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It is possible to travel here either by road or air. The daily flight from Johannesburg in South Africa takes about one and a half hours with ‘FEDERAL AIR’ or ‘LAM’, the national Mozambican carrier. The flight from Maputo takes about 1 hour with ‘LAM’. Unfortunately we can not advise to use LAM, since they are very unreliable with regard to luggage transport and also in terms of over-booking and adhering to schedules. They also take absolutely no responsibility for missed flights and resulting extra cost. ‘FEDERAL AIR’ is more reliable and can also easily be booked on-line. Whenever you are searching for flights you should look for the flight to Johannesburg separate from the onward flight to Vilanculos, since the combination shows up as more expensive. Please also note when you choose your flight to Johannesburg that you will need a minimum of two and a half hours between scheduled arrival and the departure of the FEDERAL AIR flight, since luggage can not be checked through. Also important is the fact that you are only allowed a total of 20 kg of luggage, hand and check-in luggage combined!
The national roads are now in very good condition and driving here is no problem at all. However and although there is not a lot traffic, great care is advisable since the skills of our drivers are not the best and sometimes outright dangerous. Driving up from Maputo will take about 8 to 9 hours. It is also possible to get here by 4x4 from the Kruger National Park through either the Pafuri or the Giriondo border posts. But this largely depends on the season and you should check beforehand if the roads and river-crossings are passable.
VISA
The tourist Visa can be obtained at all border posts and also at our new international airport in Vilanculos. The cost is about 85 US$.
Your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months at the time of your entry.
You can also check with the nearest Embassy of Mozambique for further information.
Weather and climate
Vilanculos receives generally little rain fall. The highest probability of rain is during the months from December to March. Temperatures in December and January can go up to 35 ºC during the day and 25 ºC at night, together with increased humidity. Our lowest temperatures are during July and August, with 20 – 25 ºC during the day and 12 – 18 ºC at night.
We recommend generally light clothing and a warm jersey for the colder periods. If you are travelling through Johannesburg or the Kruger Park you should always be prepared for really low temperatures.
Vaccinations
Find out from your GP or the nearest tropical institute which vaccinations are currently recommended for travels to Africa. We sometimes feel that recommendations are largely exaggerated, but rather safe than sorry …
MALARIA
We definitely recommend Malaria prophylaxis for short journeys to the region and Malarone seems to be the current (expensive) drug of choice. Best is however not to get bitten and one should wear long sleeved shirts and trousers in the evening. You should also bring a good repellent, which are often not available around here.
Insurance cover
For all journeys to Africa we recommend a comprehensive travel insurance including air-rescue to the nearest competent hospital, since our medical system is not yet the very best.
Sun protection
Our tropical sun is very intense (that’s why we are here) and is further amplified through the reflection off the sand and water. You should bring a water proof sun screen of a factor not below 30. We also recommend wearing a hat whenever you are out in the sun.
Medicine
If you require constant medication you must bring this with you since our pharmacies are only carrying a very limited range of medicine.
What you should bring in any case are things to treat cuts, sun burn, insect bites, head aches, stomach troubles and possibly broad-spectrum antibiotics.
What you should bring in any case are things to treat
cuts, sun burn, insect bites, head aches, stomach troubles and possibly broad-spectrum antibiotics.
