On the tip of Vilanculos, where the ocean meets a patch of farmland and loose forest, Baobab beach backpackers is going strong. With a laid-back, hippy kind of vibe, low-budget travelers will get a warm welcome and plenty of space to kick back; there are hammocks and picnic tables, as well as a braai area. From here it’s no more than a 40 minute walk to town, and the ocean is literally on the doorstep. It’s Vilanculos’ first backpacker lodge, and the one that has the biggest range of accommodation options for weary travelers, from three-bed family casas, to dorms and a camping ground. The entire compound sleeps 85 people, and has been open for 15 years.

The owners were in the midst of renovating some of the casas when we last visited, but we have no doubt that the 2500 Mets per night family rooms will look lovely once completed. Other casas are whitewashed, with shabby chic furniture inside, and colorful touches such as throws and pillows. There are also little romantic hideaway huts and clean, spacious dorms for 320 Mets per person. Camping (with access to clean showers) costs 200 Mets per person. Access to wifi starts at 50 Mets.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is available at the cafe, but there’s also a well-stocked communal kitchen. Guests pay a 500 Mets deposit for access to a personal locker filled with utensils and cutlery, and there’s a working oven as well as a stove and large refrigerators.

Over in the bar area, you can borrow board games or buy essentials (including toothbrushes, necklaces, and mosquito spray) from the small shop. The bar itself is stocked with soft drinks, beers, and spirits – there’s also a bookshelf. But with all those drinks on offer, don’t forget to look out for the fat Baobab tree that gave this spot its name. Rumor has it that the tree is about 3000 years old – oh, the stories it could tell!