lodge offers scenic surroundings,
vibrant nature and exquisite cuisine that Mozambique
has to offer. Discreetly tucked away in the Vilanculos
region, Vilanculos Beach Lodge is a small and exclusive
situated 5 km from Vilanculos Village.
The chalets are individually built on ironwood stilts
with raised mahogany decks and a tasteful combination
of mahogany and reed walls. Each chalet is uniquely
situated depicting the magnificent sea views
and is seclude, ensuring you of your own haven of
sanctity. Every chalet is strategically placed as
to allow in natural light and for the effect of the
ambience of the natural surroundings.
The beautifully constructed restaurant and bar offer
traditional Mozambican and standard western cuisine.
The lodge has a swimming pool, and the sea in front
of the lodge is calm and shallow which is ideal for
swimming and paddling.
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What to see
The Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary offers a large
bay, tidal sand flats, an estuarine lagoon, sea grass
beds, freshwater lakes, extensive mangrove swamps and
reed swamps. Add to this coral and rocky reefs (with over
400 species of fishes), idyllic sandy beaches and forested
dunes. With 275 species of birds and several rare reptiles.
The breathtaking Sanctuary forms the southernmost portion
of the spectacular Bazaruto Archipelago.
What to do
Deep Sea Fishing
Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago area has some
of the best game fishing in the world.
Diving & Snorkelling
The islands of the Bazaruto are a diverse home for both
land and marine creatures including red duiker, bushbuck,
samango monkey, as well as the elegant manta rays, whalesharks
and the mermaids of the sea, the dugong. Below the water
an immense variety of hard and soft corals flourish providing
a diverse and productive ecosystem. Marine life includes
many brightly coloured tropical fish, sea horses, triggerfish,
wrass, and many species of gamefish, sharks and rays.
Dhow trips
Traditional sailing dhow, locally built by hand in the
time honored method and comfortably furnished is the idyllic
way to watch the sun setting over the sea.
Hiking
The area is lovely for hiking through untouched nature
with an incredible bird life. The unspoilt and tranquil
beaches are ideal for long scenic beach walks and shell
collecting.
