BAOBAB BEACH

Vilanculos (Vilankulo) is the Mozambican capital of water sports. It's a popular beach resort area with accommodation from economy to 5 star barefoot luxury. Vilanculos is a gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique's only underwater national park. The climate is temperate to hot. The hot season is from October to March.

The Bazaruto Archipelago comprises of five islands which are within the Bazaruto Archipelago. From north to south, these islands are: Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island), Bazaruto, Benguerra, Margaruque and Bangue. There are a number of dive sites around the islands (generally on the seaward side) as well as snorkelling sites. Other dive sites are located on the seaward side of Sao Sebastiao (south of the islands and on the mainland peninsula ), From Sao Sebastiao the mainland curves south west to form a large bay which is protected from rough seas by the peninsula and the islands.

Getting to Vilanculos

Get to and from Vilanculos using cars (4x4 not necessary), flights, busses and taxis. There are coach services from Maputo or Beira. Vilanculos International Airport is serviced by LAM and by SA Airlink) from Tete, Beira, Maputo, Nelspruit and Johannesburg.

Getting Around Vilanculos

The town is 1.2 km from Baobab Beach. Explore Vilanculos on foot or take a tuk tuk (3 wheel taxi).

Facilities in and around Vilanculos

* HOSPITALS - there is a private hospital (Netcare) and a government hospital
* BANKS - there are a number of banks with ATM facilities
* MARKETS - there are 2 municipal markets where one can get goods ranging from food to hardware
* SHOPS - there is a fair variety of shops
* SUPERMARKETS - yes
* BAKERIES - yes
* CAR HIRE - available at the airport
* RESTAURANTS and BARS - yes