Shakati Beach Lodge is located within The Sanctuary which is a 30 000ha conservation protected area covering both land and sea, situated along the Indian Ocean coast on Mozambique. The Sanctuary forms the southernmost portion of the Bazaruto Archipelago near the town of Vilankulos. The Sanctuary was declared a Fully Protected Area by the Mozambican Government in 2003. Some of the richest biodiversity in Mozambique is found here and The Sanctuary ranks amongst the top biodiversity “hotspots” in Africa. The reserve encompasses a mosaic of wetlands, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, small islands, tidal mudflats, salt marshes, freshwater lakes, estuaries, tree and scrub forest on the coastal dunes, savannah and miombo woodlands. The three core functions of The Sanctuary are conservation, community development and eco-tourism.
Flying:
SAA Airlink flies from Johannesburg either direct or via Nelspruit to Vilankulos and LAM (Air Mozambique) flies from Johannesburg to Maputo with a connecting flight to Vilankulos. (The use of SAA Airlink is recommended). A direct flight from Johannesburg takes approximately 90 minutes. Upon landing, you will be requested to hand in immigration and transfer documents. These will be provided to you as part of your booking pack so that you can fill them out beforehand. (SADC passport holders do not require visas to enter Mozambique. Other passport holders may purchase visas on arrival but should check specific visa regulations and requirements when planning their trip.)
A member of The Sanctuary will meet you at Vilankulos Airport (with placard) to show you to your transfer vehicle. The driver follows a dedicated route to the Harbour / beach pick up point and may not deviate or stop along the route. The drive is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Driving to Vilankulos:
From the Lebombo Border control (RSA) Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, South Africa, it is a 100km tar road to Maputo and takes roughly 1 hour. Maputo to Inhambane is 7 hours, Inhambane to Hotel Dona Anna in Vilankulos is roughly 4 hours (cars can be parked safely at the Hotel Dona Anna which is located next to the beach pick up point, subject to prior arrangement). It is strongly advised that you adhere to traffic rules, and respect officers of the law when pulled over.
Boat from Vilankulos to Shakati Beach Lodge: (transfers from airport to Harbour and Harbour to Shakati Beach Lodge are included in the provided rate)
Boat Transfer from Harbour to Shakati Beach Lodge
Once at the Harbour / beach pick up point, our staff will welcome you with cold refreshments (beers, cider, water, cool drinks or wine) and take you to Shakati Beach Lodge by boat. The boat ride takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes from the Vilankulos Harbour / beach pick up point to Shakati Beach Lodge depending on the tide. It is advised that you wear appropriate clothing for the boat trip (shorts, flip flops, windbreaker, hat, suntan lotion).
Helicopter from Vilankulos to Shakati Beach Lodge:
(not included in provided rate)
As an alternative optional extra, a helicopter transfer (+-10 mins) can be arranged from the Vilankulos airport directly to Shakati Beach Lodge upon request. Luggage space may be limited and transported by boat transfer to Shakati Beach Lodge for your convenience.
Helicopter Service
e-mail: stacey@archipelago.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)11 433 6437 / +258 844 106887
Shakati Beach Lodge co-ordinates
22 ˚ 07” 48’ S and 35 ˚ 26” 31’ E
Although Maleria is widespread in the Vilankulos area, it is not common at The Sanctuary and Shakati Beach Lodge. It is however highly recommended to use mosquito sprays or creams regularly and especially when passing through Vilankulos. (See special precautions for further information)