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From Morrungulo to Vilanculos: General Information

Location: This sector is within the Inhambane Province, bordered on the North by Manica and Safala provinces, on the South and East by the Indian Ocean and the West by Gaza province. Home of Matshwa, Bitonga and Chopi people.
Main Localities: Massinga, Morrungulo, Pomene, Vilanculos, Bazaruto Archipelago National Park.

Massinga and Morrungulo, Inhambane Province

 

Massinga Town is the Capital of Massinga District. This is a busy place, with a hand full of restaurants and a couple of places to stay. Heading towards Morrungulo (11 km north), the beaches are stunning and very well served in terms of accommodation and activities for the tourist. Scuba diving and deep sea fishing are the main ones offered.

A must stop is the Bakery owned by a local man called Mr. Sabão. Freshly baked bread is available early in the morning and when it is busy he will bake another batch in the afternoon. You can find the Bakery on the Morrungulo sand road, about half way to Morrungulo Lodge.

Services:Massinga has a good range of shops, restaurants and bars, the market is busy and lively. There are some very nice stopovers on the main road if you are travelling up north and need a few hours rest.
Petrol stations are available (see Roads and Services for this sector)

Dalilo's Restaurant on the main road of Massinga, is famous for it's Mozambican style chicken curry, cooked with coconut milk, or the vegetarian peanut curry. Pre-order the food one hour before you plan to eat.

Communication: In Massinga cell phone connection is not a problem, but by the sea side resorts, it is not available. The nearest place for reception from the beach, in case of an emergency is on top of the hill, by the bakery 12km past Morrungulo Lodge.

Emergency Contacts:

  • Hospital:

    Massinga has a small not well supplied hospital. The nearest best option is Inhambane Hospital. Here, again, the lodges should have all necessary medic first aid kits and emergency evacuation plans.

  • Police: 199

Pomene, Inhambane Province

 

The access to Pomene is through a long, hard packed sand road (see Roads and Services for this sector). During colonial times there was a beautiful hotel built close to the light house. The site is absolutely stunning and certainly deserves a visit if you have the time and a 4x4 vehicle. The hotel is now derelict but there are rumours of new development. There is accommodation and activities available (see Accommodation for this sector ).

Services: There is very little available once you get to Pomene, the last stop for basic supplies is Massinga. There are two operating lodges in Pomene at the moment, they have self-catering facilities and fully equipped restaurant and bar.

Communication: There is no cell phone reception. Some lodges utilise "bushmail" - a radio wave internet access, as well as, sat phones and VHF radios.

Emergency Contacts:

  • Hospital:

    The nearest good hospital is in Inhambane. Lodges should have basic medic first aid kits and emergency rescue plans.

  • Police: 199

Vilanculos and Bazaruto Archipelago, Inhambane Province

 

Vilanculos is a very busy touristy centre and the gate way to the famous Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, formed by Bazaruto, Benguera, Magarruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue Islands. Located about 780km north of Maputo.

Services: Vilanculos is an animated and well serviced town. The market is definitely worth a visit - stop for a cold drink at the "Afro Bar" and don't miss the Cultural Centre. The whole market area is surrounded by shops and supermarkets. Main national banks and ATM machines are available. Pick-pocketing and petty theft can be a problem in Vilanculos. Be aware of how and where you carry valuables. But, above all, do not give money to the children, this promotes the bad habit of receiving handouts and delinquency. Ample supply of petrol and diesel and motor services (see Roads and Services for this sector). There are many places to eat and drink spread all over town, additionally most lodges will welcome walk-ins at their restaurants and bars (see Accommodation for this sector). There are 4 dive operators in and around Vilanculos and the island lodges have their own dive centres for guests only. (see Dive Operators for this sector)

There are many operations offering Dhow trips to the Islands. We recommend "Sail Away" run by David.

+ 258 (0) 82 3876350;

Website: www.sailaway.co.za

Luxury yacht trips are also available. National Park Entry Fee of U$ 8 must be purchased at the WWF office in Vilanculos. Dhow operators will do it for you, but make sure to ask for a receipt. Development in Vilanculos happened fast over the last 10 years and in a disorganised manner. The town is run down and with rubbish scattered around. A lot of the pre-war buildings and large hotels lie derelict and dilapidated close to the beach. There are rumours of rejuvenating some of the old structures.

