Vilanculos is named after local tribal chief Gamela Vilankulo Mukoke, and some of the "bairros" (neighborhoods) are named after his sons. Known as Vilanculos during colonial times, the name was changed to Vilankulo at independence. By the way, Vilankulo (or Vilanculos, as we refer in this arthicle) is in the Province of Inhambane, “terra da boa gente”, meaning the land of good people. Locals are friendly and ever smiling, while you check your list of things do to in Vilanculos.