Enquire
Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

Vilanculos Holidays

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

Vilanculos is a coastal town that serves as the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Known for its vibrant local culture, water sports, and stunning beaches, it’s a hub for marine adventures.​

Must-Visit Areas in Vilanculos

Dhows on Vilanculos Beach, Mozambique
Venture into the pristine waters of Vilanculous | Photo dermezel21 via Getty

Whether you’re exploring the vibrant local markets, enjoying the laid-back beaches, or venturing into the pristine waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Vilanculos offers something for every traveller. Here are the top places to visit in this charming coastal town:

Vilanculos Beach: Sun and Sand

A beautiful stretch of coastline perfect for relaxation, swimming, and beach walks. The beach offers views of traditional dhows sailing in the distance.

Vilanculos Town: Cultural Excursions

While the beach is a must-visit and outdoor activities like dhow cruises and swimming are not-to-be-missed, don’t skip on exploring the town. Wander through local markets for souvenirs and stop by restaurants to try the local cuisine, including fresh seafood.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Vilanculos?

Low tide at Vilanculos Beach, Mozambique
Absorb all of the culture of Vilanculos with a traditional dhow ride. | Photo: demerzel21 via Getty

The dry season, from May to November, offers cooler temperatures and clear skies, ideal for beach activities and excursions to the Bazaruto Archipelago.​

Animals Found in Vilanculos

Baby dugong swimming through a coral reef
Spot the rare and adorable dugong in the waters of Vilanculous! | Photo: cinoby vua Getty

The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, including dugongs, dolphins, and various fish species. The nearby Bazaruto Archipelago is a marine protected area, home to diverse ecosystems.​

How to Get to Vilanculos

Vilanculos Airport has regular flights from Maputo and Johannesburg. The town is also accessible by road, though travel times can be lengthy.

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

904 Reviews - 5/5 Stars

Craft your journey with the expertise of our dedicated Africa Safari Experts

Start Planning

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We live in Australia and I honestly didn’t know who to contact about organising a trip of a lifetime and I really wanted someone that knew Africa and not someone that was from Australia and just guessed. I found Discover Africa on TikTok and got in touch..."

Natalie Flick, Australia29 Jun 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We had an amazing safari experience in Botswana thanks to Chrizaan! She planned everything perfectly and was very professional, honest, and helpful throughout the entire trip. She supported us every step of the way and was always available whenever we ne..."

Mojgan Owliaey, Germany18 May 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We contacted Discover Africa to help us plan my 40th birthday trip and we have no regrets. Justin organised the perfect trip and everything went so smoothly. Our trip was truly amazing and the accommodation options he suggested for us were all amazing in di..."

Gareth French, United Kingdom01 May 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"All advising given by Discover Africa (in our case, by Justin Van Wyk) was really helpful and the programe they have outlined was great. Everything went really smooth and professional."

Luis Cortez, Portugal15 Apr 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We travelled last August on a trip planned with Dev at Discover Africa. It was a family trip that i wanted us to remember forever and we definetly will! We could not have had an easier or more wonderful time and we would never have been able to plan and man..."

Megan Gray, United Kingdom16 Feb 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We booked our safari through Chrizaan and the whole experience was absolutely fantastic. From the very beginning, communication was smooth and easy – both via email and WhatsApp – which made the planning process stress-free. Despite our limited availabil..."

Alejandro Martínez Hernández, Spain03 Sep 2025

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.