Mozambique

Vilanculos

Vilanculos is a town of markets, famous Mozambique prawns and seaside beers. The beautiful beaches along the coastline of Vilanculos are superb for horse riding and guided trails or visitors can set sail on a dhow to cruise on the crystal-clear waters. Just beyond the bay is the magnificent Bazaruto Archipelago, which offers world-class dives with a variety of marine species such as manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and humpback whales.

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Adopt a slower pace and set sail on Santorini’s traditional dhow, a hand-crafted wooden vessel with distinctive lateen rigging. The ancient art of dhow travel has been practiced in this region for centuries, where fathers have passed on the craft of skippering dhows to their sons through generations. Still used today, it is a vital part of everyday life in Kingfisher Bay. Dhow travel is relaxed, simple and unhurried – the perfect way to experience a sunset in Mozambique. Settle into comfortable cushions for a laid-back, romantic sunset cruise, complete with canapés from Santorini’s chefs.

Excluded activities Horse riding

Reasons to visit Vilanculos

  • Easy access to the Bazaruto Archipelago islands
  • Friendly people, colourful markets, cafés and bars
  • Diving and snorkelling in coral reefs

Scintilla’s Delights

Treat yourself to the best experiences Vilanculos has to offer.

church-of-san-antonio-ilhademozambique
Featured

Vilanculous Village Tour

A bustling beach town with a jumbled network of half sealed, half sandy streets, on a typically lovely ribbon of coastline, Vilanculos serves as the gateway to the Bazaruto Islands but also boasts its own gorgeous beaches with a distinct island charm. Combine your stay at AsDunas with a Vilanculos Village tour, and wander through the colourful central town market, browse the art & craft shops, art galleries and the famous Capulanas shop. Pop into one of the many friendly restaurants serving fresh crab and feasts of freshly grilled Mozambican prawns, Portuguese paella, and lobsters bigger than your head. Interact with the locals and simply kick-back and soak-up the easy-going lifestyle, and traditional seaside charm of this tropical town.

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Where to stay in Vilanculos

Vilanculos has some world-class accommodation options. 

Santorini Mozambique
Santorini Mozambique
AsDunas
AsDunas

Other destinations in Mozambique

Mozambique has one of Africa’s longest coastlines, with many beaches and bays to explore. These places are our best of the best.

Mozambique Islands

Maputo and surrounds

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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