Excursions
Dhow safaris; island trips and cruising; deep sea charters; diving and snorkelling safaris; Zinave National Park (4x4 required).

The experience
Vilanculos in Mozambique offers long pristine beaches and dazzling views to take your breath away. The beautiful bay has calm and shallow waters which are ideal for watersports and fun in the sun. Just beyond the bay is the magnificent Bazaruto Archipelago, a chain of islands in a marine national park.

This area has become a favourite Mozambique holiday destination and stopover for many sunseekers. The town is a few kilometres inland from the bay where visitors will find restaurants and bars, banks, fuel, markets and basic supplies. The local airport in Vilanculos is busy with daily local and international flights.

Vilanculos is about 750km (466 miles) north of Maputo, Mozambique's capital, on tarred roads suitable for a regular vehicle. Visitors to this Mozambique city can also bring a 4x4 vehicle for off-road adventures and exploring the countryside. The town itself is compact and easy to get around on foot.

The markets in Vilanculos have lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and various arts and crafts can be found at the cultural centre to take home. Famous Mozambique prawns and beers are readily available at a number of town eateries or at lodge / resort restaurants on the bay.

Day trips and excursions
The beautiful beaches along the coastline of Vilanculos are superb for horse riding and guided trails or visitors can set sail on a dhow (local sailing boat), to cruise on the crystal clear waters while lunch is prepared on board.

Diving and snorkelling safaris are a must in the Bazaruto National Park where a variety of marine species can be seen including manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and Hump Back Whales in season. This area is one of the few sites where the rare Dugong lives. Visibility in the clear water can be as far as 40 metres.

Deep sea fishing especially for Black Marlin is a major attraction in the waters surrounding this Mozambique marine park from October to February. A variety of Tuna species are also found in this area or visitors can try their hand at salt-water fly fishing.

Visitors with 4x4 vehicles can venture inland to the Zinave National Park, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area in Mozambique. This park is completely undeveloped and has a diversity of landscapes including Miombo forest, riverine vegetation, open bush and even lagoons. A variety of animals reside here such as lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena.

FAQ - Mozambique health requirements

How is emergency medical cover and travel insurance arranged?
It is up to you to make sure that you arrange medical and travel Insurance prior to your trip to Mozambique. This Insurance should cover traveling to and from the destination, cancellation, medical emergency evacuation, medical expenses, personal baggage and money. Your travel consultant should be able to help you with this.

Do you have any advice pertaining to health in Mozambique?
There are a few private health clinics in Maputo. HIV incidence in Mozambique is unfortunately very high.

Do I need injections or immunisations?
Please note that Mozambique is a malaria area and malarial prophylaxis is essential when travelling to this country. Please consult your doctor before your trip.

Please make sure you get all of your vaccine shots before arrival in Mozambique. However, the medical facilities in Mozambique are now reasonably stocked. Be careful about what you eat. If you are concerned about the hygiene level of a place, do not eat there.

Can I drink the water?
Do not drink tap water in rural areas. In the built up areas of Mozambique, like Maputo, Inhambane and Beira, it is safe to drink the water. If you are unsure, bottled water is available, although they are highly priced and sold as a semi-luxury item. A better alternative is water purifying liquids (normally chlorine based), which are also widely available and very cheap.

FAQ - What are the top 10 reasons to visit mozambique - The pearl of the indian ocean
Mozambique features 2500km of pristine beach front on the mainland, with a number of good natural harbours.

1. Several small island paradises can be found off the coast, including the Bazaruto Archipelago made up of five islands, some of which are protected national parks. The islands offer beautiful beaches, abundant bird and marine life, and lovely coral reefs.
   
   
2. Snorkelling is excellent and divers can explore coral reefs and old ship wrecks.
   
   
3. Fishing is world class and includes salt water fly-fishing and big game fishing for marlin and sail fish (tag-and-release).
   
   
4. Delicious fresh seafood is a huge attraction - guests savour mouth-watering giant prawns cooked with Portuguese spices.
   
   
5. Mozambique Island (Ilha de Mozambique) is a World Heritage Site with Persian and Arabic influences and is linked to the mainland by a bridge.
   
   
6. Mozambique has a rich artistic tradition, with the sculptures produced by the Makondo people of the north recognized as some of Africa’s most sophisticated art forms. The country is also renowned for its murals.
   
   
7. Mozambique is famous for its marimba orchestras (piano-like percussion instrument of West Africa origin).
   
   
8. The country has recently been included in a vast transfrontier park incorporating wilderness reserves in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Called the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, it is the world’s largest reserve and infrastructure for visitors will be developed over the next few years.
   
   
9. Over 1200 species of fish have been identified in the coastal waters of Mozambique.
   
   
10. Mozambique is an excellent beach holiday end to a trip to Botswana, or even Namibia, and is easily accessed via Johannesburg.