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Tofo, Moçambique - Things to Do in Tofo

Things to Do in Tofo

Tofo, Moçambique - Complete Travel Guide

Tofo is a laid-back coastal paradise located in Inhambane Province, Mozambique, renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class diving, and incredible marine life encounters. This small fishing village has evolved into one of East Africa's premier destinations for underwater adventures, particularly famous for its year-round population of whale sharks and manta rays. The town maintains its authentic charm with traditional dhow boats dotting the shoreline, local markets selling fresh seafood, and a relaxed atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of coastal Mozambique. Beyond its marine attractions, Tofo offers visitors a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with excellent surf breaks, vibrant coral reefs, and opportunities to experience local Mozambican culture. The area serves as an ideal base for exploring the broader Inhambane region, including historic Inhambane City with its colonial architecture and the nearby Bazaruto Archipelago. With its combination of natural beauty, marine biodiversity, and authentic local experiences, Tofo represents the quintessential Mozambican coastal getaway.

Top Things to Do in Tofo

Whale Shark and Manta Ray Diving/Snorkeling

Experience close encounters with gentle whale sharks and graceful manta rays in their natural habitat. Tofo is one of the few places in the world where these magnificent creatures can be seen year-round, with whale sharks most common from October to March and manta rays present throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Book with established operators like Peri-Peri Divers or Liquid Adventures, costing around $80-120 per trip. Early morning departures offer best visibility, and operators should follow responsible wildlife interaction guidelines with proper distance protocols.

Scuba Diving at Manta Reef

Explore the underwater wonderland of Manta Reef, consistently rated as one of the world's top diving sites. The reef system offers encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, and an abundance of tropical fish species in crystal-clear waters.

Booking Tip: PADI certification required for deeper dives, with courses available locally for $300-400. Day trips cost $60-90 for certified divers, and the best conditions are typically from April to September with calmer seas.

Traditional Dhow Sailing

Sail the turquoise waters aboard a traditional dhow boat, experiencing centuries-old maritime traditions while enjoying sunset views over the Indian Ocean. These wooden sailing vessels offer a peaceful way to explore the coastline and spot dolphins.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local fishermen or guesthouses for $20-40 per person for 2-3 hours. Sunset trips are most popular, so book early in the day. Ensure life jackets are provided and check weather conditions beforehand.

Surfing at Tofinho

Catch waves at Tofinho, the renowned surf break just south of Tofo village. This right-hand point break offers consistent swells and is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, with the best waves typically occurring during the southern hemisphere winter.

Booking Tip: Board rentals available for $15-25 per day from local surf shops. Surf lessons cost around $30-50 per session. Best conditions are from May to September, and early morning sessions offer the cleanest waves.

Inhambane City Cultural Tour

Explore the historic colonial architecture and vibrant culture of nearby Inhambane City, known as the 'Town of Good People.' Visit the 200-year-old cathedral, browse local markets, and experience authentic Mozambican urban life in this charming provincial capital.

Booking Tip: Arrange transport via chapa (local bus) for $2-3 or private taxi for $15-20. Allow a full day for exploration, and visit during weekday mornings when markets are most active. Combine with lunch at local restaurants for authentic cuisine.

Getting There

Tofo is accessible via Inhambane Airport, which receives flights from Maputo (1 hour) and Johannesburg (1.5 hours). From the airport, it's a 30-minute drive to Tofo village, with shuttle services available for around $15-20 per person or private transfers for $40-60. Alternatively, you can drive from Maputo (approximately 5-6 hours) via the EN1 highway, though road conditions can be challenging during rainy season. Bus services operate from Maputo to Inhambane city, from where you can take a chapa (local minibus) or taxi to Tofo.

Getting Around

Tofo is a small village easily explored on foot, with most accommodations, restaurants, and dive centers within walking distance of each other. For longer distances or trips to nearby beaches, rent a bicycle ($5-10 per day), motorbike ($15-25 per day), or arrange tuk-tuk rides ($2-5 per trip). Many guesthouses offer bicycle rentals, and walking along the beach at low tide provides scenic routes between different areas. For trips to Inhambane city or airport, arrange private transfers or use the local chapa system.

Where to Stay

Tofo Beach Central
Barra Peninsula
Tofinho Village
Praia do Tofo North
Coconut Bay Area
Inhambane City

Food & Dining

Tofo's dining scene centers around fresh seafood and traditional Mozambican cuisine, with numerous beachfront restaurants serving grilled prawns, lobster, and the local specialty peri-peri chicken. Popular spots include Dino's Bar for sunset drinks and seafood, Bamboozi Beach Lodge for international cuisine, and local beach shacks for authentic and affordable Mozambican dishes. Many establishments offer catch-of-the-day specials featuring locally caught fish, and vegetarian options are increasingly available. Don't miss trying the local cashew wine and fresh tropical fruits from roadside vendors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Mozambique

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Vilanculos Beach Lodge and Restaurant

4.5 /5
(864 reviews)
bar lodging

Sumi Bar and Kitchen

4.5 /5
(325 reviews) 2

Branko's

4.5 /5
(258 reviews) 1

Mozambique bar

4.8 /5
(190 reviews)
bar

The Melting Pot @ Tri M Waves Lodge

4.5 /5
(200 reviews)
bar

Tasca do Juan by Activmoz

4.5 /5
(191 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tofo is during the dry season from April to September, offering pleasant temperatures (20-28°C), minimal rainfall, and excellent diving conditions with clear visibility. This period also coincides with optimal surfing conditions and calmer seas. October to March brings higher temperatures, humidity, and occasional tropical storms, but this is prime whale shark season. The shoulder months of April-May and September-October offer the perfect balance of good weather and marine life encounters, with fewer crowds and better accommodation rates.

Insider Tips

Book whale shark tours the day before rather than in advance, as operators cancel based on sea conditions and you'll want flexibility with weather
Bring reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is harmful to marine life and many operators won't allow it on boats
Negotiate prices for activities and accommodation, especially during low season, as rates are often flexible and multi-day bookings can secure significant discounts

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