Vilanculos (or Vilankulo) is a popular beach town and the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of five idylic islands off the coast of Mozambique the largest of which is Bazaruto Island. Others are Inhaca and Paridise Island. The Archipelago is truly one of the most beautiful destinations on the African continent. The area is now protected as a conservation area and national park. The park is one of the largest in the Indian Ocean and a crucial achievement in global marine conservation.
Sand dunes are found throughout the Archipelago and tidal flats and inland saline lakes support a wide variety of seabird species. Coral reefs are also home to thousands of fish and coral species and marine mammal species. The largest dugong population along the eastern African coast can also be found here.
Mile after mile of deserted sandy beaches also grace the island. The leeward side of the island chain is surrounded by calm turquoise waters while the windward side offers an even more isolated and untamed seashore with waves constantly pounding the coastline.
While offering an exquisite paradise, travelers may find accommodations on the islands prohibitively expensive particularly with the closure of the one of the last reasonably priced accommodation “Gabrielle’s” to make way for yet another luxury lodge. Fortunately, Vilanculos offers a plethora of affordable places to sleep. Daytrips by dhows can easily be arranged from the mainland.
A untouched paradise on earth, the archipelago has earned its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.
