Tofo
Encyclopedia
Praia do Tofo or simply Tofo is a small town in southeastern Mozambique
. The town lies on the Indian Ocean
coast, on Ponto do Barra peninsula in Inhambane Province
, 22 km drive from Inhambane
city. A major Mozambican tourist destination
, Tofo is home to beach villas and diving retreats, with tourists drawn by a long Indian Ocean beach front and nearby reefs which attract sealife. Along with Manta Rays and Sea Turtles, Tofo is one of the best destinations for divers
to see Whale Shark
s.
Tofo's tourist industry is built around its exceptional opportunities to see Manta Ray
s and Whale Shark
s which are permanently resident in these waters. Diving centers run snorkeling trips to swim with the Whale Sharks and diving trips to see the Manta Rays (these dives are below 20 metres). Tofo is not otherwise a good location for those who wish to snorkel to see coral reefs and fish as these are too deep. A resident ecological center for local sea life has been created by hotels to manage and guide responsible tourism. Tofo beach, running from a rocky point in the south up much of the length of Ponto do Barra attracts surfers and bathers. Along the coast are a number of other small tourist centers, including Bazaruto Archipelago to the north, Praia de Zavala , praia de Zavora
, Baia dos Cocos, Praia da Barra and Pomene. School holiday periods tend to be busy with many South Africans and others visiting Tofo during this time.
is operational Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 17:00, Saturdays from 08:00 to 17:00, open by advance request on Sundays. Customs and Immigration can be organised in advance of arrivals. Fees and taxes apply.
Direct flights to Inhambane from Johannesburg
have enabled this industry. Otherwise Tofo is about 6 hours drive north of Maputo
. From the north, Tofo is about 5 hours drive from Vilankulo
.
23°50.965′S 35°32.616′E
Mozambique
Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique , is a country in southeastern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest...
. The town lies on the Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth's surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian Subcontinent and Arabian Peninsula ; on the west by eastern Africa; on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and...
coast, on Ponto do Barra peninsula in Inhambane Province
Inhambane Province
Inhambane is a province of Mozambique located on the coast in the southern part of the country. It has an area of 68,615 km² and a population of 1.412.349 . The provincial capital is also called Inhambane....
, 22 km drive from Inhambane
Inhambane
Inhambane, Terra de Boa Gente is a city located in southern Mozambique, lying on Inhambane Bay, 470 km northeast of Maputo. It is the capital of the Inhambane Province and according to the 2008 census has a population of 65,837, growing from the 1997 census of 54,157...
city. A major Mozambican tourist destination
Tourism in Mozambique
Mozambique has excellent tourism assets. The country's natural beauty, wildlife, and historic heritage provide excellent opportunities for beach, cultural, and eco-tourism.-History:...
, Tofo is home to beach villas and diving retreats, with tourists drawn by a long Indian Ocean beach front and nearby reefs which attract sealife. Along with Manta Rays and Sea Turtles, Tofo is one of the best destinations for divers
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater....
to see Whale Shark
Whale shark
The whale shark, Rhincodon typus, is a slow-moving filter feeding shark, the largest extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of and a weight of more than , but unconfirmed claims report considerably larger whale sharks...
s.
Tourist center
Historically a small coastal fishing village, Tofo has grown into a foreign tourism center. There is a small vegetable and African market, at least 3 diving centers, a small hotel and several places of accommodation. There is also a horse riding stables and many bars and restaurants. The tourist center also includes the nearby settlement known as "Tofinho" ("Little Tofo") a 10 minute drive out of town with scenic views.Manta ray
The manta ray is the largest species of the rays. The largest known specimen was more than across, with a weight of about . It ranges throughout waters of the world, typically around coral reefs...
s and Whale Shark
Whale shark
The whale shark, Rhincodon typus, is a slow-moving filter feeding shark, the largest extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of and a weight of more than , but unconfirmed claims report considerably larger whale sharks...
s which are permanently resident in these waters. Diving centers run snorkeling trips to swim with the Whale Sharks and diving trips to see the Manta Rays (these dives are below 20 metres). Tofo is not otherwise a good location for those who wish to snorkel to see coral reefs and fish as these are too deep. A resident ecological center for local sea life has been created by hotels to manage and guide responsible tourism. Tofo beach, running from a rocky point in the south up much of the length of Ponto do Barra attracts surfers and bathers. Along the coast are a number of other small tourist centers, including Bazaruto Archipelago to the north, Praia de Zavala , praia de Zavora
Zavora
Zavora is a small coastal resort, north east of Maputo in Mozambique, in the district of Inharrime, province of Inhambane. From Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, you drive almost 420km in a north eastern direction to get to Zavora...
, Baia dos Cocos, Praia da Barra and Pomene. School holiday periods tend to be busy with many South Africans and others visiting Tofo during this time.
Transport
Inhambane AirportInhambane Airport
Inhambane Airport is an airport in Inhambane, Mozambique .The airport is operational Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 17:00, Saturdays from 08:00 to 17:00, open by advance request on Sundays. Customs and Immigration can be organised in advance of arrivals. Fees and taxes apply.There is currently...
is operational Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 17:00, Saturdays from 08:00 to 17:00, open by advance request on Sundays. Customs and Immigration can be organised in advance of arrivals. Fees and taxes apply.
Direct flights to Inhambane from Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
have enabled this industry. Otherwise Tofo is about 6 hours drive north of Maputo
Maputo
Maputo, also known as Lourenço Marques, is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. It is known as the City of Acacias in reference to acacia trees commonly found along its avenues and the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. It was famous for the inscription "This is Portugal" on the walkway of its...
. From the north, Tofo is about 5 hours drive from Vilankulo
Vilankulo
Vilankulo is a coastal town in Mozambique, lying in the Vilanculos District of Inhambane Province. Vilankulo is named after local tribal chief Gamala Vilankulo Mukoke, and some of the "bairros" are named after his sons...
.
External links
- Liquid Adventures watersports and diving center
- Hotel Tofo Mar
- Inhambane Information
- Dive Sites Mozambique
- Diversity Scuba
23°50.965′S 35°32.616′E