Vilankulo and the Bazaruto Archipelago are one destination with two very different ways to stay: on the mainland in Vilankulo or Inhassoro, with day trips out to the islands, or on the islands themselves inside the national park.
This guide explains that choice and who each option suits. It does not list places to stay, prices or availability.
In this guide
How Vilankulo & Bazaruto is laid out
Vilankulo is a coastal town on the mainland facing the archipelago, with an airport and boats heading out to the islands. Inhassoro lies further north on the same coast.
Offshore, Bazaruto Archipelago National Park protects a chain of islands — Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangué — with dunes, seagrass and reefs. Park entry rules apply to visits.
Vilankulo
Vilankulo is the gateway: a relaxed town with a long waterfront, dhow trips and the widest choice of mainland stays.
It works if you want flexibility, day trips to the islands, and a base with restaurants and services.
It works less well if you want to wake up on a remote island; island days from Vilankulo depend on boats, tides and weather.
Read the full guide: Vilankulo travel guide.
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
Staying on the islands means lodge-based stays inside the national park, reached by boat or air transfer.
It works if you want seclusion and are staying put for several nights with activities arranged by your lodge.
It works less well if you want to explore independently or keep costs flexible; island stays are generally all-in and transfer-dependent.
Read the full guide: Bazaruto Archipelago National Park travel guide.
Check before you travel: Island transfers, park fees and boat operations depend on the park authority, sea conditions and operators. Confirm what is included when you book.
Marine park: The archipelago is a protected area; follow park rules on anchoring, fishing and wildlife encounters.
Inhassoro
Inhassoro is a smaller town north of Vilankulo, known for fishing and access to the northern islands.
It works if you want a quieter mainland base, especially for fishing.
It works less well if you want the widest choice of restaurants and services.
Read the full guide: Inhassoro travel guide.
Do you need a car?
No, if you fly into Vilankulo and use transfers, boats and local taxis. A car is useful if you are driving the coast from the south, but island stays make it irrelevant once you arrive.
Which base suits you
| If you want… | Base yourself in… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Island day trips with flexibility | Vilankulo | Town base with boats to the islands |
| Seclusion on the islands | Bazaruto Archipelago | Lodge stays inside the national park |
| A quieter base for fishing | Inhassoro | Smaller town to the north |
What to do next
Once you have chosen a base, read its destination guide for what to see, when to go and how to get there, then browse places to stay in the region. The Vilankulo & Bazaruto region guide gives the wider picture, and our Mozambique accommodation guide explains how to choose between regions.
Destination guides in this region:
Sources
- Bazaruto Archipelago National Park — African Parks
- ANAC — Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas
- UK FCDO travel advice for Mozambique
Travel advice and access notes were checked on 19 September 2026. Park rules, border hours and transport change; check the official source before you travel.
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