Vilanculos is a small but vibrant town on the southern coast of Mozambique. It is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a string of idyllic and magnificent islands which visitors flock to, by boat or plane, after arriving at the international airport. For those who take the time to explore, Vilanculos is actually its own piece of paradise, offering those staying on the mainland lovely, palm-fringed beaches surrounded by the warm, turquoise, crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s just a bit busier, and more developed here, but many see that as an advantage, with its restaurants, bars, markets, lively nightlife and a wide choice of things to see and do. There is a nice range of accommodations for all budgets, from camping and self-catering options, to opulent luxury.
The second-biggest island in the idyllic Bazaruto archipelago, Benguerra is a tropical paradise of long, palm-lined white beaches, verdant rainforest and temperate turquoise seas permeated with coral reefs. Benguerra was designated a national park in 1971 and wildlife thrives in this unspoilt environment, including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, monkeys, buck and over 150 avian species. The surrounding ocean is permeated with exquisite coral reefs, home to a kaleidoscopic variety of vividly coloured tropical fish and offering some of the most spectacular snorkelling and diving on the planet. These pristine waters are even frequented by the rare dugong, an ancient sea creature that currently exists in only a few locations in the world.
