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Tofo is a township located on the Indian Ocean coast of Mozambique. Situated in Inhambane Province, it is a patchwork of adventure and relaxation and is a draw for surfers, scuba divers and beachgoers alike. The Indian Ocean is warm here, so it is a prime location for marine life encounters, including whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales seasonally. The local market is bustling with fresh seafood, tropical fruits and crafts. This city has a lively community feel and a worldliness of flavour as Mozambican culture mingles with cuisine from across the globe.
Location
Photo: Armindo Pascoal Timóteo Culeco / Wikimedia Commons
On the southeast coast of Mozambique, about 22 km away from Inhambane city. It sits on the Indian Ocean, with miles of pristine beaches and warm tropical waters. The town is situated on the crest of a small peninsula, with Tofo Beach on one side and Tofinho Beach, a favourite among surfers on the other. It’s in Inhambane Province, which is famous for its colonial-era architecture and coconut-lined beaches. The town is located in a prime spot for diving and marine tourism along Mozambique’s long and biodiverse coastline.
How To Reach
Photo: RealIvanSanchez / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Fly into Inhambane Airport (INH). There are direct flights from Maputo (LAM – Mozambique Airlines) or irregular flights from Johannesburg. A 30-minute taxi or transfer from the airport.
By Road: From Maputo (470 km, 7-8 hours), take the EN1 highway northbound. The road is a mix of tarmac and potholes, especially after Vilankulo.
By Public Transport: Maputo to Inhambane is serviced by buses and chapas (shared minibuses) and takes 10 to 12 hours. Chapas, cars or taxis can take you 22 km from Inhambane.
Top Places To Visit In Tofo
Visit the following must-see places and experience the beaches and villages of the destination.
1. Tofo Beach
Photo: Ana Raquel S. Hernandes / Wikimedia Commons
The Tofo Beach is an 8-kilometre crescent-shaped coast with a wide beach along the Indian Ocean. It features soft golden sand, warm waters and gentle waves, perfect for swimming, beginner surfing and snorkelling. The northern tip features natural tidal pools where you can see small fish and crabs. It is the busiest, with beach bars, seafood restaurants and surf schools. Fresh seafood arrives early from local fishermen to be sold at the nearby market. The south end is quieter and good for long walks or sunbathing.
Activities: Surfing, swimming, snorkelling, beachfront dining
2. Tofinho Beach
Photo: Ana Raquel S. Hernandes / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tofinho Beach is rugged, scenic, and less crowded than its larger counterpart. It is an ideal place for experienced surfers, featuring heavy-hitting right-hand point breaks crashing into craggy cliff walls. Heed the strong currents and enjoy the dramatic scenery that draws photographers and nature lovers. The clifftop viewpoint is also perfect for whale watching, especially between June and October when humpback whales migrate along the coast. The area has historical significance as the Portuguese colonial forces used the cliffs during Mozambique’s War of Independence.
Location: 2 km
Activities: Surfing (for experts), whale watching, photography
3. Barra Beach
Photo: Marciel Viana / Wikimedia Commons
The more peaceful Barra Beach, with shallow turquoise waters, is a white sandy beach adorned with coconut trees. While Tofo’s open bay is driven by wind, Barra is protected from that by the dunes and coral reefs, creating calmer waters that are ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Take a boat to the Mangrove Estuary, which contains flamingos and crabs, with eco-tours and sunset cruises. Several luxury beach resorts offer seafood dining, cocktail bars and spa treatments on the beach.
Location: 15 km
Dive/Snorkel Tours: $40+
4. Tofo Dunes
Photo: Erik Cleves Kristensen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Tofo Dunes are one of the most spectacular dunes that rise above the shoreline with stunning views of Tofo Beach and the Indian Ocean. These dunes are ideal for hiking, sandboarding and sunset picnics. The view from the top is 360° of the surrounding beaches and nearby villages. In the dry season, they are a great place to spot whales. The dunes are also a culturally significant site, with local fishermen who use them as a vantage point to spot schools of fish. Most tours inform about traditional fishing techniques and marine conservation in the area.
Location: Behind Tofo Beach, easily accessible by foot
Activities: Hiking, sandboarding, photography, whale watching
5. Tofo Market And Local Village
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Photo: SALTACE / Wikimedia Commons
You can experience everyday life with Mozambicans. It’s the top spot to purchase fresh seafood, tropical fruits, handmade jewellery, wooden carvings and colourful capulanas (traditional fabrics). Fishermen return with the day’s offerings, such as prawns, barracuda and crayfish, all of which can be cooked to order. The market is active in the mornings when locals haggle over the freshest ingredients. Numerous tour operators provide guided walks in the village, giving you a glimpse of traditional reed houses, local schools and dhow (wooden boat) buildings.
