Useful tips for your trip
Useful Information for Your Stay
Everything you need to prepare for a smooth and effortless stay at Vilanculos Beach Lodge.
Arriving by Air
Vilankulo Airport is served by scheduled flights from Maputo, Johannesburg, and selected regional destinations. Our reservations team can assist with preferred flight options and arrange your transfer between the airport and the lodge.
Travelling by Road
Vilankulo is accessible by road, although travellers should allow additional time for changing road conditions and occasional potholes. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not essential, but driving after dark is not recommended. Fuel is available along the route, and we suggest refuelling whenever the opportunity arises.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Visa and entry requirements vary according to nationality and may change. Guests should confirm the latest requirements with the relevant Mozambican authority, embassy, consulate, or airline before travelling. Where online approval is required, applications can be completed through Mozambique’s official eVisa portal, and a printed copy should be carried during travel.
Upon Arrival
On arrival, guests will be asked to complete a registration and indemnity form. Copies of passports and applicable visas may also be required in accordance with local tourism regulations.
Dining and Reception Hours
Reception is available daily from 07h00 to 22h00. Breakfast is served from 07h00 to 10h30. For dinner, guests are kindly requested to be seated and place their orders before 20h00.
Power and Air Conditioning
During a power interruption, our generator may require a few moments to activate. Guests are kindly asked to switch off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances and to turn off the air conditioning when leaving their room. These small considerations help us conserve energy and protect our environment.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available to all in-house guests throughout the lodge’s common areas. Guests requiring a more consistent connection for meetings or remote work may enquire at reception about the availability of a portable modem, offered at an additional charge.
Tipping
Gratuities are entirely at your discretion. Guests wishing to recognise the collective efforts of our team may arrange a contribution through reception at the end of their stay.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance before departure, including cover for cancellations and medical emergencies in Mozambique. Guests are also encouraged to consult their healthcare provider regarding malaria prevention and any personal travel health requirements.
Laundry
Laundry bags are provided in each room, and laundry services are available at an additional charge. Delicate garments or items requiring special care should be kept separate and brought to the attention of our team. A current price list is available upon request.
Spa and Conferences
Calming treatments at our on-site day spa can be reserved in advance or arranged through reception during your stay. Our conference venue accommodates between 34 and 60 delegates, depending on the selected layout. For packages, catering options, and venue details, please contact reception or our reservations team.
Health and Safety
Malaria precautions are recommended for travel to Mozambique. Guests should seek professional medical guidance before travelling. Complimentary bottled water is provided throughout the lodge, and any additional health requirements should be discussed with a healthcare provider before departure.
Useful Items to Bring
We recommend packing mosquito repellent, sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, after-sun lotion, personal medication, swimwear, and any prescribed malaria prevention. A small amount of cash may also be useful for local markets, activities, and souvenir shopping.
Staying Connected
Mozambique commonly uses two-pin South African-style electrical sockets. Guests should bring suitable travel adaptors for their devices, particularly for plug types that may not be readily available in Vilankulo.
Useful numbers
Handy local contacts, worth saving before you travel.
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?+
Vilankulo Airport is approximately 7 km from Vilanculos Beach Lodge, just a short drive away. Complimentary airport transfers are available for guests travelling on scheduled LAM and Airlink flights when flight details are shared with our reservations team in advance.
Is secure parking available?+
Yes. Complimentary, secure on-site parking is available for guests travelling to the lodge by road.
When is the best time to visit Vilankulo?+
Vilankulo is a beautiful year-round destination. From April to November, the weather is generally dry, with warm days, lower humidity, and inviting ocean conditions. Whale shark sightings are most common from October to December, while December to March brings warmer temperatures, lush tropical surroundings, and occasional rainfall.
Is prepayment required, or can I settle my account at the lodge?+
A 50% deposit is required to confirm all reservations. For stays between 6 January and 14 December, the remaining balance is due 14 days before arrival. For stays between 15 December and 5 January, the 50% deposit is due within 14 days of confirmation, with the remaining balance payable 30 days before arrival. Reservations remain provisional until the required deposit is received and may be released if payment deadlines are not met.
Which payment methods and currencies are accepted?+
We accept Visa and Mastercard. Payments may also be made in Mozambican Meticais, US Dollars, Euros, South African Rand, and British Pounds, subject to the applicable exchange rate.
Is the water safe to drink?+
Complimentary bottled water is provided in every room and is also available at our restaurant. When travelling beyond the lodge, we recommend drinking bottled water.
Do you cater for vegetarian, Halal, or Kosher diets?+
We are happy to accommodate vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements when advised in advance. Please note that our kitchen is not Halal or Kosher certified. Although every reasonable precaution is taken, pork and other ingredients are prepared within the same kitchen.
Are cots or additional beds available?+
A limited number of baby cots are available for infants, subject to availability and advance request. Due to the layout and capacity of our bungalows, additional beds cannot be accommodated.
Is Vilanculos Beach Lodge suitable for children?+
Yes. Families can enjoy our spacious Family Suite, infinity pool, open lawns, volleyball court, soccer nets, sand buckets, rackets, and a selection of outdoor games. Our restaurant can also prepare meals suited to younger guests.
Where can I view the restaurant menu?+
Our latest menu is available on the Restaurant page of the website. Guests may also contact our team for further information regarding dining options and dietary requirements.
What activities are available?+
Our Activity Brochure features a curated selection of island excursions, ocean adventures, water sports, cultural experiences, and activities at the lodge. All experiences can be arranged directly through our reception team and are subject to weather conditions and availability.
What is your cancellation policy?+
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation cover. All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Payments made are non-refundable but may be retained as a credit toward a future stay for up to 12 months, subject to the applicable terms and availability.
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