Climate
Tropical to sub tropical
There are two main seasons, one wet, and one dry.
- The wet season (summer), from November to March.
December to February. Temperature: average 30 ºC.
Most of the rain falls in this period. The climate is hot and humid. Sea temperature: average 30ºC. Temperature before and after: average 27ºC; Climate warm and humid. Sea temperature: average 28ºC. - The dry season (winter) from April to October.
June and July. Temperature: average 19 ºC, cold, clouded and windy. Sea temperature: average 21ºC Temperature before and after: average 25ºC. The climate is warm and dry. In the early morning and evening it can be chilly. Sea temperature: average 25ºC. - For divers and snorkellers
The optimal conditions are in April – May and August – November.
To come and to go
By plane: Vilanculos has an international Airport, situated close to town, with flights to and from Johannesburg, Durban, Swaziland and Nelspruit in South Africa and Maputo, Inhambane and Beira in Mozambique. The 4 flight companies organize daily flights to and from Johannesburg and Maputo. We organize transfers from the lodge.
By bus: When you have time it will be possible and much cheaper to drive by bus. The coaches are air conditioned, comfortable and quite reliable. There is a daily connection between Johannesburg and Maputo and a weekly connection between Maputo and Pambarra (Vilanculos). We can organize a transfer from the bus stop.
It has to be planned well but travelling in this way offers you a possibility to see something more from the country.
By car: The quality of the main road between Maputo and Vilanculos (750 km’s) is improving. Unfortunately there are still some bad spots, especially when it is raining. Good driving skills, a co-driver and a reliable, strong car are strongly recommended to make the 10-14 hours drive. To reach our lodge from Vilanculos you will need a 4x4 in the last 5 km’s.
We are able to advise you in planning and booking your travel. Please contact us for more information.
Health
Vaccinations: Advised through medical consultant in your country.
Malaria: Wide spread in Mozambique.
Malaria medication: advised through medical consultant in your country. Other precautions: Protection through clothes with long sleeves in the early mornings/evenings in combination with insect repellent. The rooms are provided with mosquito nets.
Sunburn: A good sunscreen, with a high protection level is advised to bring from your country.
Emergency medical service: Maputo has good emergency medical service, but if you become seriously ill, it’s best to seek treatment in South Africa. Emergency services are flying from Vilanculos airport, but is expensive and has to be covered by personal medical (travel) insurance.
Safety
Above Maputo crime is limited to small thefts and robberies. Most incidents can be avoided by the usual precautions: Don’t walk alone in the dark on deserted places, watch your pockets in the markets, don’t leave personal belongings unguarded on the beach and avoid openly carrying expensive things, like mobile phones jewellery and I-pods. Violence against travellers and sexual assault is rare in Mozambique.
Visa
A tourist visa is required for all visitors, except South African, before entering the country. A one-month single entry tourist visa can be issued at any border post or on international airports.
A three-month multiple entry tourist visa can be obtained at Mozambican Embassies. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months.
For more information, please contact us.
Money and telecommunication
The official currency is recently changed in June 2006 to the Metical novo (MZN) (with a reduction of 3 zeros).
Current exchange rates (average October 2009)
1 € = |
42 MZN |
1 US$ = |
28 MZN |
1 ZAR = |
3.8 MZN |
ATM’s
There are three ATM’s in Vilanculos. You can withdraw money with all sorts of international coded pin cards (Master, Cirrus, Visa). Check with your bank that your card is coded to withdraw money overseas. Credit cards are accepted in larger companies and hotels.
Exchanging Money
€uro, US$, British Pounds and South African Rands can be changed at the banks and in exchange offices in Maputo.
Payment at the lodge
We accept credit card or cash payments. We accept Meticais, €uro, US$ and SA Rands.
Mobile phones
Telecommunications in Mozambique are improving rapidly. In Vilanculos most cell phone cards from South Africa and Europe can be used.
Internet
We offer the possibility to use our computer to read your e-mail and to send short messages. There is also an Internet Café in Vilanculos.
