"Gateway to Bazaruto" Top 5 Page for this destination L. Vilanculos by MikeAtSea

L. Vilanculos Travel Guide: 21 reviews and 36 photos

The Islands off the Coast - L. Vilanculos

Vilanculos is serves as the gateway to some of Mozambique's most famous national parks and tourist facilities on the islands are geared towards luxury tourism. There are four main islands - Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa Carolina.
The largest island in the group is Bazaruto Island, filled with fresh water lakes inhabited by crocodiles, exotic butterflies and many species of birds. The island itself is home to some 125 different species of birds. Benguerra, south of Bazaruto, is smaller but with similar geography and wildlife.
The islands are covered by large sand dunes and freshwater lakes, which are nesting grounds for black-winged Flamingos. They are also home to small herds of red Duiker antelope as well as freshwater Crocodiles and samango Monkeys.
The closest island to Vilanculos is Magaruque and is small enough to make a day trip worthwhile as you can walk around the island in a couple of hours. Santa Carolina is the smallest island and is surrounded by the deepest waters of the islands making it ideal for game fishing.

Map of the Region

For wildlife lovers one of the chief attractions must be the prospect of seeing dugong, now threatened with extinction in many other parts of the world. These mammals are seen regularly in the waters around the islands, as are Dolphins, Turtles and humpback Whales.
For those with an interest in the history of the islands, there are the ruins of a 19th century fort on Magaruque and a lighthouse on Bazaruto, which is just over one hundred years old. With the exception of Santa Carolina, all the islands have accommodation.

Last visit to L. Vilanculos: Jun 2002
Intro Written Oct 10, 2005
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Reviews (7)

Town Centre Things to Do (2)

Vilanculos is a sleepy little town that only recently returned on the vacation map of many visitors. Development North... more travel advice

The Tsongas Local Customs (1)

According to early Portuguese accounts, the Tsonga people were already living in the central and southern areas of... more travel advice

Bazaruto Island Things to Do (2)

The largest island in the group is Bazaruto island, filled with fresh water lakes inhabited by crocodiles and many... more travel advice

Visa for Mozambique Favorites (1)

All nationalities with the exception of South African citizens visiting Mozambique require a visa. The visa can be... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All The pearl of the Indian Ocean

Transportation (1)
Flights to Vilanculos

Comments (2)

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SLLiew Jun 3, 2008 at 1:34 PM

Amazing pic of white sand beach!
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hindu1936 Mar 25, 2006 at 5:07 AM

Your tips have been resourceful, informative, and plain out good. thanks. the visa tip is really what everyone should emulate.