Our Location: Vilanculos, Mozambique
Shakati Beach Lodge sits on the Indian Ocean coast just south of Vilanculos (officially Vilankulo), the coastal town in Mozambique’s Inhambane Province that is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. The lodge lies inside The Sanctuary, a protected reserve reached by a short boat ride from Vilanculos harbour.
The whole lodge is yours for the length of your stay: six en suite bedrooms, sleeping up to 12 guests, booked by one group at a time.
Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago
Vilanculos is where most visitors to the Bazaruto Archipelago begin. It is a relaxed town on a wide, shallow bay, with its own airport and a harbour. From the bay you can see the islands of the archipelago offshore.
Shakati is close enough to Vilanculos that the town, the airport and the harbour are a short transfer away. It is far enough that, once you arrive, the beach is yours.
The Sanctuary
The lodge is inside The Sanctuary (the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary), a 30,000-hectare conservation area covering both land and sea. It forms the southernmost part of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The Mozambican government declared it a Fully Protected Area in 2003, and it ranks among the richest areas for biodiversity in the country.
Getting to Vilanculos
By air
Airlink flies from Johannesburg to Vilanculos, either direct or via Nelspruit. The direct flight takes about 90 minutes. We recommend Airlink.
LAM (Mozambique Airlines) flies from Johannesburg to Maputo, with a connecting flight to Vilanculos.
Visas: SADC passport holders do not need a visa. Other passport holders can buy a visa on arrival, but please check the current requirements before you travel.
Immigration and transfer forms are in your booking pack. Complete them before you travel and hand them in on arrival.
By road
If you are driving from South Africa:
Lebombo border (Komatipoort) to Maputo: 100 km on tar, about 1 hour
Maputo to Inhambane: about 7 hours
Inhambane to Vilanculos: about 4 hours
Cars can be parked at Hotel Dona Ana in Vilanculos, next to the beach pick-up point, by prior arrangement. Please keep to the rules of the road and be courteous if you are stopped by traffic officers.
From Vilanculos to the lodge
Airport to harbour. Sanctuary staff meet you at Vilanculos Airport with a placard and take you to the transfer vehicle. The drive to the harbour pick-up point takes 5 to 10 minutes, on a set route with no stops.
Harbour to lodge by boat. From the harbour, the boat crossing to Shakati takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the tide. Wear shorts and flip-flops, and bring a windbreaker, a hat and sunscreen.
Transfers on each package. Transfers from the airport to the harbour, and from the harbour to Shakati, are included in the All-Inclusive package. On Dry Lodge stays they are arranged at an additional cost. See rates
Helicopter (optional). For a helicopter transfer from Vilanculos Airport to the lodge, contact Archipelago Charters.
Shakati Beach Lodge co-ordinates
22° 07′ 48″ S, 35° 26′ 31″ E
Malaria is widespread in the Vilanculos area but is not common at The Sanctuary or the lodge. Use mosquito repellent regularly, especially while passing through Vilanculos.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Shakati Beach Lodge from Vilanculos?
The lodge is 30 to 45 minutes by boat from Vilanculos harbour, depending on the tide. Helicopter transfers from Vilanculos Airport can be arranged with Archipelago Charters.
How do I fly to Vilanculos from Johannesburg?
Airlink flies from Johannesburg to Vilanculos, direct in about 90 minutes or via Nelspruit. LAM flies via Maputo.
Can I drive to Vilanculos from South Africa?
Yes. Allow about 12 hours from the Lebombo border, via Maputo and Inhambane. Parking at Hotel Dona Ana can be arranged in advance.
Are transfers included?
On the All-Inclusive package, yes: from the airport to the harbour, and from the harbour to Shakati. On Dry Lodge stays, transfers are an additional cost.
Is Vilanculos the same place as Vilankulo?
Yes. Vilankulo is the town’s official name; Vilanculos is the older spelling and is still the most widely used.
Plan your stay
The lodge is booked by one group at a time, for up to 12 guests. Send us your dates and we will confirm availability.