Tofo Beach
Africa · Mozambique
See also
Vilanculos
Mozambique22.00°S 35.32°E
Overview
Tofo Beach has been called "the next Goa" and for good reason: beautiful stretches of Indian Ocean beach, a friendly laid-back vibe, pumping nightlife, great diving and snorkeling with manta rays and whale sharks, and excellent fresh seafood at a fraction of European prices. It's the traveler focus on Mozambique's Eastern coast.
Languages: Portuguese
Why go?
Tofo Beach has been called "the next Goa" and for good reason: beautiful stretches of Indian Ocean beach, a friendly laid-back vibe, pumping nightlife, great diving and snorkeling with manta rays and whale sharks, and excellent fresh seafood at a fraction of European prices. It's the traveler focus on Mozambique's Eastern coast.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Tofo is very small and you'll likely walk everywhere. The beach walk between Fatima's, Dino's and Bamboozi is entirely unlit at night.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Self-catering is easy: local fishermen pass by most cottages every morning selling fresh prawns at 100 MT/kg and crayfish at 150 MT/kg. Dino's Bar and Restaurant offers good pizza and beach bonfires. Black and White (in a shed at the market) serves local food at local prices. Bamboozi has an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet on Friday evenings. Casa de Comer offers romantic dining with good international cuisine.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Drink
Bottled water is widely available. Buy your own beer from shops on the road to Inhambane to save money—try to get cans rather than bottles to avoid deposit hassles. Local rum Tipo Tinto is a good budget option. Taverns on the outskirts on Sunday afternoons offer authentic local socializing away from tourist spots.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Bag-nabbing is a real issue—never leave valuables unattended on the beach. The beach walk between Fatima's, Dino's and Bamboozi is unlit; women should not walk it alone or with strangers at night. Jellyfish can be a nuisance in some seasons—consider a long sleeve shirt for swimming.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Bamboozi Backpackers
A quieter, relaxed, much nicer spot further up the beach with better food, run by South Africans with Liquid Adventures PADI dive center on site. All you can eat pizza buffet every Wednesday night for about 250 MT, good value for money. Restaurant/bar high on a sand dune overlooking a quiet, pristine beach. This place is charming and if you are ready to splurge a little, the sea view chalets are worth the extra money. Dorms, huts, chalets and even a honeymoon suite
Recorded price: R90-600/night (South Africa #Money
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Casa Azul
A beautiful little pension with a great tree house, although the other rooms are nice too. Relaxed family-style. 400-900 MT.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Casa Barry Lodge
By far the most upmarket accommodation in the whole Tofo area. a full range from single sleeper with bathrooms attached to 4 and 6 sleeper self catering chalets and cabanas. This lodge is on the beach and claims to have the best restaurant and deck in town. It also has dive facilities and is home to the Manta and Whale Shark Research Centre. 24-hr security on site and beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Casa John
Has 4 houses, sleeping 6-8 people each.
Recorded price: R800-1400
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Marinhos
A large hotel, right on the beach with great views. 940,000-2,785,000 MT.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Mango Beach Lodge & Restaurant
They claim to have the best view of Tofo Bay and also promote sun-downers, lunch and dinner in their restaurant.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bamboozi
Quality food with all-you-can-eat seafood buffet Friday evenings and pizza buffet Wednesday
Recorded price: 250 MT for buffet
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Black and White
Local food at local prices in a market shed, will prepare fish you buy at the market for small charge
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Internet access is limited. Check with your accommodation for any WiFi options.
Money
Currency is Mozambican new metical (MTn/MZN). Some prices also quoted in South African Rand. ATMs are limited in Tofo—bring enough cash for your stay.
Safety
Bag-nabbing is common on beaches. Avoid walking unlit beach paths at night alone. Jellyfish season requires caution.
Transport
Tofo is walkable. Local daladalas (shared minibuses) connect to Inhambane. Rent a car for exploring nearby beaches.