Vilankulo Explained

Official Name:Vilankulo
Other Name:Vilanculos
Pushpin Map:Mozambique
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:Provinces
Subdivision Name1:Inhambane Province
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Vilanculos District
Government Type:Democratic
Population As Of:2010 (estimate)
Population Total:24433
Coordinates:-22°N 54°W

Vilankulo (or Vilanculos) is a coastal town in Mozambique, lying in the Vilanculos District of Inhambane Province. Vilankulo is named after local tribal chief Gamela 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 and helicopters travel between the town and the Bazaruto Archipelago. The town itself is only about 5 km long. The airport is based on the outside of the town with flights arriving and departing on a daily basis.

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

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 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.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vilankulo Futebol Clube . June 8, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090930121659/http://www.vfc.co.mz/ . September 30, 2009 . football club official website
  2. Web site: Mozambique: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population . 2008-06-18 . World Gazetteer .