Authenticity of Vilanculos
There is something about Vilanculos, that just sets it apart from any other beach destinations in Africa. Perhaps it's the remoteness or that it is located in the heart of the Bazaruto Archipelgo aka 'The Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. However, I think it reaches far deeper than that.
There are those places that don't feel real because of their overwhelming beauty. I can confidently say that Vilanculos is one of them. It all starts when peering through your porthole window down onto the dotted groves of palm trees, crisp ivory sands that blend into the vast blue palette of sapphire and jade. From that distance the mainland looks vacant, almost as if it has been peacefully sheltered from the masses of tourism.
Stepping off the plane, you are welcomed with the rolling tropical breeze and radiant heat. The airport is small but very clean and tidy much alike the town. As you are driven through the streets, you will see beautifully cut hedges and the roads run flush with bougainvillea. It may take you a while to adjust to the surroundings, with the rustic thatch and corrugated iron houses, sheds, shebeens and kiosks, selling fruit, all sorts of clothing and souvenirs. The town is poverty-stricken and the schools are underdeveloped, nonetheless, the locals are so resourceful, resilient and proud. It is really humbling to see the suburbs and remarkable people (with spirits that are unshakable) considering the history of the country.
The community is full of life with school kids cheerfully walking around, mother's in rainbow-like Capulana's carrying their babies, fish merchants laying out their day's catch and Tuk Tuks drifting in and out of the crowds. The longer you stay in Vilanculos and the more acquainted you become with the culture, your daily stresses will slowly begin to unravel and will get lost in the midsts of time.
Everything works at a carefree rate which makes you want to embody this mentality. You find yourself seeking the core importance of happiness, that being gratitude. The people of Vilanculos are kind-hearted, warm, helpful and loving which translates into their conservation and sustainability acts practiced in the ocean and reefs.
Vilanculos is ideally known for it's marine national park- Bazaruto Archipelago. This consists of six islands off the coast of Southern Mozambique - Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque, Santa Carolina and Shell. Home to the most pristine coral reefs and exotic and endangered sea creatures - Dugongs, Devil Manta Rays, Leatherback Turtles, Humpback whales and Whale Sharks. It is a scuba diver's and avid snorkeler's dream. I will write more on this in the next blog.
All in all, Vilanculos is for those who crave that soul-uplifting and life-changing type of holiday!
