What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Tofo, Mozambique

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

There’s a quiet magic to Tofo, Mozambique – the kind that lingers long after you’ve left the sand behind. Located in Inhambane province, this small coastal village near the historic town of Inhambane captures the essence of Mozambique’s slow rhythm. It’s slow, genuine, and deeply connected to the sea.

Tofo mornings begin with the sound of crashing waves and the warm laughter of fishermen hauling in their catch. Afternoons are filled with the hum of life on Tofo Beach, Mozambique. A sweep of golden sand fringed by palm trees, where adventure and tranquillity meet in perfect harmony.

This corner of the country has long been loved by travellers who want their Mozambique beach holiday to feel authentic, soulful, and grounded in place.

From Safari to Sea

View of sunset on Tofo Beach, Mozambique
Tofo beach is an amazing place to relax and unwind | Photo: Getty

Few destinations can offer the seamless contrast that Mozambique does. Imagine starting your journey on safari in Gorongosa National Park, tracking lions at dawn, watching elephants move through the morning mist, and ending on the sunny sands of Tofo Beach, Inhambane, Mozambique.

It’s this safari-to-sea rhythm that makes Mozambique so unique. The wilderness of Gorongosa blends into the calm of the coast, offering two sides of the same soulful story: land and sea meeting adventure and peace. Both rich in life and meaning.

A Coast Alive with Giants

A giant manta ray swimming majestically through a coral reef.
Inhambane and Tofo is home to a variety of spectacular marine life, including giant manta rays | Photo: pexels

Tofo Beach is one of the world’s most extraordinary marine playgrounds. Just beyond the surf, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are home to an incredible array of marine megafauna you can see during an ocean safari.

This is one of the few places on earth where you can swim alongside whale sharks, glide beside manta rays, and listen to the haunting sound of humpback whales as they migrate along the coast.

The reefs here are alive with movement and colour, and coral gardens are dotted with turtles, rays, and countless reef fish. For divers and snorkellers, Mozambique Tofo diving is what dreams are made of.

Yet, what makes Tofo truly special isn’t just what you’ll see underwater, but how you’ll see it. Encounters here follow strict ethical guidelines: no touching, no chasing, no disruption. It’s about respect for the ocean and all the creatures that call it home.

The Marine Megafauna Foundation, based in Tofo, has been studying and protecting these giants for years. Visitors can join educational talks, visit their research centre, and learn how local scientists are leading global marine conservation efforts.

Supporting them means your Tofo, Mozambique, snorkelling adventure helps fund vital research and community education.

Must-Visit Areas In and Around Tofo

Small fishing boats pulled up on the beach at Tofo, Mozambique.
Small fishing boats pulled up on the beach at Tofo, Mozambique | Photo: iStock

Blending rich cultural heritage with relaxed coastal charm, Tofo Beach and nearby Inhambane offer far more than postcard-perfect ocean views.

This stretch of Mozambique’s coastline is steeped in history, shaped by centuries of trade and tradition, and surrounded by some of the most biodiverse waters on the planet.

From elegant colonial architecture to marine sanctuaries alive with giants, every corner tells a story. Here are some highlights not to miss:

Tofo Beach: A Tropical Paradise

Tofo Beach, Mozambique, is a sweeping crescent of soft golden sand washed by the warm Indian Ocean. By day, Tofo Beach is alive with barefoot wanderers, divers preparing for ocean adventures, and local fishermen bringing in their morning catch.

By evening, lanterns glow at beachfront cafes, the scent of grilled seafood drifts through the air, and the buzz of locals and travellers blends in with the waves.

Inhambane Cathedral: Colonial Heritage

Just a short drive from Tofo lies Inhambane, one of Mozambique’s oldest towns. Once a vital trading post for merchants from Africa, Arabia, and Portugal, its streets still whisper tales of the past.

The most striking landmark is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception, a graceful whitewashed building that’s a reminder of the town’s layered history.

