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Zombie Cucumber

Vilanculos

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Address
Vilanculos Waterfront, Vilanculos Inhambane, Mozambique   Map
Price
Approx - 7USD for dorm and 25 UD
Location/Contact
Details
Online booking is not offered for this hostel, contact them for availability and reservations (any contact info we have is listed above).
Their Description

Features

  • Lockers
  • Bar
  • Lounge / Common space
  • Swimming Pool
  • BBQ
  • Food/Restaurant
  • Book Collection/Exchange
  • Washing Machine (laundry)
  • Travel information provided
  • Currency Exchange
 
The Hostelz.com Review
Very warm and friendly hostel metres away from the splendid beaches of Vilankulo and from the view of the Bazaruto Arcipelago. The hosts, Steph and John (two English ex-pats), do all in their might to make you feel welcome and part of the family. So does Molly (the dog).

Dorm and private rooms all gather around the central bar and dining area which works as a meeting place. Showers and toilets are in a separate block encased in a thick bush of ibiscus flowers. Strictly speaking there are no "beds" in the dorm, but big mattresses on the floor lying on strawmats. They all come with linens, pillows and mosquito nets and everything is very clean and neat.

There is no common kitchen, but there are plenty of places to eat in the nearby market, or on the main road of Vilankulo and on the main waterfront a further 10 minutes down the beach. That said, I suggest you stay at the hostel and try Steph's cuisine. She is possibly the best cook south of the Mediterranean.

On the billboard next to the counter there is loads of information about Vilankulo and surrounding areas, including tips on how to "cheaply" go and in and out of Vilankulo (buses and planes with prices and timetable). When you leave early in the morning (the first buses out, either north or south leave at 4:30am), Steph and John arrange it so that you get escorted by one of the night guards (with a torchlight) all the way to the bus station.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
February 2004


Ratings & Comments

4.6 Average from 10 Ratings

This is an open forum, and unlike other hostel guide websites we don't censor out the negative comments.
We can't validate the legitimacy of comments posted on this site—so take what you read here with a grain of salt.
Comment by Paul, USA
September 2007
5 Great
The name is a bit odd, but the place is great. We stayed for three nights and were very happy with our stay. It is right off the beach and not too far from the bus depot. The staff were great as well. The owners were a British couple who seemed a bit distant, but were friendly when approached and could answer all our questions with ease, they also seemed to know everyone in town. They had nice rooms, a well put-together camp with a swimming pool, a bar, and restaurant that became the social meeting stop at night. If I ever come back, I would stay there again.
Comment by Paul
February 2007
1 After spending three pleasant weeks in Mozambique with very nice people everywhere that we went it was very disappointing to come across such a hostile environment. The setting is absolutely lovely but the manager and bar staff were exceptionally rude and charged us twice. There was no way to prevent this as the first time we paid, they did not give us a receipt and so when they demanded that we pay a second time we had no proof that we had already paid. Stay away from zombie cucumber, there are two other beautiful backpackers in Vilanculos!
Comment by kirsty
January 2007
5 I spent Christmas in 2004 here and it was fantastic. we were treated amazingly and the food was incredible. i had the best time! the beach is fantastic and the people are all lovely! it's a must -- just try it!
Comment by Arnaud Berken
August 2005
5 You will enjoy it. Just go!!!
Comment by Pieter and Melanie
February 2005
5 This place has the best food, best accommodation, and the best company in Mozambique! I made friends for life, and stayed for two weeks instead of two days as planned!
Comment by Marcus
December 2004
5 This is the best backpackers I have stayed in!! There's a great couple running the place, it's very friendly, has amazing food, and was exceptionally clean. This place has everything you might need — plus Molly!!!
Comment by Shirley & Mike
August 2004
5 Fantastic place. It was exceptionally clean, welcoming, and had first-rate food--huge meals at reasonable rates. We loved it and will be back one day.
Comment by Mark Harding
July 2004
5 Steph and John are running the best place we have stayed in, with hot showers and clean bathrooms, clean accommodation, fantastic home cooking and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Comment by Johanna
May 2004
5 I love this place. Steph and John (and Molly) are great! They will take great care of you, and they always have a cold beer.
Comment by Barney
January 2004
5 Will be back in April 2004 7 days of fun.
Have you visited this hostel? Post your comments here.

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