"Mozambique to Get Away From It All" Top 5 Page for this destination L. Vilanculos by Waxbag

L. Vilanculos Travel Guide: 22 reviews and 33 photos

Vilanculos Dowl and Crew - L. Vilanculos

Little known Mozambique was pullling itself out of a 20 year civil war when i was there in 1999. European and South African companies were involved in removing landminds and repairing the roads and communications. I travelled through the Tete region from Malawi's Blantyre and headed down to Vilanculos, a sleepy fishing village waiting to be discovered. The Bazaruto Archepeligo is right off shore with unbelievable snorkelling and diving opportunities. There is very little motor traffic and the only sailing vessels are the old arabic sailing dowls. The tides here are very dramatic and the water is constantly changing colors due to changing water depth and the light as the day passes. This place is one of my favorite beach spots because the ambiance is truly amazing. There were no classy resorts or any upscale restaurants or eateries. I pitched my tent on a sand dune in the back of a locals yard. Brillant!

Work Boats in Vilanculo

Life here has not changed in 100 years, except for the new market opened by some enterprising indians. For the traveller this simple fishing villages offers a no-hastle, relaxing atmosphere which requires very little effort to enjoy and appreciate.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Pristine Beach with Incredible Ambiance
Cons:Sure to Become Over-run with Tourists Soon

Last visit to L. Vilanculos: Oct 1999
Intro Updated Jan 4, 2005
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Reviews (4)

Increadible Ambiance in Vilanculos Hotels (1)

There is not much here in the way of facilities, however, the ambiance makes up for it and much much more. There are two... more travel advice

The Increadible Ambiant Vilanculos - L. Vilanculos

Eating at Vilanculo and Just Being Favorites (1)

There is really little in the way of facilities in this fishing village. There are some restaurants. There are some... more travel advice

Spear Fisherman on Benguerra Island - L. Vilanculos

Sail on a Dowl to the Bazaruto Islands... Things to Do (1)

It is possible to hire a boat from Vilanculos to the Bazaruto islands. You can stay on the islands which has very little... more travel advice

Beware of Seasonal Flooding Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Every so often, Mozambique gets unbelievable rains in December through March. It is possible to get stranded on beach... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Dec 8, 2003

5 photos

Photo Journal of Mozambique

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Comments (5)

hindu1936 Mar 25, 2006 at 5:23 AM Report Abuse

just exactly the kind of info we are looking for waxbag. much grass. cheap, pretty, and cheap. not you, the camping.
mtncorg Jun 3, 2005 at 11:19 AM Report Abuse

nice glance at a hideaway from it all. i understand moz gets even more crazy farther up north! Nice shots!
pepples46 Jan 7, 2005 at 12:16 PM Report Abuse

Bom Dia, @rie is right! awesome and the Dog on the Table, LOL...love it
K.Knight Aug 1, 2004 at 12:43 AM Report Abuse

John, Thankyou for sharing. We are going on a tour in 8 weeks time with Kumuka that will take in this area and the Islands. G'day from Australia
ukirsari Jan 27, 2004 at 8:27 AM Report Abuse

Can not breath to see the opening picture! Superb :)