Vilanculos, mozambique : An Unspoiled Paradise, You Should Visit in 2025

There’s a place where time slows down, where the beaches are as untouched as the day they were formed, and where the charm of authentic culture meets barefoot luxury. This place is Vilanculos, Mozambique, a hidden coastal paradise that feels like your personal retreat before the rest of the world catches on.

A SCENIC ARRIVAL LIKE NO OTHER

A patchwork of turquoise and ivory stretches beneath me as the plane descends, an expanse of shifting sandbanks and rippling waters so vivid it looks surreal. I press my forehead to the window, watching as the Bazaruto Archipelago emerges from the Indian Ocean like a mirage. Then, as we get closer, flashes of color break through the sand dusted village below, bright blue rooftops, clusters of palm trees swaying in the breeze, and deep aquamarine waterholes scattered across the landscape like tiny oases. The runway appears seemingly out of nowhere, a thin strip of tarmac blending into the golden coastline. And then, within minutes of landing, I’m through border control, a process so seamless it makes you wonder why every airport can’t be like this.

For those not booking a helicopter ride over the archipelago, one of the best kept secrets is to ask the air hostess on your flight which side of the plane offers the view of the sand dunes before landing. This simple tip could turn an already breathtaking destination into an unforgettable experience from the very beginning to the end.  

LIFE IN THE VILLAGE : A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

Life here moves at a languid pace, dictated by the tide and the sun. The village remains relatively unknown to mass tourism, not because it is unsafe or difficult to reach, but perhaps because travelers assume it is. The truth? Vilanculos is safe, accessible, and one of the most rewarding destinations you’ll ever visit.

Unlike other tourist hubs, the local sellers don’t go out of their way to hustle or interact, they often ignore you carrying on with their life, adding to the authenticity of the experience. Walk along the shore at low tide, and you’ll often see local women expertly catching crabs with their handmade sticks, their buckets filling up as they prepare to sell their haul to nearby resorts.

Food here isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. Your private chef, who by day two will feel more like a family member, starts the morning by catching a coconut straight from the villa’s palm tree, cracking it open, and handing it to you, the water still cold from the night air. By lunchtime, he’s returned from the market with the freshest catch of the day prawns the size of your palm, buttery lobster, ready to be grilled and served with fragrant coconut rice and freshly plucked coriander from the village herb garden. The simplicity of it all makes every bite taste richer, more real.

A NATURAL PLAYGROUND, WHERE ENCOUNTERS ARE ALWAYS WILD

Vilanculos isn’t just about the beaches, it’s about what lies beyond them. Just offshore, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a kaleidoscope of marine life, with coral reefs so vibrant they feel like an underwater city. Sea turtles so large they move faster than the boat, and from July to September, humpback whales cruise these waters as well as whale sharks from October to November. And if you’re lucky, as I was, you might even see the elusive dugong, a rare and magical marine mammal.

Beyond the water, nature continues to impress. On the island of Benguerra, horses roam along the shoreline, a scene so cinematic it feels scripted. And as the sun sets, there’s no better place to watch the sky burn into shades of crimson and gold than from the red sand dunes just outside the village of Vilanculos. Kids race each other down the steep slopes, their laughter carrying in the wind. It’s a moment of pure, unfiltered beauty, the kind that makes you want to freeze time.

ISLAND HOPPING AND THE FEELING OF CAST AWAY

One of the must do experiences in Vilanculos is island hopping through the Bazaruto Archipelago. Each island offers something different, Bazaruto itself feels like a deserted paradise, where the untouched white sands and crystal clear waters make you feel like you've been cast away in the best possible way. Swimming here is like stepping into a natural infinity pool, with water so transparent you can see every detail of the sand beneath your feet.

As you explore, flamingos wade gracefully in the shallows, adding a surreal beauty to the scenery. Whether you’re snorkeling, exploring sand dunes, or simply soaking in the tranquility, this is the kind of place that reminds you what true escape feels like.

ADVENTURES YOU WON’T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE

As night falls, another experience awaits one so surreal it feels like something out of a dream. An evening canoe ride into the mangroves, where the only sounds are the gentle dip of the paddle in the water and the distant hum of the ocean. Then, as if on cue, the fireflies emerge, thousands of them swirling in the air, their delicate wings catching the moonlight like tiny sparks. The glow of their movement creates an eerie, otherworldly magic, a secret performance just for those lucky enough to witness it.

ACCOMMODATION : A HIDEAWAY FOR THOSE IN THE KNOW

Vilanculos may still be under the radar, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed by those with a taste for exclusivity. Over the years, it has quietly attracted a mix of well heeled travellers and off the grid wanderers, all drawn to its effortless charm. The accommodations here reflect that balance, whether you prefer the intimacy of a private beachfront villa or the polished luxury of an island resort, there’s something for every kind of traveler.

My personal favorites include:  

- Tsai Tsai Villa: An exclusive beachfront villa in Vilanculos that combines luxury, comfort with intimacy.  

- Villa Saudade: A private villa escape perfect for travellers looking for charm and privacy.  

- Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort: A luxury retreat where every detail is tailored for relaxation.  

- Azura Benguerra Island: An eco-luxury haven with private villas and world-class service.  

Whether you’re seeking an indulgent getaway or a budget-friendly escape, Vilanculos has something for everyone.  

FROM BEACH BLISS TO SAFARI ADVENTURE

Vilanculos doesn’t just offer a tropical escape, it’s the gateway to one of Africa’s most legendary wildlife experiences. A short direct 1h flight from Vilanculos lands you at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, where the Big Five roam across vast open savannas. Within an hour, you can go from wading through the Indian Ocean to tracking elephants through the bush, all without the usual border crossing hassles. The seamless transition from beach to safari makes this one of the most effortless and extraordinary travel combinations on the continent.

WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO GO

For now, Vilanculos remains uncrowded and wonderfully authentic. But as word spreads about its beauty, exclusivity, and ease of access, change is inevitable.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of having an island paradise to yourself, of sipping fresh coconut water straight from the tree, of watching the sunset from a towering sand dune, of island hopping through crystal clear waters, of swimming alongside whale sharks, of witnessing flamingos in the wild, go now.

Vilanculos is waiting. And trust me, you’ll want to say you were there before the rest of the world caught on.