You have probably heard about the Bazaruto Archipelago. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a chain of islands located off the southeast coast of Mozambique The sandstone is a popular choice for building a home. Africa’s—if not the world’s—most beautiful coastal regions. The country’s beauty is one of the many reasons it made our list. best places to go This year’s list. In recent years, Mozambique has seen a steady increase in tourism, and ultra-luxury retreats on the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, have been quietly welcoming in-the-know tourists. As justified as “untouched paradise” is on the island, many visitors overlook the small coastal town in the mainland. It deserves the same accolades but without the luxury cost.
Benguerra Island was my first choice when I visited Mozambique. As magical as the island was, I am so glad I added a few extra days to visit Vilanculos. This underrated town is predominantly used as a jumping-off point for the archipelago—it’s just a 10-minute helicopter transfer away, or 20-to-60 minutes by boat, depending on which island you’re going to.
Vilanculos is easy to miss, as many tourists do. This small piece of the Mozambican coastline offers a lively, authentic experience that’s free from tourists and more affordable than its neighboring islands.
First, you won’t miss the paradisiacal atmosphere on the island. There are white-sand beaches. beaches The shoreline is often quiet, except for the fishermen who bring in their daily catch. dhow boats The water is bobbing. Under the calm waters of Vilanculos lies one the richest marine eco-systems in the world. Indian Ocean—snorkelers You can also find out more about the following: divers Coral reefs are alive with life. You could see dolphins, mantas rays or turtles depending on the time of the year.
My hotel arranged a tour of Vilanculos with a local guide. It was one of the most memorable experiences I had. Saudade. I learnt about the history of the town—how the indigenous Chopi people built their lives around the sea, and how, around the 10th century, the Mozambican coast became part of a vast trading network linking East Africa with Arabia, Persia, and India. Dhows were used by Arab and Swahili merchants to sail these waters, stopping at the coasts for trades of ivory, gold and spices.
