Discover these
exotic coastal destinations, gems of the Indian Ocean…

VILANKULO, a coastal town in Mozambique’s Inhambane Province in Africa is the springboard to the blissful Bazaruto Archipelago islands with their crystal clear, quiet beaches, white sand dunes & coral reefs that host a dazzling array of marine life. Perfectly placed in a bay, the tranquil coastal town is ideal for beach holidays with watersports & activities to satisfy the most adventurous traveler!
Vilankulo is located in the Inhambane province, 750 km north of Maputo, Mozambique’s capital.

Often named the ‘Diamond of the Indian Ocean’, MAURITIUS, located in the southwest part of the ocean, is the perfect, multi-faceted island destination characterized by sunshine & diverse landscapes – picture-perfect beaches, lush rainforests & formidable mountains. Add resorts with wellness spas, golf courses & watersports to this formula, along with mixed cultures, cuisines & shopping opportunities & there is no doubt of it being an exciting destination!

Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, this idyllic, almost undiscovered Indian Ocean island of 380 mi² off the coast of East Africa is almost entirely surrounded by a coral reef. Its clear & pristine waters are the delight of experienced divers & snorkelers & its optimal diving conditions combined with the abundance of fish-life have earned the island the top diving spot in east Africa. Just off mainland Tanzania, & easily accessible from neighboring Kenya, Pemba island offers endless possibilities of combined bush & beach safaris to satisfy the most intrepid traveler…

If you’ve never ventured this far, try one (or all 3!) of our destinations, you’ll find them to be one of the best things on your bucket list…

Let us, at Sol Resorts, help you pick the perfect & affordable beachfront holiday option!

Quick Facts about Vilankulo

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With the exception of the following countries in the region:
Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland Malawi & Tanzania, all countries require a visa to enter Mozambique. It is essential to get your visa well before your intended stay at your local Embassy.
Vilankulo has a tropical climate – some helpful information to help you plan:
• April to September – dry season, with coastal temperatures reaching 28°C
• October to March – hot & rainy, with highs reaching 32°C on the coast. January, February, March & December usually see the most rainfall.
• Warmest month: January
• Coolest & driest month: August
Local Mozambican currency is the Metical/ Meticais. US Dollars and South African Rands are accepted in all hotels & most restaurants.

Approximate exchange rates are:
• 35:1 MTS:US$
• 3:1 MTS:ZAR
• 40:1 MTS:EURO

It is always recommended that malaria prophylactics are taken as a precaution & insect repellant & sun block carried at all times. There is a small pharmacy in the town, but it is highly recommended that you carry all prescription & more specific medication with you.
At the moment there are no vaccinations required on entry to Mozambique.
Within Mozambique:
There are regular flights from Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, Inhambane & Pemba on LAM, the national carrier.

From Johannesburg:

LAM airlines fly daily from Johannesburg International airport (OR Tambo) to Vilankulo International Airport. Direct flying time is 2 hours. SA Airlink is now flying from Johannesburg to Vilanculos daily.

SA Airlink schedule:

Johannesburg – Vilanculos  DAILY FLIGHTS
Departing Johannesburg 11.30, Arriving Vilanculos 13.10
Vilanculos- Johannesburg DAILY FLIGHTS
Departing Vilanculos 13.45, Arriving Johannesburg 15.30

From The Kruger:

These flights facilitate the popular “beach & bush” combination.
Starting initially with 2 flights per week (Thursday and Sunday) the Kruger- Vilanculos flights serve to further enhance Airlink’s current flights operating between Johannesburg and Vilanculos, with daily direct departures between Vilanculos and Johannesburg.

The Kruger to Vilanculos flights will depart Nelspruit at 11h35 and will arrive in Vilanculos at 12h50 and depart from Vilanculos at 13h45 and arrive in Johannesburg at 15h30, flights will operate on one of Airlink’s 12 Embraer ERJ135 regional jets.

