Useful tips for your trip
Useful Info
Everything you need to know to plan a smooth, easy stay in Vilankulo, Mozambique.
Fly
Vilankulo has an international airport with daily flights to and from Maputo and Johannesburg, plus twice-weekly flights from KMIA (Nelspruit). SA Airlink and LAM both operate the route. For flight reservations ex South Africa, reception is happy to refer you to our preferred suppliers.
Drive
The roads to Vilankulo are tarred and acceptable, though watch for potholes along the way. A 4x4 is not a necessity. We do not advise travelling at night in Mozambique. Fuel is readily available, but fill up whenever you can.
Visas & entry
Mozambique now requires every international visitor to obtain online pre-approval before arrival, either an eVisa or a visa-free eTA. Apply at evisa.gov.mz and travel with a printed copy. Full guide below.
On arrival
You will be asked to complete an indemnity form along with copies of your passport and visa. This is for the local tourism authority and is required by law.
Operational hours
Office hours are 7am to 10pm daily. Breakfast is served 7am to 10am. For dinner, please be seated and place your order before 8pm.
Generators & air-con
Our generator takes a few minutes to start during a power failure, so please switch off any unnecessary power drains. Turn off air-conditioners when you leave the bungalow to conserve energy and for environmental reasons.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary for all in-house guests in the common areas. If you need steady Wi-Fi for a meeting, ask reception for a portable modem. They will gladly assist with airtime (500 Meticais for 5GB).
Tipping
Should you wish to tip the team, please liaise with reception at the end of your stay.
Travel insurance
We recommend arranging travel insurance before you travel, and checking that medical emergencies are covered in Mozambique. Chat to your local GP about malaria prevention.
Laundry
Add any laundry to the bags provided in your bungalow. Items for special care should be kept separate from general laundry. Rates are available on request.
Spa & conferencing
Our on-site spa is bookable in advance at reception. A conference centre suits small groups of 30 to 40, depending on seating style. Ask reception for the price list, or email reservations@vilanculosbeachlodge.com for conferences.
Health & safety
A malaria precaution is recommended; speak to your GP before travelling. Bottled water is provided throughout the lodge. No other vaccinations are required for most travellers.
Useful items to bring
Anti-malaria medication, mosquito spray, sunblock, sun hat and sunglasses, after-sun lotion, personal and general medication, swimwear, and cash for curio shopping.
Stay plugged in
We use 2-pin South African plugs. Please bring any adaptors you need, especially for American plugs, as these are not readily available to buy in Vilankulo.
Before you travel
Visas & entry
Mozambique now asks every international traveller to register online before departure.
Pre-approval is mandatory for everyone
Whether your country needs a visa or is visa-exempt, you must obtain electronic approval online before you arrive. If you need a visa, apply for an eVisa. If you are visa-exempt, you must still register for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Present your printed eVisa or eTA to immigration on arrival.
Register
Create a secure account on the official Mozambique eVisa portal.
Submit details
Enter your trip details and upload your passport bio page (valid 6+ months), a passport photo, and your accommodation or flight booking.
Pay the fee
Pay the processing fee securely online by credit or debit card.
Print approval
Once approved by email, print the PDF certificate. Airlines and border control require the printed copy.
Visa-exempt countries (eTA required)
Ordinary-passport holders from these 29 countries do not need a standard visa for stays up to 30 days, but must still apply for an eTA online before arrival.
Americas
Canada, United States
Europe
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Asia & Middle East
China, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates
Africa
Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal
Citizens of SADC member states (including South Africa) benefit from regional visa exemptions, but should confirm current entry requirements before travelling.
Entry requirements can change. Always confirm the latest rules on the official portal before you book and travel.
When to visit
Apr – Nov
Dry season. Sunny, warm sea, low humidity, 25–28°C.
Dec – Mar
Wet season. Hot, lush, occasional warm tropical rain, 28–32°C.
Before you land
Allowances & customs
Mozambican entry, exit and duty-free guidance for international travellers.
Travellers’ duty-free allowances
- Foreign currency
- Up to the equivalent of US$10,000. We recommend using other forms of payment.
- Local currency
- Up to MZN 10,000 (ten thousand meticais).
- Tobacco
- 20 cigarettes, or 10 cigarillos, or 10 cigars, or 250g of tobacco (18+).
- Alcohol
- 1 litre of spirits and 2.25 litres of wine (18+).
- Perfume
- 100ml of perfume or 250ml of cologne.
- Medicine
- Reasonable quantities for your own consumption.
- Other items
- Valued at less than MZN 20,000 (twenty thousand meticais).
Customs & export rules
- Except for currency, duty-free allowances apply per person on a monthly basis.
- If your goods exceed the allowance, please speak to a customs officer.
- Plants, animals, and plant or animal products require authorisation from the competent authority.
- Exporting gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals requires authorisation from the Banco de Moçambique.
Bazaruto Archipelago fact sheet
Download the fact sheet outlining the do’s and don’ts of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, so you can explore this protected marine paradise responsibly.
Frequently asked
Questions, answered
Which is the nearest airport, and are transfers complimentary?+
The airport is approximately 7km from the lodge, a short drive away, and airport transfers are complimentary.
Is there parking, and is it secure?+
Yes. There is safe and secure parking at no additional charge.
When is the best time to visit?+
April to November is the dry season, with sunny days, a warm sea and low humidity. October to December is whale shark season. December to March is hot and lush, with occasional warm tropical rain. The lodge is open year-round.
Must I pre-pay, or can I settle the bill at the lodge?+
All reservations are provisional until a 50% deposit is received. Off-peak (6 Jan to 14 Dec): 50% deposit, with full payment due 14 days before arrival. Peak (15 Dec to 5 Jan): 50% deposit due within 14 days of confirmation, and final payment no later than 30 days before check-in. VBL reserves the right to release a reservation if these requirements are not met, after which rooms are subject to availability.
Do you accept credit cards, and which currencies?+
Visa and Mastercard are accepted. We also accept Euros, US Dollars, South African Rand and British Pounds for payment.
Is the water safe to drink?+
We provide complimentary bottled water in every room and at the restaurant. Outside the lodge, we recommend sticking to bottled water.
Do you cater for vegetarian, Halaal or Kosher diets?+
We can adapt our menu to your dietary requirements, provided you advise us in advance so we can buy the ingredients. Please note we are not Halaal or Kosher accredited, and while we take care not to mix pork with other items, pork is cooked in our kitchen.
Do you have a cot, or can we add extra beds?+
We can assist with a cot for infants, subject to availability. Due to the layout of our bungalows, we are unfortunately unable to provide additional beds.
Is the lodge child-friendly?+
Yes. We have a Family Suite, beach activities and games, and our chef is happy to prepare kid-friendly meals.
How can I see the menu?+
Our full menu is available on the Restaurant page of this website.
What activities do you offer?+
We have a wide variety of activities. Browse them on the Experiences page of this website, where you can also request the price list.
What is your cancellation policy?+
We advise all travellers to take out travel insurance covering cancellation. Cancellations must be made in writing, and any payments made will be held by VBL as a credit valid for up to 12 months. Our flexible payment policy does not allow for refunds.
Want to take it all with you?
Full info PDFPrefer to talk to a human?
Reach our reservations team via WhatsApp, phone, or email — we respond within a few hours.