Overview

Location

The area is one of the more established resorts in the Inhambane region of Mozambique. A combination of pristine swimming beaches and reefs that boast abundant sea-life make it appealing to tanners and scuba divers alike. Tofo Beach has also become a favourite destination for surfers traveling to Mozambique.

The charming village of Tofino has a laid-back atmosphere and a reputation as a meeting place - A short distance away, Inhambane is a world heritage site, on the ocean side of the peninsula, distinguished by its colonial Portuguese architecture and splendid natural setting.

Tofo is an original fishing village, with locals still living the traditional way. Leggy chickens, pots balancing on hot coals, women with jars on their heads and hoards of excitable children; Tofo's central craft market is worth a visit, and, if you haven't mastered Portuguese, gestures and a smile works well for bartering.

Tofo has many smaller settlements dotted around with lots to explore. Indigenous buildings are constructed mostly out of palm. If offered, take the opportunity to try heady palm wine. Mozambiquans are welcoming people who delight in sharing their way of life, from mat weaving to chopping open a coconut with a machete and sipping the sweet milk.

The Surf

Inhambane coastline has all the makings of a world-class surf-spot; an ideal mix of warm water, consistent swells, sandy headlands, reefs and often the only competition for wave breaks is dolphins.

There are a wide variety of spots in the vicinity, with the sand point at Tofo beach point being perfect for beginners and long-boarders. Neighbouring Coconut Bay features a splitting peak in the shorebreak. Southern Quissico has a hollow reef break with relatively difficult access.

Jangamo Beach (also called Guinjata Bay) has a crescent-shaped cove with a reef that can create right-handers that peel all the way to the shore. The waves around the corner at Tofino draw the serious surfers, where a shallow reef ledge offers advanced surfers the ride of a lifetime.

Accommodation

Stay in one of the 3 newly completed, light and airy beach houses. All with uninterrupted views of the sea, the famous Whaleshark Point, Tofo and Tofino Beach.

CASA DE BALEIA - sleeps 12
The main double story house has 6 double bedrooms (two en-suite), 4 bathrooms and a scenic outside shower for the adventurous spirit. The spacious layout includes a large open-plan kitchen and dining room. The living area opens out onto a generous wrap-around balcony overlooking the sea on the front and a sheltered garden and courtyard at the back. Upstairs hosts an entertainment room, bar and lounge area that also features stunning surround views.

CASA DE GOLFINO - sleeps 10 &
CASA DE TUBARAO - sleeps 10
The smaller but equally inviting houses have a similar layout providing 3 restful double-rooms and a comfortable dorm-style room with 4 single beds. Amenities consist of a luxurious interior bathroom and convenient outside shower and toilet. This elegant design has an open-plan living area that extends out onto a timber deck, with an oversized wooden dining table. The sea views for which the property is renowned can be enjoyed from this and the above deck.

Facilities

* TV with DSTV in the Bar area.
* Fully equipped kitchens and outside braai areas.
* Linen and bath towels provided (no beach towels)
* Each bed has a mosquito net.
* Serviced on a daily basis and personal laundry can be done at an additional cost.
* Three quad bikes that can be rented by prior arrangement. (perfect form of transport for the area)
* Can arrange for collections and drop off's at Inhambane Airport.

Activities

DIVING:
One of Mozambique's primary attractions is scuba diving. Tofo has 20 reefs in close proximity from which to choose, some of the more popular are Arena, Oasis and Manta Reef. In addition to seeing the diverse array of tropical fish, rays, eels, turtles and colourful coral; you stand a high chance of encountering a Whale Shark. At 12 metres, the Whale Shark is the biggest fish in the world and the pride of Mozambique's waters. A gentle character and the fact that they live close to the surface, allows a safe approach by divers, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

FISHING:
Fishing enthusiasts may hire a boat and guide in Tofo village and pit their skills against the array of indigenous Mozambique sea-life. Local fishermen sell fresh seafood on the shore everyday.

OTHER:
Other activities include spear fishing, horse riding on the beach, quad bike trails, sunset dhow sailing, lighthouse snorkeling and much more... !

Dining out & Shopping:
As Tofo is becoming more popular, more restaurants and beach bars arise. Inhambane, which is a short drive up the coast, has a variety of street cafes where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. Cuisine takes inspiration from the country's Portuguese colonial past with plenty of fresh seafood and peri-peri,

Passport & Visa

* South Africans must have a valid passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days.
* United States/British/Canadian/Australian/New Zealand & Irish passport holders require a valid passport and a visa.

Note: If coming for business or touristic purposes, a visa can be obtained on arrival, valid for a maximum of 30 days, however it is strongly recommended that visitors apply for visas in advance due to frequent problems with the visa service on arrival. Visitors must have all tickets and documents necessary for return or onward journeys, as well as sufficient funds for their duration of stay. Any visitor who has been to a country where yellow fever exists must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival, or face vaccination at a cost.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Health & Medical

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.

* It is recommended that visitors take precautions against malaria, typhoid, bilharzia, hepatitis and cholera in particular.
AIDS/HIV is prevalent.

Diseases caused by unsanitary conditions are common throughout the country, and untreated water should be considered unsafe to drink. Hospital facilities are generally poor and outside the major cities of Maputo and Beira medical facilities are limited. Comprehensive medical insurance is essential and it is recommended that visitors carry personal medical supplies with them

Rates

Low Season ( 15th of Jan 2009 - 15th of Dec 2009 )
Casa de Baleia - sleeps 12 - ZAR 2400 per night
Casa De Golfino - sleeps 10 - ZAR 1800 per night
Casa de Tubarao - sleeps 10 - ZAR 1800 per night
En-suite room with sea view - ZAR 600 per night ( sleeps 2 )
Standard room - ZAR 500 per night ( sleeps 2 )
Dorm room - ZAR 200 pp per night ( sleeps 4 )

High Season ( 15th of Dec 2009 - 15th of Jan 2010 )
Casa de Baleia - sleeps 12 - ZAR 3300 per night
Casa De Golfino - sleeps 10 - ZAR 2400 per night
Casa de Tubarao - sleeps 10 - ZAR 2400 per night

Low Season ( 15th of Jan 2010 - 15th of Dec 2010 )
Casa de Baleia - sleeps 12 - ZAR 3190 per night
Casa De Golfino - sleeps 10 - ZAR 2376 per night
Casa de Tubarao - sleeps 10 - ZAR 2376 per night
En-suite room with sea view - ZAR 792 per night ( sleeps 2 )
Standard room - ZAR 660 per night ( sleeps 2 )
Dorm room - ZAR 264 pp per night ( sleeps 4 )

High Season ( 15th of Dec  2010- 15th of Jan 2011 )
Casa de Baleia - sleeps 12 - ZAR 4356 per night
Casa De Golfino - sleeps 10 - ZAR 3190 per night
Casa de Tubarao - sleeps 10 - ZAR 3190 per night

BREAKFAST of fresh fruit, cereals and eggs,
can be arranged for ZAR 80 per person.