San Sebastian Peninsula FAQ, Mozambique

No - You can fill up with diesel or petrol en-route in Vilanculos 173km North of San Sebastian Peninsula if you are travelling from the North or in Inhambane, or closer in Massinga if you are travelling from the South on the EN1.

Click here to see our Pictorial Mozambique Map which indicates where you can find fuel stations. The "F" icon indicates a fuel station.

Fuel is cheaper in their local currency (meticais) compared to rands (or dollars). We suggest you fill up before entering Mozambique's borders and fuel is more expensive the further north you travel!

The distance is approximately 173km South from Vilanculos on tar road and beach sand

Yes, Once turning off from the EN1 onto the San Sebastian Peninsula, the roads on the peninsula and to lodges becomes soft, loose sand and can only be traversed with a 4x4 but kindly confirm with the lodge you're travelling to and staying at.

We always recommend you enter Mozambique in a 4x4 because you won't be limited to where you can travel as well as the possibility of getting stuck. Note: Some borders require a 4x4 to cross. Read more about the border you are travelling through here: Mozambique Borders & Times.

For soft / loose sand driving, we recommend you deflate your tire pressures between 1 ➜ 1.4 bar.

We advise if you self-drive, that you make it a 2 / 3 day trip, with your overnight stay been in Maputo or Marracuene (also see tip below).

• The drive from Johannesburg to Maputo is approximately 545km
• The drive from Durban to Maputo is approximately 728km
• The drive from Maputo to San Sebastian Peninsula is approximately 700km.

As mentioned above, there are some bad stretches of road between Xai Xai and San Sebastian Peninsula that may bring your speed right down to 40km/h or even less due to pot holes and poor road conditions.

So we recommend perhaps breaking this journey into another night's stay in Inhambane or any of the other stunning areas that closely surround Inhambane. When travelling and calculating time, please consider the border opening times, ques and the time it takes at the border, speed limits, poor road conditions, weather etc.

Yes, Vilanculos has an International Airport and this is the easiest and fastest way to get to Vilanculos and the San Sebastian Peninsula. The flight is only 2 hours with flights departing to / from Johannesburg and Vilanculos on a daily basis (except on Sunday and Thursday but please confirm first by contacting the airport) with airlines of Air Mozambique, SA Airlink & Pambele Aviation.

The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport also offers flights to Vilanculos on Thursdays and Sundays which takes ±1 and a half hours. Private charter flights can easily be arranged too but contact the lodge for bookings and more information.

You can either hire a 4x4 at the International Airport of Vilanculos and travel to your destination by road but if you don't want to hire a 4x4 and are planning to book holiday accommodation on the San Sebastian Peninsula, then most lodges will offer boat transfers from Vilanculos - which can take up 45 minutes. Kindly note, you might have to wade in knee deep water to access / depart the boat, so kindly keep this in mind and dress accordingly.

Yes, most lodges on the peninsula offer boat pick-ups and transfers from Vilanculos which must be booked and arranged with them in advance to avoid any delays or inconveniences.

Only citizens from Mozambique's neighbouring countries are exempt from visas to travel to Mozambique for leisure, however overseas visitors will have to obtain visas at the airport upon arrival (approximately US$ 50.00 per person - prices are subject to change - please contact the airport for more information regarding visa prices).

No, but you can hire a 4x4 from Inter Rent at Vilanculos' International Airport

Some lodges and resorts in San Sebastian Peninsula hire out 4x4's vehicles but it is important that you make sure you confirm with the lodge you are staying at if they or any other lodge have 4x4's available to hire out, prior to leaving for your holiday.

You can also hire a 4x4 in Maputo if required. Contact Euro Rent / Imperial or Expresso Rent a Car for more information.

Most of the beaches in Mozambique and San Sebastian Peninsula are strictly forbidden to drive on and you can receive a hefty fine if caught doing so. You are only allowed to drive on beaches within designated areas to launch your boat or sea vessel. Depending on where you're travelling to, please ask authorities, the manager of the lodge or a knowledgeable local resident of the area before attempting to drive on any beach.

Only conservancy officials are given more freedom to drive on the beaches to perform routine checkups on the coast's fauna and flora. This doesn't mean you can drive where they can.

We also strongly advise when travelling along Mozambique's roads that you keep on the beaten track and not venture off-road.

It is perfectly fine if road conditions are good and you're familiar with the area and directions to your destination. However if the roads are sandy, muddy and challenging to drive with poor lighting, then we advise you not to drive at night.

No, Banking and drawing money can be done in Vilanculos 173km North by road (± 22km by boat) at Millenium BIM, BCI Fomento.

Be prepared and withdraw a sufficient amount of money either in the country you are travelling from and / or in large cities and towns in Mozambique to avoid inconveniences. Please remember to always keep your money in a safe and discreet place

We advise you confirm prior with the lodge you're staying at if they offer credit card facilities. Otherwise cash may only accepted in small shops and markets.

No, but there are many shops selling all types of supplies, food and other groceries in Vilanculos and there are plenty of local markets in Vilanculos selling fresh produce and seafood.

We also advise that you buy and take your own vacuum packed meat (if feasible) for the first night or 2 (if you are going to be self catering) in a cooler box with ice. Please see our Duty Free & Customs page for more information. Check with the lodge if they sell ice or if they have a freezer to store your meat during your stay.

Yes, Mozambique as a whole is a malaria risk area / country. We recommend you take precautions and visit your nearest doctor (you need a prescription for anti-malaria medication) to prescribe you with what's recommended before you leave for Mozambique.

It is strongly advised that you take other prophylactics like insect repellent sprays, mosquito coils, light long sleeve tops and bottoms to further prevent bites (especially during late afternoons, evenings and mornings).