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WELCOME TO TOFO, MOZAMBIQUE !
WONDERFUL PLACES, AMAZING PEOPLE... AND SPECTACULAR DIVING SPOTS !
When Vasco de Gamma, on his journey towards the Indies, made its first stopover on the Eastern coast of Africa, he choose to call at Inhambane Bay. As he was warmly welcomed by the inhabitants, he gave to this land the name of "Terra da boa gente", the land of the good people...More than 500 years later, the area still deserves its name. The tradition of welcome did not disappear and the visitor, between Indian Ocean and sea of coconuts, is seized by the beauty of the landscapes.
At about 20 km from Inhambane lies Tofo Bay and its small fishermen village.
Tofo has known, until today, how to preserve its authenticity and its balance between the authentic African village and the sea resort developed by the Portuguese government in the 60's.
The central market, close to the beach, with its multicoloured stalls and its daily liveliness, the local fishermen who leave offshore in their small boat every morning, the immense and magnificent beach, almost desert, the turquoise blue waves hemmed by twinkling foam, the hotel structures with little capacity, the few bars and restaurants, the small size of the village make Tofo a unique place in Mozambique where anyone feels immediately comfortable in a friendly and warm environment.
Ideal as much for the diving or surfing addicts as for those who dream to relax without doing anything. Ideal for those who discover Africa for the first time as well as for the lovers of this continent.
Tofo, famous for the manta rays and whale sharks, is the best location in Mozambique for diving, boasting nearly 20 spectacular sites located between 5 and 45 minutes by boat. Not only the famous sites like Manta Reef and Giant's Castle have an amazing diversity of species, also the shallow dive sites offer rare and beautiful macro-life. Tofinho Point, which is very rich in plankton, is visited by whale sharks nearly all year long. Last but not the least, Humpback whales come to bread from June to October. Listening to their song during a dive is an unforgettable experience.
ACTIVITIES IN TOFO
DIVING
There are three dive centers in Tofo but we work mainly with Diversity Scuba
which is located in the heart of the village.
It is a PADI licensed center but do recognize CMAS divers. This center is Portuguese owned and is serious about organization and safety issues.(point) Equipment (predominantly Scubapro) is changed every two years.
Tanks are in aluminium or steel, 10 and 12 litres, 230 bars Possibility of nitrox (training and dives). PADI training available. No decompression chamber, which means respect for the instructions and decompression stages. 8 m semi-rigid boats driven by Yamaha 2x85 cv engines. 14 divers maximum per boat. Oxygen and diving-security equipment in agreement with the South African legislation.
Boats are launched from the beach, in a rather sportive way : everybody pushes the boat in order to cross the main waves and jump on board when the skipper asks for it. The sea conditions may be rough in this part of Mozambique, what make the boat tossed by the waves !
Once in the water, currents are rarely strong and the visibility is limited (average of 10 to 20 meters) because of the plankton, among others, that attracts whales sharks and other big fish.
On the way back, the skipper chooses the best wave to surf on with the boat before running aground on the beach. Diving is practicable all year round. In addition to observing the largest fish in the world, you can admire the ballet of Manta rays, the grace of turtles and listen to the melodious song of the humpback whales. Divers who want to see "big sea game" complete satisfaction awaits.
Here submarine life is amazing !
Whale sharks are the main attraction and are present all year round but most abundant from October to May (November and March are the best months). The best way to observe them is snorkeling but it is also common to see them during a dive. They can reach 14 meters in length.
Manta rays gather around reefs, attracted in part by the small reef fish that provide a cleaning service by eating the small parasites off the mantas. They can frequently be observed in groups of as many as ten, doing their circular cleaning dance around special portions of the reef called "cleaning stations". The largest mantas have "wingspread" of up to 6 meters !
The Manta ray (Manta birostris) population around Tofo Beach is the largest currently known in the world. Recently, a new species for Manta has been identified in Tofo area. Dolphins are mostly present from May to September at the time of the sardines migration.
Humpback whales come bread from June to October. Listening to their song during a dive is an unforgettable experience.
Green and loggerhead turtles take advantage of the boundless beaches to lay their eggs in the sand.
The dugongs, exclusively marine herbivorous mammals, survive in the bay of Inhambane but never show up...
Hammerhead sharks, white and blacktip sharks, leopards and guitar shark saw their population decreasing as everywhere but remain quite present.
Tunas, king fishes , king mackerels, barracudas, moray eels, crocodiles fish, Spanish dancers, stones fishes, nudibranches, harlequin shrimps… complete this rich palette.
OCEAN SAFARIS
A 2 hours boat trip to spot and snorkel with wale sharks and see humpback whales(between June and October).
WELCOME TO TOFO
This is the perfect way to get an overview of the area and to offer that extra service that makes the difference : a tour that will show the highlights and the less known places and facts. A short excursion for everybody keen to have a resident to show you around.
QUAD BIKE EXCURSION
Another way to explore the countryside, slightly more noisy than on horseback but fun, easy and accessible for almost everyone.
HORSE RIDING
A fantastic way to discover the back country. Ride under palm trees, explore small local villages on horseback and for those more experienced riders, a brisk gallop along the beach!
EXCURSION TO INHAMBANE
Inhambane is a very old town with a long history. Well before Vasco de Gama set foot upon the "Terra de boa gente", the Arabs had already installed their markets and set up a trading post.
