We finally reached a proper beach destination, with nice restaurants, bars, and cosy hotels, so we decided to spend a lazy weekend here. Tofo Beach (Praia do Tofo) is a laid-back, sun-drenched fishing village on Mozambique’s Inhambane coast. Famous for its few-kilometre stretch of golden sand and world-class scuba diving, it is one of Africa’s premier destinations for swimming with whale sharks, manta rays, and, in season, humpback whales.
Thanks to its plankton-rich waters, the marine life here is spectacular. Whale sharks and manta rays can be encountered year-round, while humpback whales are commonly seen from July to October. The beach also gets good waves at high tide and is popular with both beginner and experienced surfers. Renting a quad bike is another favourite way to explore the surrounding coastal dunes, enjoy the views, and discover hidden coves.
Tofo has a sleepy, relaxed, barefoot and slightly quirky atmosphere. The small village centre is made up of unpaved sandy roads, a bustling local market, and plenty of beach bars and affordable restaurants serving fresh, Portuguese-influenced seafood such as piri-piri prawns and matapa.
In the morning, we usually had breakfast at The Brunching Whale, right on the beach. In the evening, we enjoyed pizza at the popular Branko’s, or at the Italian restaurant What U Want next door. For good Asian food, there is Sumi Bar and Kitchen, conveniently located next to a large grassy and sandy parking area where we left our truck.
The whole village is very compact, so it is easy to explore on foot. The liveliest bars are clustered just behind the beach, around The Time Will Tell, where we enjoyed a few cold Manica beers for 70 MZN per 0.5 litre. On Sunday night, a local live band played at the Dathonga Cultural Hub. It’s a beautifully laid-back spot where you can kick off your shoes, embrace the island rhythm, and completely unwind from your travels.
Parking location – Tofo Beach: 23.8541783S 35.5453135E (🅿️,🚻in Sumi Restaurant)