Margie runs an information centre. She has been living in Vilanculos for many years and is a wealth of information. + 258 (0) 293 82228

The bay between the main land and the islands is shallow and calm, very inviting. Diving is mainly done past the islands, a 30 minutes trip by motor boat.

This area used to be prolific with the magnificent Dugongs. Researchers undertake counts by micro-lite flights. They believe there are about 60 individuals fighting for survival in this region, which is the largest population on this coastline and for the whole of the african coastline. Dugongs have a very slow reproductive rate, they achieve maturity around 10 years old and give birth to one calf at a time, with around a 5 year period between gestation. A Dugong's life span is about 70 years, producing usually less than 12 calves, in a life time. They have been accredited with the reason behind mermaid tales as there faces have a very human quality to them. These mammals have been heavily hunted during the civil war and regretably are still today, even though they are protected. For information on how to help the Dugongs contact:

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park - + 258 (0) 1 303650

WWF Mozambique - + 258 (0) 1 301186 or www.wwf.org.mz

FNP - + 258 (0) 308924 or

Communication: TDM centre provides internet access as well as the usual land line communication - + 258 (0) 293 82310. Internet access is also available at Casa da Cultura near the market. Good cell phone reception is found on the mainland but not the islands.

Emergency Contacts:

  • Hospital: + 258 (0) 293 82022 / 82062
  • Police: 199

    The station is on the main road, just before the roundabout at the entrance of town.

  • Airport: + 258 (0) 293 82322

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, Inhambane Province

 

It is formed by 5 islands, spreading between Inhasorro and Vilanculos. The larger islands support fresh water lakes, evidence of an early link with the main land. The marine life is very diverse here: Dugongs (a rare site these days), Dolphins, Humpback Whales, 4 different species of Turtles and over 2000 species of fish. The bird life is also prolific with over 165 different species.

We have witnessed large amounts of dried coral, shells and dried ornamental fish being sold by the locals in the streets. DO NOT buy these ornaments as this only helps promote the removal of more of these species causing a great deal of destruction and the loss of a beautiful habitat, which is contributig to the death of our oceans. For the local population it is solely about economics, if there is a demand, they will supply it. Mozambique is slowly learning the value of their natural resources. It is our responsibility as tourists to help the educational process, not hinder it.

Bazaruto Island

 

This is the larger of the islands with a lake system in the interior where crocodiles can be spotted. There are two lodges in this Island (see Accommodation for this sector). If you pre-booked accommodation, transportation to the island by air or water will be included. If you are staying in Vilanculos, there are many operators offering dhow or motorised boat trips.
The 2 mile reef and 5 mile reef systems are the best diving/snorkelling spots (see Dive Sites for this sector). They are accessible from Bazaruto , Benguera Islands or the mainland dive operators.

Communications: Week cell phone signal can be found on the beaches facing the mainland. No internet access available.

Santa Carolina Island

 

This is a small island. Closer from Inhasorro (which is 83 km north by road) than Vilanculos. Day trips from the islands are popular for snorkelling and picnics on the sandy white beaches. The long distance from Vilanculos makes day trips impractical. Also here is an old pre-war tourist development that was abandoned and never re-inhabited.

Communications: Week cell phone signal is found on the beaches facing the mainland. No internet access available.

Benguera Island

 

There are two luxury lodges and one backpacker in Benguera Island. Scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing and a number of inland activities are available. A guided walk to the inland lakes - where it is possible to spot crocs - for a picnic on the soft sands of the east facing beach, is a must.

Communications:Cell phone reception is poor but a weak signal can be found in specific areas.

Magarruque Island

 

A pre-war development was started along the beach facing the main land. Half built concrete brick walls were left abandoned only a few metres above the high water mark. There are rumours of re-development of this site, we'll keep you informed. A Day trip by dhow to Magarruque from Vilanculos or from one of the other islands is widely offered. Walking around the island is a must. The white sandy beach and calm waters are very inviting.

Bangue Island

 

The smallest of the 5 islands, located at the southern part of the archipelago.

Communications: Week cell phone signal on the beaches. No internet access available.

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