Vilanculos Beach Lodge, Vilanculos Mozambique

Vilanculos Beach Lodge is situated in the small costal town of Vilanculos, in the subtropical province of Inhambane, Mozambique. Vilanculos lies 720kms north of Maputo and 500kms south of Beira.

The town, with friendly people and a lively atmosphere, offers the perfect base from which to explore the picturesque Bazaruto Archipelago and the Bazaruto National Park.

The marine reserve includes five islands – Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island), Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Bangue.

The Archipelago offers some of the world's best snorkeling, diving and big game fishing. The islands are pristine in their natural beauty and diverse ecologies.

The coral reefs are profuse with a diversity of tropical fish and turtles, and are amongst the most pristine in the Western Indian Ocean. Dolphins are seen year round and whales are seasonal visitors to the Archepelago. The park is also home to the last viable population of dugong on the east African coast.

There is an abundance of bird species, including the crab plover and olive bee-eater that tunnels its nest into the sand dunes. Large flocks of migrant waders visit the fertile mud flats from September to April, and the nomadic Greater Flamingo arrive around mid-October.

The town of Vilanculos has grown extensively over the last decade, and has been the recipient of considerable inward investment into its tourism infrastructure.

Vilanculos has an international airport with daily flights from Maputo and South Africa.

Tourists should be reminded to take malaria tablets and wear sunscreen.

GETTING THERE

Vilanculos Beach Lodge is situated just 8km from the airport on the tarred road, the lodge arranges transfers to and from the airport.

Fly
Vilanculos hosts an international airport with flights departing to/from Maputo and Johannesburg on a daily basis. There are also flights from KMIA (Nelspruit) to Vilanculos twice weekly.

Drive
The roads to Vilanculos are acceptable and tarred, but look out for potholes on route, a 4x4 is not a necessity. We do not suggest travelling at night in Mozambique. Fuel is readily available, but it is suggested to fill up when possible. Unleaded fuel is available in Vilanculos.

Visas
South African passport-holders do not require a visa for leisure travel to Mozambique. Visas are obtainable at the airports for overseas visitors at a cost of approximately US$ 27.00 per person (subject to change). Cash (in US Dollars, South African Rands or Meticais) will be required for payment of these upon arrival.

THE LODGE

Vilanculos Beach Lodge has been completely renovated and refurbished after cyclone Favio devastated the town of Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago in February 2007. All new equipment, furnishings and luxuries have been fitted to enhance the tropical experience and revitalize the mind.

The lodge is constructed from natural indigenous elements of thatch and local hardwood sambiri poles which have been combined in perfect harmony with plaster walls and wood frame doors and windows. The result is the relaxed yet stylish finish.

The property extends right on to the beach and the lodge buildings are set back about 100m up the ridge, overlooking the sea.

Main Building
The Main Building houses the lounge, reception, main bar, restaurant and kitchen .This welcoming thatched structure invites guests to unwind in the comfort of its open spaces and passages which lead into the garden, allowing for a refreshing escape and uninterrupted views of the sea. In the event of inclement weather, awnings are available to offer protection, without blocking the magnificent views.

The large comfortable couches in the lounge provide the perfect place to relax indoors and the main bar is equally well-positioned overlooking the lush gardens, palm trees and pool in the distance.

THE LODGE, POOL BAR, GARDENS

The spectacular 550,000 litre infinity pool on the beach front offers a welcome retreat from the heat of the day. It boasts a gentle sloped beach entry, martini double tiered seats, and Jacuzzi jets and bubbles with a stunning water feature.

The pool bar, overlooking the gardens, pool and beach, offers a more relaxed atmosphere. A big screen TV for the sports fans, a selection of drinks, shooters, and cocktails are available from this fully equipped bar.

The beach entry accommodates wheel chair access, and is perfect for children, elderly or disabled patrons.

A depth of 2m allows for scuba training, without compromising the comfort of other guests.

An endless amount of paving allows one to find secluded areas to settle and enjoy the view on a lounger.

The well-kept gardens are an appealing blend of indigenous bush on the slopes around the chalets and pathways, and tropical lush green palms and lawns of the guest entertainment areas.

The rolling green lawns of the gardens around the main building, pool and pool bar, are peppered with palm trees, offering shade on the hot summer days. Scattered paved areas amongst the trees offer quiet shaded areas for drinks, meetings, meals or to simply relax.

A small dam on the property offers children an opportunity to fish for small fresh water fish while dad is chasing the game fish at sea.

