I often think back to our week in Tofo, Mozambique, even though 7 years have passed since then.
It was without a doubt my most adventurous trip, the least touristy, backpacking and public transport.
I wonder how it is now, I wonder if it has remained a corner of the unspoiled world, still far from mass tourism, with its beach of endless golden sand and deserted, with its unforgettable craft market, with fishermen facing the ocean on small colorful boats and women and children who spend the day collecting seaweed and seafood, cooking on the beach and selling nice artifacts to the few tourists present.
Mozambique: Tofo, the beach paradise for backpackers
We are on the southern coast of Mozambique, about 25 km from Inhambane, a pretty colonial city, the capital of the province of the same name.
Tofo is a small village, built directly on a beach 8 km long and divided into two by a small hill.
It develops around the lively market of the central square and includes a lively hostel, the Fatima's Nest, some room rentals, some bungalows overlooking the ocean, 3-4 small restaurants including Casa Berry board and two well-stocked diving centers.
In Tofo, we find South African tourists, backpackers from all over the world and divers who have come here for the wonderful possible dives.
Why visit Tofo in Mozambique
Because Tofo is a remote and wild place, but it will take just one day to feel at home (then it will enter your heart and it will be impossible to forget it).
Because it is very difficult to reach and like all places not accessible frequented and experienced by interesting people, curious, with a thirst for knowledge and adventure, with which it will be really enjoyable to socialize.
Because it is not a place for everyone: few comforts, no luxury and perhaps for this reason still authentic, sincere, alive.
Because it is one of those places where you can completely detach your brain from everyday life and spend your days in peace on the beach between reading, long walks, or interesting conversations with other travelers and genuine local characters not yet "accomplices" of mass tourism.
Because it offers the possibility of snorkeling and diving unique: dolphins, whales, humpback whales, groups of giant manta rays a few meters from the shore, but especially whale sharks.
During the summer months (December to March), the bay of Tofo is manned by at least 20-30 whale sharks, but you can swim with these magnificent creatures throughout the year if the weather conditions allow going out by boat.
Because it can be an alternative not too expensive to be able to do some 'beach life' for those who can not afford a flight to Seychelles, or Mauritius after visiting South Africa (so it was for us).
How to reach Tofo in Mozambique
Most people arrive in Tofo by public transport from Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
Organizing the transfer from Italy is not at all easy, so the advice is to find a reliable accommodation in Maputo and plan everything with the help of the structure, looking for a reliable means of transfer.
The alternative is to go to the bus station and try to understand, in unimaginable chaos, between hundreds of people and as many means of transport of all kinds, sizes and features, which can take you to Inhambane and then to Tofo.
Our Maputo-Tofo journey was slow, unforgettable and sometimes dangerous: about ten hours of the road in about 20 people, on a bus with 12 seats maximum, transporting all kinds of goods, also dealing with mechanical failures and punctures.
From the window we had the privilege of observing the daily life of a 'True Africa, made up of people on the side caressed that at each stop offered us food and drink for sale, made up of huts of straw on the edge of dirt roads and dusty, palm trees, blue skies and clear that reach the ocean.
Not to be missed in Mozambique: if you are looking for an unusual Mozambique
Inhambane, a pastel-colored European town in real Africa:
At Inhambane you will pass by to reach Tofo, the road that connects the two places is nothing short of wonderful. It is a small town with all the main services. I suggest you spend at least one afternoon, you can reach it by local means.
It is one of the most ancient cities of Mozambique, once it was a stopover for the sailboats of Arab merchants, then a large commercial port for the traffic of ivory and slaves.
You can still see many colonial dwellings, the ancient cathedral located by the sea, the nearby mosque and the lively central market are places not to be missed.
Tofo and Inhambane are certainly an unusual destination for the Italian traveller, who knows if any of you had the good fortune to pass through there recently ...... Please tell me that everything has remained unchanged!