Local markets with spice-filled air also offer artisanal woven baskets, fresh coconuts, and handmade jewellery. A reminder that even in a region known for its beaches, culture runs deep.

Marine Megafauna Foundation: Undersea Conservation

Established by marine scientists who fell in love with these waters, the foundation is dedicated to researching and protecting the large species that make Tofo so special.

Visitors are welcome to learn about ongoing conservation projects, attend community talks, or join guided ocean expeditions led by marine experts. It’s a chance to understand how Tofo Beach, Inhambane, Mozambique, has become a global hub for ethical marine tourism and research.

Tofinho: Where the Ocean Meets the Soul

A short walk from Tofo, Tofinho, Mozambique, offers a quieter stretch of coast. A place of wind-swept beauty where surfers ride rolling waves and between June and October humpback whales can often be spotted from the cliffs.

It’s ideal for those who want to feel close to nature without leaving comfort behind. The views are unmatched, especially at sunrise when the ocean glows in hues of gold and coral.

Tofinho’s peaceful atmosphere complements the liveliness of Tofo Beach, offering balance for travellers who want both energy and solitude on their Mozambique beach holiday.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Tofo, Mozambique?

Travessia Beach Lodge Mozambique
The dry season brings clear skies and comfortable temperatures | Photo: Travessia Beach Lodge

The best time to visit Tofo Beach depends on what you hope to experience. From May to October, the dry season brings clear skies, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures. All perfect for diving, snorkelling, and exploring.

Between November and April, the ocean truly comes alive. This is when whale sharks and manta rays are seen most often, gliding through warm, plankton-rich waters.

Humpback whales migrate from June to October, their breaches visible from the shore – a sight that stirs something deep within you. Whenever you visit, Tofo’s ocean offers something profound: a reminder that we’re all connected by water, wonder, and respect.

How to Get to Inhambane Province & Staying In Tofo

Outside the Maputo airport on a grey and gloomy day
Maputo International Airport is the best way to get to Mozambique as a tourist | Photo: Getty Images

Fly into Inhambane Airport, with flights connecting from Maputo. From the airport, Tofo is approximately a 30-minute transfer.

Accommodation in Tofo is small-scale, locally rooted, and designed with care for the environment. Think boutique beach lodges built with natural materials, open-air villas shaded by palms, and oceanfront suites that invite the breeze in.

Many work hand-in-hand with the community, supporting local craft cooperatives and sustainability projects. It’s luxury without pretence, where every stay contributes to the health of the place you’ve come to love.

A Journey with Purpose

Historic cathedral in Inhambane, Mozambique
Mozambique is known not just for its pristine shores, but also for its rich history and culture | Photo: Getty

For travellers seeking more than just a Mozambique beach holiday, Tofo is a revelation. It’s where adventure meets awareness, where diving feels sacred, and where every encounter leaves an imprint on your soul.

Ready for the kind of travel that fills you with gratitude, curiosity, and a renewed sense of connection to the natural world? Explore our Mozambique holiday tours to create one of the most meaningful journeys on the continent.

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

807 Reviews - 5/5 Stars

Craft your journey with the expertise of our dedicated Africa Safari Experts

Start Planning

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
Megan with Discover Africa did an excellent job planning our trip.

6 Day Kruger & Victoria Falls Safari Review

Catherine Hughes, United States
14 Oct 2025
Bucket List

15 Day East Africa Safari Review

Chris Shaw, United States
09 Aug 2025
Outstanding Service and Unforgettable Experiences with Adelle Bell at Discover Africa
Exceptional service!

Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe and Bush safari Review

Neeraja Saldi, United States
16 Jun 2025
A trip of a lifetime.

13 Day Tanzania Family Safari Review

Edward Pinsky, United States
02 Jun 2025
An outstanding safari trip made seamless

Safari at Jock Safari Lodge and Arathusa Safari Lodge Review

Glenda & Kenneth, Australia
25 Apr 2025