RESTAURANT

The spacious restaurant offers the choice of dining in doors, or out on the patio under well-designed, attractive shade sails. For true outdoor dining, the option of dining under the palm trees or next to the pool is available. An impressive chandelier, adds an element of interest within the building.

Should bad weather hamper outdoor dining, the main restaurant can accommodate more tables comfortably.

Traditional Mozambican and standard Western fare are served, but fresh, scrumptious seafood remains the specialty.

A pizza oven situated near the pool bar offers authentic wood-cooked cuisine year round.

LUXURY CHALETS

Care has been taken in the placement of all chalets to provide guests with views of the sea, while retaining privacy in the rooms. Where possible existing flora has been incorporated into patios and indigenous bush has been kept. The Luxury Chalets are positioned on the 100m drop to the beach, each patio faces the ocean and offers exceptional views of the sunrise over the ocean.

Construction of the chalets is of indigenous hardwood sambiri pole and thatch; plaster walls with wooden frame windows and doors; and combinations of highly polished hardwood and cemcrete floors. Frameless glass shower doors and interesting vanity features incorporating traditional beer barrel bases with impressive hardwood counter tops have been included in the design of the interior.

Large glass doors and windows allow an abundance of natural light to enter the rooms and offer fantastic views of the ocean from each chalet. A well-placed desk and counter top serves a practical purpose while adding a local element of high gloss wood and traditional beer barrel to the room. Chalets are comfortable and well-appointed.

All units are fitted with separate air conditioning, mosquito nets, hairdryers, shaver plug points, electronic safes, fridges and coffee and tea stations.

Chalets are available with private patios, or sharing for families, and as twin bed or double bed units.

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

The Presidential Suite, built on stilts, offers superb views of the ocean and islands in the distance. It has two en-suite rooms a comfortable open plan lounge and bar as well as a spacious covered patio.

Floors in the Presidential Suite are cemcrete with interesting tile inlays. Construction of the unit comprises plaster walls, high volume thatched roof with wood framed doors and large folding louver doors off the lounge.

The air-conditioned rooms are large and comfortably appointed with mosquito nets, desk, arm chairs, luggage racks, hairdryers and electronic safes. The en-suite bathrooms, boast open shower, double vanity, toilet and a bidet.

The lounge has large folding doors which, when open, offer unobstructed views of the ocean. The bar counter provides a comfortable place to relax in private with friends and family.

THE VILLA

Situated in a secure complex with controlled access and positioned on a sand cliff with unsurpassed views of the ocean, the Villa is perfect for those looking for more private, exclusive and personalized accommodation. The Villa is located a short drive from the lodge and is constructed of thatch with plaster walls, wooden frame windows and doors.

This is constructed of thatch with plaster walls, wooden frame windows and doors.

The Villa can comfortably accommodate up to 14 guests in five bedrooms with five bathrooms. All rooms are air-conditioned.

The open plan lounge, dining room and bar, with large sliding doors, offer superb views of the morning sunrise over the ocean. The high volume roof gives a feeling of space overlooking the pool and garden.

Various combinations of food and personalized service can be supplied from the lodge to suit one's requirements.

The swimming pool, with children’s splash pool, or the cover patio provides the perfect place to relax while watching the changing tides. The Jacuzzi and boma add to the relaxation experience and the upstairs viewing deck is the perfect place for sundowners, with views stretching across the bay to the islands of the Archipelago and the harbour beyond.

ACTIVITIES

Scuba Diving
At Vilanculos Beach Lodge, dive in the warm, subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean, in and around the Bazaruto Archipelago. Let our dive instructor, with more than 10 years experience in the area, guide you around the pristine coral reefs which abound with more than 200 species of fish.

Our Dive Centre includes a well-stocked equipment room, computer to download those fantastic underwater photo's, hot water showers, classroom, compressor room and makes use of our swimming pool which is one of the largest in Vilanculos.

With our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff, we are proud to to offer exceptional recreational dives and PADI courses from Discover Scuba Diving for the non-diver to Dive master.

There are numerous sites to choose from, ranging in depth from 6m to 34m thus catering for all from the less experienced to the most avid diver. The water temperature ranges from 21 degrees Celsius in winter to 30 degrees Celsius in summer, with the visibility averaging 18m in winter and 8m in summer.

