Staying With A Local Family In Vilankulo, Mozambique (Airbnb)
Intro
There are certain places around the world where I make the decision to stay in hotels, and certain places where I decide to stay in Airbnbs. When it comes to traveling across Africa, I have learned that staying in Airbnbs is much more culturally enriching. Staying in Vilankulo with Christina and Gerry was the best accommodation I have ever had in my life (glamping in Grenada is a close second). To me, this was more than a place to sleep; it was a place that felt like home. Cooking together, watching football together, eating together, laughing together; it was all exceptional.
I don’t take any sort of cut from Airbnb, but if you are looking to book this place, you can find the link here.
The House
Arriving from Johannesburg with Airlink, Christina and Gerry were kind enough to pick me up for a small fee of 5 USD (petrol). While the airport is located about 10 minutes from town, their house is about another couple of minutes down the road from town.
Arriving at their house, I was shown to my room, which I would be staying in for the next four nights. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures when I arrived. Hence the mess, but the room is still the same 😂.
Let’s start with the bed. The sheets and mattress were the most comfortable I have experienced in the 28 countries I have traveled in across Africa. I am not sure what the two of them put in them, but wow. The rest of the room is appointed with everything that one could possibly need, with charging sockets, a desk for work, and even a lovely bathroom down the hallway.
Oh, and did I mention that it is a private entrance? It’s as if it is an apartment attached to a house. In addition, there is a shared backyard space, as well as a private path to the beach (a 3-minute walk to the beach).
The Hospitality
The hospitality is where Christina and Gerry really stood out to me. As I mentioned in the intro, it wasn’t just a stay but a whole experience. One night, as I came back from fishing, I brought them a fresh wahoo to cook up. As them two, me, a friend, and Duarte laughed around in the kitchen cooking, it felt as if I wasn’t a guest but part of an experience. That was a fun night with plenty of beers consumed (to say the least). We had some delicious wahoo and watched the game between Spain and Italy.
It’s moments like this in life which are special. The ones that you didn’t have unreal expectations but are simply beautiful.
In addition, Gerry headed out with me and Duarte to watch the Portugal game the other night.
Final Thoughts
With that, I would like to say a huge thank you to Christina and Jerry, as you welcomed me in with open arms to not just your home but the town of Vilankulo. If anyone wants a fun experience in the Southern part of Africa, head over to Vilankulo and stay with these two. I promise it is worth it!
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