Later, the French used the port for slave traffic. The prolonged presence of the Portuguese strongly influenced the architectural style of the towns' buildings and structures.
The Indians or native people own most of the commerce and represent a large part of the local population. Many kinds of people from different origins and different religions live together peacefully in the town of Inhambane.
This town is known to be one of the cleanest towns in Africa : wide avenues lined with trees, colorful central market, the old church, the mosque, the port, the small shops, etc...
Optional : sail in the amazing bay of Inhambane on a local dhow.
TRADITIONAL DINNER
Traditional Local Dinner (guided) organized in a local house in the countryside with typical food cooked in the Mozambican way. Duration : 3/4 hours (arrival at sunset).
EXCURSION TO MOCUCUNE ISLAND
An excursion that will make discover the beauty of real Mozambique and its people, sailing with a traditional dhow boat, visit pristine beaches, walking among mangroves and exploring local villages.
CHARTER BOAT FISHING
The experienced resident fishermen are on hand to introduce you to our excellent fishing waters. A large number of game fish abound in these waters including sailfish and pelagic species. This makes this area a prime destination for fishing competitions.
Our ski boats offer the latest equipment and tackle to give you the edge on catching the big one. We do encourage tag and release.
DISCOVER MOZAMBIQUE, TAYLOR MADE!
We will plan the day for your clients deciding with them among many options to choose. We can organize a fish barbeque on the beach, have a 4x4 drive in remote areas, visit local settlements, canoeing along Mutambe river, kayak trips among mangroves, visit Barra peninsula, combine highlights from other excursions and more!We will plan together an extraordinary day exploring the most hidden places of the peninsula !
Details as duration, what included and price according to itinerary, please enquire.
WATER SPORTS
For water lovers a host of activities are available. The bay is ideal for hobie-cat and laser dingy sailing. Snake rides, paddle ski’s, surfboards and boogie boards are just some of the activities available.
ACCOMMODATIONS IN TOFO
BAIA SONAMBULA
This guest house is located in Tofo, 5 mn walk only from the central market, from diving facilities and restaurants. It is built on the slope of the big dune that lines the coast, at 50 m overhanging the beach, in a nice and shady surrounding. No backpacker around !!!
There are 5 rooms : 3 spacious bungalows with sea view and private terrace overlooking the Tofo Bay. 2 rooms (less spacious) inside the house, without sea view.
All rooms have a private bathroom, mosquito nets and ceiling fans. There is a lounge inside the house and a terrace where breakfasts are served. Nice and refined decoration, thoughtful service, baby sitting provided.
BOOMERS B&B
Boomers Bed &Breakfast is perfectly situated in Praia do Tofo, 20 km from Inhambane airport. It is only a 2 minutes stroll to the main Tofo beach and a 5 minutes walk to the local market.
Watch the Humpback whales breaching from your room or whilst enjoying your breakfast which is served upstairs on the open air thatched balcony which has a panoramic, 180 degree sea view. They offer a range of bedrooms, each with sea views and their own personal patio which leads to the outside vicinity.
CHALET PARADYSUN
The Chalets Paradysdunes include 6 apartment houses in different sizes. They are located 40 m above the beach, on the top of a dune. They have a very beautiful view on the bay of Tofo and Tofinho. The complex is very quiet and every chalet is very individual and has a full equipped kitchen, own bathroom and a beautiful terrace.
The foundations of the buildings are constructed out of cement, but the main material used are wood and bamboos. There is a cleaning person washing up and taking care of the chalets. Everything will be provided for breakfast, but has to be prepared by clients themselves. The full equipped kitchen invites for self- cooking. Restaurants and bars are in closed vicinity. No need for a car in Tofo!
HOTEL TOFO MAR
The hotel is currently under renovation. Reopening expected in March 2011
RESTAURANT IN TOFO
CASA DE COMER
Located in the heart of Tofo, the restaurant Casa de Comer opened its doors early 2005.
Its shaded terrace can accommodate 60 guests in a cordial atmosphere with its refined decor of local materials (wood, wicker, local bricks, plants…) mixed delicately with the colors of the tablecloths and the crockery.
In the garden, within a varied vegetation, a summer lounge offers an excellent place for relaxation in the shade of magnificent “Flamboyant” tree. To complete this unique place, an art gallery, where the local and national artists (painters, photographers, sculptors) are invited to expose, is opened to the public permanently.
The Belgian Chef takes pleasure in combining French cuisine and Mozambican flavours to offer a varied menu in accordance to his imagination and available products. The proximity of the market and the sea guarantees the quality and the freshness of the shellfish, fish, vegetables and fruits.
Tartare of fish and cucumber, various mixed salads, carpaccio of fish, crab mayonnaise, seafood Feuilleté, calamari flambé with Pastis, fish filet “au vin blanc”, grilled crayfish, Mozambican Matapa (manioc leaves cooked with coco, cashewnuts and seafood), chicken with cashewnuts, fresh exotic fruit salad, crème caramel, real chocolate mousse, mango pie, bananas flambé with local rum are just some of the dishes proposed, many of which are already famous among the locals of Tofo Beach ! The wine list is not neglected and is made ambassador of South Africa : best reds, whites and rosé are served at a cool temperature, as it should be in tropical climate.
In conclusion, the attentive welcome and the quality of the service have already made it a meeting place where it is a pleasure to return to.