As our reefs range from shallow to deep, they offer the diver an abundance of marine life with a huge diversity of both coral and fish life. In addition to most of the beautiful East Indian Ocean reef fish, we have the privilege of seeing various species of Sharks, Whale sharks, Manta rays, Potato bass, Turtles, Guitarfish and various Rays and Eels. For those extremely fortunate, a Humpback Whale during the months of July to October.

For the non-diver there is always the opportunity to take a snorkeling trip to the amazing 2 mile reef. Here, one may appreciate the beauty and colours of a coral reef and the abundant marine life it supports without having to don scuba gear.

Fishing
Come fishing with us at Beach Lodge in and around the prolific waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Let one of our local skippers take you expertly to the current fishing hot spot aboard one of our fishing vessels - be it for game fishing, drop shotting, light tackle or fly fishing.

Fishing is excellent all year round, especially for giant king fish, king mackerel, yellow fin tuna and barracuda, with Dorado and Wahoo being found in the summer months.

October to February produces three species of Marlin, mainly Black, Blue and Stripped. For the Sailfish enthusiast the best months are May to July. Fly fishing is available from the shores of one of the idyllic islands, the sand flats around the Archipelago or out at sea.

At Beach Lodge, we support catch and release but a fish for the pot is accepted. On return from a day's fishing, you can kick up your feet around our pool and brag about the one that got away.

Boats for Charter

• Catamaran
  The 46’, 8 berth catamaran offers all the modern prerequisites for a day trip or overnighter. Boasting LED lighting, plasma TV with surround sound, glass front fridges, microwave, freezers, pressurized water system, shower room, gas braai, generator and battery system, along with staff accommodation.
  There are large areas of shade under bimini tops on the deck and dropdowns through the main deck area for comfort in the event of inclement weather.
• Yachts
  26’, 5 berths motorised sailing yacht for the qualified enthusiast. This includes a burner stove, sink, fans, radio stereo, toilet, fridge and battery system with solar panel.
  Canopy with dropdowns provide shade and shelter if required.
• Fishing Boats
  An array of mono and cat hulls through the range designed and specked to suit various applications and requirements. These are specifically built for the area with fuel economy and reliability in mind.
• Motorized Kayaks
  Newly launched, these can be used for general sporting about, bird viewing on the rivers or for the serious fisherman looking for a thrilling angling escapade or a personalized fishing expedition in the channel. With an electric start, these motorized kayaks are simple to operate and an adventure all on its own.
  
• Water sports Boat
  The water sports boat is an open bow rider. Catering for the general water junkie, this vessel cover all aspects from tubing, skiing, wake snakes, wake boarding and knee boarding, to mention a few. For both learners and experienced watersport enthusiasts, it is fitted with a monster tower and side pole.

Parasailing
The 30 ‘caterpillar powered, genuine parasail boat has a landing/launch deck incorporated into the boat. This is specifically designed to launch and land multiple people at one time using a hydraulically operated winch system. The system allows multiple pax flight to a maximum of 400m and is the pinnacle of parasail equipment available.

OTHER COOL ACTIVITIES

Non Motorised Water Sports
Non-motorised activities include sea kayaks, paddle skis, soccer and beach volleyball. The sea is calm and shallow in front of the lodge and ideal for swimming and paddling.

Vilanculos is proving to be a popular kite surfing destination, particularly between the months of September and February. Comfortable wooden loungers, large thatched umbrellas and waiter service guarantee complete relaxation on the beach. Alternatively, a day can be spent next to the swimming pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil gardens.

Island Hopping
Various packages allow mind boggling options of adventure, sport and recreation to suit your requirements.

Enjoy an idyllic picnic on the pristine beaches of a deserted island, where calm indigo waters stretch to the horizon.

Trips to Town & the Market
Various trips are arranged to local places of interest and historical importance.

Booze Cruise
Day time, late afternoon and evening booze cruises on a specifically designed bar boat. The boat accommodates 10 people with sound system, gas braai and bar counter with built-in bar stools and canopy. The boat has a toilet and side deck for easy water access.

Horse and Camel rides
Breakfast, day time, sunset and night horse rides can be arranged through the Activities Manager at the Lodge. Camel rides along the Vilanculos beachfront can be booked with the Activities Manager.

Whale watching
Dolphins are seen year round and whales are seasonal visitors to the Archipelago. Whale watching excursions take place during the months of July to October.

Island transfers
We have the capacity to accommodate single person as well as group transfers throughout the Archipelago as required.

Conferences & Functions
Our facilities allow and attract groups due to its availability of open spaces, large volumes and adequate facilities.