Spanning 25,000 hectares of both land and water on the São Sebastião Peninsula, the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary’s reach is so vast it even incorporates the southern tip of the Bazaruto Archipelago. With such a massive tract to its name, it’s no wonder this sanctuary is regarded as one of the most biodiverse on the continent.
Comprised of swamps and mudflats as well as coastal dunes and coral reefs, the sanctuary's seven habitats are home to the likes of Burchell’s zebra, giraffe, nyala, eland, and wildebeest. The re-introduction of game into the wildlife sanctuary was kick-started in 2008, and future efforts will see crocodiles, kudus, hippos, and waterbuck joining the menagerie. These fascinating creatures can be spotted on any of the sanctuary's game drives and walking safaris. In the waters you’ll find leatherback sea turtles as well as the continent’s largest population of the rare, endangered dugong.
The Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary is a prime example of community upliftment and eco-tourism done right. The peninsula of Vilanculos has been the home of the Queuene people since time immemorial, and many of the initiatives in the area have been geared toward ensuring their well-being. Low-density tourism facilities and lodges also ensure that mankind treads lightly among the peninsula's fauna and flora.
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