Vilankulo

Vilankulo Vilanculos
Nickname(s): Vnx
Vilankulo
Coordinates: 22°0′S 35°19′E / 22.000°S 35.317°E / -22.000; 35.317Coordinates: 22°0′S 35°19′E / 22.000°S 35.317°E / -22.000; 35.317
Country	Mozambique
Provinces	Inhambane Province
District	Vilanculos District
Government
• Type	Democratic
Population (2010 (estimate))
• Total	24 433

Vilankulo (or Vilanculos) is a coastal town in Mozambique, lying in the Vilanculos District of Inhambane Province. Vilankulo is named after local tribal chief Gamala Vilankulo Mukoke, and some of the "bairros" (suburbs) are named after his sons. Known as Vilanculos during colonial times, the name was changed to Vilankulo at independence. Today the district is called Vilanculos and the town Vilankulo.

Vilankulo has been growing extensively over the last decade, and has been the recipient of considerable inward investment into its tourism infrastructure. The town of Vilankulo is the gateway to the archipelago. Dhows travel between the town and the Bazaruto Archipelago. The town itself is only about 5 km long, having all the amenities needed to make your visit comfortable yet local. The airport is based on the outside of the town with flights arriving and departing on a daily basis. Vilankulo has an array of options when it comes to bars (barracas) and restaurants, if local is more your flavor work your way from The Market in the center of town towards the main beaches of Vilankulo. If you prefer something a little more exclusive there is a wide variety of exquisite lodges to visit.

It is home to an a new international airport, which serves daily flights to several regional destinations, including Johannesburg, Maputo, Swaziland and elsewhere.

Sports

The local football club is called Vilankulo F.C. (VFC).^[1] This is the first official club from Vilankulo that is recognized by the FMF (Mozambican Football Federation). In November 2009 Vilankulo FC was promoted to the Moçambola.

Vilankulo is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, ocean safaris and Padi dive and boat charter centre.

Typical homes and streets in Vilankulo

Demographics

References