Tour Operators and African Safari specialists have welcomed the introduction of this route, which enables them to promote bush and beach combination packages giving travelers the freedom to enjoy an early morning game drive and then later that same day to enjoy a sundowner on the beach.”

Car rentals can be pre-arranged from South Africa, or options are available from Vilankulo Airport where rental company representatives are present.

Driving directions available on request.

The town has reliable phone, & mobile phone networks & fast internet access. You will find that most of the bigger hotels & lodges have wifi (either free or charged separately). There is also an internet café in the town centre.
Vilankulo has a well stocked grocery store, wholesaler & butchery so one is able to get any provision you can think off – manufactured either locally or in South Africa. Fruit & vegetables & fresh produce can also be bought at the market or roadside stalls, with fresh pineapples & cashews being fmost popular. Buying fresh fish from the fishermen on the beach is a firm favorite.

Otherwise, the growth of the town has heralded new restaurants, beach bars, a sports bar & more casual eateries – bakeries & pizza places.

The colorful local market stocks just about everything from food & drinks to sarongs, (traditionally called capulanas), beach wear, dresses…you name it!

Quick Facts about Mauritius

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With its diversity & multi-cultural aspect, the majority of the population is bilingual in English & French, with Creole & French being the most widely spoken.

Mauritius has a warm tropical climate, November – May is Summer, with temperature varying from 22 to 35, with winter temperatures between 17 & 26
Mauritius uses the Mauritian Rupee, I US$ is approximately Rs 35, I € approximately Rs 40, 1 ZAR approximately Rs 2.5
Both private and free public medical clinics are available in Mauritius. Private clinics with top class facilities & personnel provide medical services for a fee.
With an international airport & 25 cities that fly directly to Mauritius on a host of major airlines, it is a very accessible destination.

Driving rental cars around the island is very popular with many car rental companies available. Visitors should have a driving license from their own country/ international driving license. Driving is on the left hand side of the road.

In this digital era, Mauritius certainly keeps up in the telecommunications sector with fixed & mobile lines with 3G in even smaller remote places & fast internet accessibility (fiber) in the bigger hubs. Most coffee shops, restaurants & hotels offer free wifi.
One can shop til they drop in Mauritius with various large shopping centres all over the island, malls with popular franchises & smaller markets for unique pieces & rare finds!

Quick Facts about PEMBA ISLAND

English and Kiswahili are spoken on the island

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, there are no ATM’s on the island, so it is better to convert currency before arrival. For the most part, Visa & Mastercard are accepted by the hotels, definitely at the Aiyana.
Visas are obtainable at the High Commission of Tanzania

Visitors can obtain visas arriving at Zanzibar International Airport and Karume Airport on Pemba Island. Other points in Tanzania currently offering visas on entry are Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports.
If traveling via Kenya, then a similar visa is required for Kenya, which is also available at the airports.
Consulte your local consulate for more details.
Tanzania Consulate Details: Tanzania High Commission – Pretoria, South Africa: Tel: +27 12 342 4371/93,
Email: tanzania@cis.co.za

Being near the equator, it is warm all year round, temperature is about 30 Degrees Celsius
September to April – summer
May to August – winter
Travelers must take necessary precautions against malaria, it is advised to take prophylactics or carry repellant.
It is also advisable to drink bottled as opposed to tap water.
Pemba island is accessed from the major airports in East Africa via Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. Several charter airlines also service this route.
The most popular route is Zanzibar – Pemba island, and is serviced by these airlines: Zanair, Coastal Air and Auric Air.
Flight duration from Zanzibar to Pemba island is around 30 minutes & costs approximately € 180 return for non residents.
Flights from Dar es Salaam to Pemba cost approximately € 220 return.
There are 5 main telephone companies: MOBITEL, TTCL, ZANTEL, TRITEL & VODACOM & ZANZINET & ZANLINK are the 2 main internet service providers.
It is not possible to buy a SIM card on Pemba island, so if required, better to purchase on the mainland.
Spices (most popular – cloves), traditional paintings and local handicrafts are favorites.