Things To Do In Tofo
Following are some of the must-try activities to elevate your experience with your family and friends on your next trip.
1. Ocean Safari
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tofo is among the best places in the world to swim in the company of whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean. This one comes with an almost guaranteed viewing from October to March. Ocean safaris start with a speedboat ride as knowledgeable guides search the seas for whale sharks, dolphins and manta rays. That brings snorkelers to slip into the warm, clear water to swim beside these giant but benign animals that can stretch up to 12 meters in length. The experience is unique, with an emphasis on conservation and ethical tourism.
2. Scuba Diving At Manta Reef
Photo: Matt Waters / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tofo is the world-famous Manta Reef dive site, in which gigantic manta rays swim in the water all year round. The cleaning station is 26 meters underwater, where manta rays come to be cleaned by small wrasse fish. The reef is alive with colourful corals, moray eels, sea turtles, and reef sharks. For the more adventurous, the deeper Amazon Reef (30 m+) holds beautiful sightings of rare species, such as guitarfish and leopard sharks. Certified divers can arrange a two-tank dive; beginners can take a PADI Discover Scuba Diving course.
3. Horseback Riding
Photo: Missi Köpf / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Horseback riding, an unforgettable exploration through beach trails, coastal dunes, and local villages. Riders trot politely along Tofo Beach for a gentle start, catching ocean breezes and passing local fishermen and surfers. Then they run up the Tofo Dunes, with scenic views of the coastline. On some tours, you can also ride through cashew tree plantations and local communities, where guides share insights into Mozambican culture and village life. Sunset rides are particularly magical, with golden hues reflected off sand and sea.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Ana Raquel S. Hernandes / Wikimedia Commons
During the dry season May to October when the weather is cooler, less humid and good for outdoor activities. Sightings of whale sharks and manta rays are possible throughout the year, but the peak is generally from October to March. June to October is the perfect time for whale watching when humpback whales can be seen migrating along the coast. The wet season from November to April has higher humidity and rain showers and is prone to cyclones, but the ocean stays warm enough for diving and snorkelling.
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Affordable hostels to upmarket beach lodges, Mozambeat Motel offers a social scene with a pool and bar for backpackers. Mid-range travellers can choose Liquid Dive Adventures, a diver-friendly eco-lodge overlooking the ocean. Luxury seekers can choose Baia Sonambula, which has boutique-style bungalows with private terraces. For the real deal, beachside bungalows such as Casa Barry Lodge are a quick walk to diving and surfing spots.
Where To Eat
Photo: Ana Raquel S. Hernandes / Wikimedia Commons
Tofo has several regional cafes, seafood barbecues and international restaurants. For fresh seafood, Happi Restaurant is a must-try; the menu features grilled prawns, seafood platters and peri-peri chicken. For wood-fired pizzas and piri-piri prawns, try the popular Branko’s; for traditional Mozambican dishes such as matapa (cassava leaf stew) and fresh crab curry. For oceanfront cocktails and casual meals, Dino’s Beach Bar is the place to go. Coffee devotees can pick up espresso, pastries and smoothie bowls at Gato Laranja.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Ana Raquel S. Hernandes / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
An average 5-day trip, Mozambique from India may cost around ₹85,000 to ₹1,10,000 per person. This includes round-trip flights, budget accommodation, local transport, meals, and activities like snorkeling or diving. In Mozambican currency, that’s approximately MT 68,000 to MT 88,000. Costs may vary depending on travel season, stay type, and your bargaining skills at local markets.
Tips For Travellers
- It is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water to prevent illness. Use mosquito repellent, sleep beneath a mosquito net, and consider anti-malarial medication. Long sleeves and pants at night can also lower the risk.
- The sun is strong; wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and light clothes.
- There is little public transport, so for longer journeys, take chapas (shared minibuses), tuk-tuks or rent a car.
- The official language is Portuguese so learning basic phrases is useful for communication.
- Make conscious decisions when choosing dive operators and avoid touching marine life while snorkelling or diving.
Tofo is a hidden paradise on the Mozambique coast with a nice combination of adventure, relaxation and culture. Whether it’s diving with manta rays, galloping on horseback on the dunes, or slinking on fresh seafood in a café by the beach, Tofo is all about its chilled vibe and beautiful natural setting. Be it for a few days or a few weeks, this city always provides visitors with an unparalleled experience. So plan your visit with TripXL and enjoy this tropical paradise.
Cover Photo: Claudia Salamone / Unspalsh
