Vilanculos Beach Lodge is situated in the small coastal town of Vilanculos, in the subtropical province of Inhambane, Mozambique. 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 snorkelling, 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 Archipelago. 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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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

The 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.

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.

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.

The Villa

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, fishing, catamaran, fishing boats, kayaks, parasailing, paddle ski, soccer, beach volley ball, island hopping, town trips, booze cruise, horse and camel rides, whale watching.

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Itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Fly from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) to Vilanculos with Federal Air. On arrival transfer by car to Vilanculos Beach Lodge. You will be staying at Vilanculos Beach Lodge for 7 nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8: Return transfer to Vilanculos and fly back to Johannesburg.

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Prices include

International flights from Johannesburg, accommodation in chalets, all airport - hotel transfers.


Not included Visa fee, airport taxes, drinks, tips, personal expenses and travel insurance.

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Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)

±USD 2068 (Beach Chalet, dinner, bed and breakfast)

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