Vilanculos FAQ, Mozambique

Yes - Unleaded Petrol and Diesel. If you are venturing far from Vilanculos, remember to fill up!

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!

No, you can drive a regular 2WD without the need of high ground clearance to Vilanculos. The roads are tarred and were improved in December 2010, though there are some bad stretches of road between Xai Xai and Vilanculos that may bring your speed right down to 40km/h or even less due to potholes. Take this into consideration when planning your journey to Vilanculos.

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.

Yes, you can hire a 4x4 from Inter Rent at Vilanculos' International Airport

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

We advise if you self-drive, that you make it a 2 day trip, with your overnight stay either in Maputo or Marracuene. The drive from Johannesburg to Maputo is approximately 545km. The drive from Durban to Maputo is approximately 728km. The drive from Maputo to Vilanculos is approximately a 9 hour drive. As mentioned above, there are some bad stretches of road between Xai Xai and Vilanculos that may bring your speed right down to 40km/h or even less due to potholes and poor road conditions.

When travelling and calculating time, please consider the border opening times, queues and the time it may take processing documents at the border, speed limits, poor road conditions and unforseen weather conditions.

Yes, Vilanculos has an International Airport and this is the easiest and fastest way to travel to Vilanculos. The flight is only 1 hr 45min with flights departing to / from Johannesburg and Maputo on a daily basis (except on Sunday and Thursday but please confirm first by contacting the airport)..

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).

Most of the beaches in Mozambique and Vilanculos 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.

Yes, There are 3 major banks in Vilanculos: Barclays, BCI (Banco Comercial e de Investimentos) and BIM (Banco Internacional de Mocambique) Millennium which all have ATM machines for Visa cards (not always Mastercard). Banks are open from 08h00 - 15h00 on weekdays. Barclays Bank is open on Saturdays from 9h00 - 12h00.

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 kindly advise you ask and confirm with the venue you're staying at or visiting if they offer credit card facilities prior to taking on their services. Otherwise cash is ONLY accepted in small shops and markets, so it's important to have cash on-hand.

Yes, 5km inland from all the beach resorts and lodges is The Vilanculos town itself - a busy / vibrant commercial village offering lots of fresh produce and vegetables at local markets.

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 now need a prescription for Malaria Tablets) to prescribe you with what's recommended.

Be prepared and take other prophylactics like insect repellent sprays, mosquito coils, light long sleeve tops and bottoms to further prevent bites.