Gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, Vilanculos is a colourful beach town where adventure begins. From diving and kite-surfing to island-hopping and lazy market strolls, Vilanculos is Mozambique at its most relaxed and ready.
Vilanculos, or Vilankulo, is a small coastal town with a big personality. It’s the main jumping-off point for trips to the Bazaruto Archipelago, but it’s worth lingering here for its own mix of energy and charm. Colourful local markets, sandy backstreets, and a lively beach culture give it a welcoming, easygoing feel.
Active travellers will love the options—scuba diving, kite-surfing, deep-sea fishing, and horseback riding along the shoreline. The views of the archipelago from the mainland are postcard-perfect, and traditional dhow safaris across the shallow channels are a must.
Vilanculos strikes the perfect balance between convenience and escapism, with a range of accommodations from backpacker favourites to boutique hotels.
Discover Africa’s Eden members offering water-based adventures, island transfers, and authentic stays in Vilanculos.
There are no scheduled flights to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) or Ghanzi. However, private charters can be arranged via your travel agent, and it will probably be necessary to visit lodges in the region. The town of Ghanzi is recognised as the gateway to the Kalahari and is relatively easy to reach by road, although self-drive visitors are advised not to travel at night. A well-equipped and fully provisioned 4×4 vehicle is needed as there are little to no services available. Road conditions can be terrible after rain.
Distance and Estimated Time to reach Ghanzi:
Most self-drive visitors enter the park via the Matswere Gate to the northeast of the reserve and should note that it is not necessary to transit Ghanzi if approaching from the east (Gaborone/Maun). If coming from the west (Ghanzi side), Tsau Gate is most often used.
December to March is regarded as the best time to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, as the pans in Deception Valley attract large herds of game with their young, along with predators. That said, this is when the rains fall, so roads can be difficult to negotiate. Roads are better in April-May, but wildlife is more dispersed, yet easy enough to find.
The high season at the lodges runs from July to October when rates are highest – although it is never crowded. Due to the desert climate, the best weather is experienced from May-August, and it is hottest in January.
