South-African run Beach Bums used to be known as Smugglers. Old habits die hard, and most of Vilanculos still refers to it by its former name (and in fact, when we asked the bar staff which name they preferred, they weren’t sure). Flanked by a green garden and with a sprinkling of picnic tables outside, this place looks like it’s seen a few good parties. And if it’s looking a little hungover these days, the Sunday night crowd doesn’t seem to mind. Just don’t ask how all that graffiti ended up on the ceiling.
The owners organize popular party and diving tours from Durban, including accommodation at Beach Bums (there are rooms at the back for guests). Otherwise, the bar is open until late most nights, with featured DJs or live music on weekends. There’s a pool table and a very well-stocked bar, including that South African classic – Amarula. Buckets of local beers are on offer, as well as a combo named Diesel and Dust (better you than us) for 100 Mets. The busiest nights are Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The kitchen is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days, opening later on weekends. Braai meat is on sale for takeaway and home grilling, while other Mozambican fast food on the menu includes piri-piri chicken and chips, calamari, pap, and prego rolls. The pizzas are pretty good here; there’s a choice of tropical, veggie, or chicken and pineapple, plus the house specials. And if all that food and booze stops you getting to the Bazaruto archipelago, you can eat outside on the deck against the background painted to make the place look like a tropical island.
Although it’s frankly a bit of a dive bar, this is a close second to Afro Bar as the best place to party in Vilanculos. Plus, the compound is guarded by a cute couple; a tiny little sausage dog, and his enormous ridgeback friend, who seem to get on like a house on fire.
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South-African run Beach Bums used to be known as Smugglers. Old habits die hard, and most of Vilanculos still refers...
South-African run Beach Bums used to be known as Smugglers. Old habits die hard, and most of Vilanculos still refers to it by its former name (and in fact, when we asked the bar staff which name they preferred, they weren’t sure). Flanked by a green garden and with a sprinkling of picnic tables outside, this place looks like it’s seen a few good parties. And if it’s looking a little hungover these days, the Sunday night crowd doesn’t seem to mind. Just don’t ask how all that graffiti ended up on the ceiling.
The owners organize popular party and diving tours from Durban, including accommodation at Beach Bums (there are rooms at the back for guests). Otherwise, the bar is open until late most nights, with featured DJs or live music on weekends. There’s a pool table and a very well-stocked bar, including that South African classic – Amarula. Buckets of local beers are on offer, as well as a combo named Diesel and Dust (better you than us) for 100 Mets. The busiest nights are Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The kitchen is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days, opening later on weekends. Braai meat is on sale for takeaway and home grilling, while other Mozambican fast food on the menu includes piri-piri chicken and chips, calamari, pap, and prego rolls. The pizzas are pretty good here; there’s a choice of tropical, veggie, or chicken and pineapple, plus the house specials. And if all that food and booze stops you getting to the Bazaruto archipelago, you can eat outside on the deck against the background painted to make the place look like a tropical island.
Although it’s frankly a bit of a dive bar, this is a close second to Afro Bar as the best place to party in Vilanculos. Plus, the compound is guarded by a cute couple; a tiny little sausage dog, and his enormous ridgeback friend, who seem to get on like a house on fire.