A lot to enjoy in Mozambique!

Mozambique once belonged to one of the least developed countries in the world. With the help from other countries, Mozambique is developing itself in the last few years. Tourism around coastal places, like the Inhambane region, is growing. This region with cities like Tofo, Ihambane, and Barra are known for many places to stay, restaurants and there are many activities to do in these cities. Activities such as surfing, quad biking, snorkeling and diving are popular in the area. In addition, the beaches are pearly white and the ocean water is so clear that you can see the bottom of the ocean. You can read more about what I did during my stay and why Mozambique should be on your bucket list:

All Out Africa organized my trip to Mozambique. The accommodation where I stayed with the others was Tilak Lodge in Tofo. There are several rooms with bunk beds that can accommodate up to eight people. The beds we slept in were very nice and were also equipped with mosquito nets. There were more than enough facilities such as showers and toilets. The lodge is located just behind the dunes. From the restaurant belonging to the lodge you have a view of the ocean and in the evening you can watch the sunset. The stay is ideal if you don't want to stay in the middle of Tofo and want to enjoy the tranquility.

There is much to experience in Tofo and the surrounding area. The week was packed with activities. The first activity was a yoga session at a nearby lodge. In the morning, just after sunrise, I had a relaxing yoga session with a few group members. It gave a very pleasant feeling to make my body flexible at the beginning of the week. In addition, you can also enjoy a delicious dinner at this lodge, and it even has an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean.

From Barra, a town close to Tofo, you can visit several islands by boat. I went on a boat trip to two islands, and I was able to snorkel along the way. The first island is called 'Pansy Island', it is an uninhabited island known for its unique shells. They are round shells with a flower shape that is pressed in the middle of this shell. The second island is inhabited by about 800 people. These people themselves choose to continue living here, because they enjoy the peace and freedom they have on this island. The former name of the island is 'Pig Island', because many pigs lived on the island. The people on the island decided to change the name to 'Survivor Island'. They see the way they live as survival, and they see themselves as 'survivors'. They are not connected to the electricity and water network. After a tour of the island, I had a delicious lunch here with my travel companions. If you are in Tofo it is a real eye-opener to visit this island. I immediately thought back to how I live in the Netherlands and how good I am with the way of life of these people.

In Tofo you can also do various activities on the water. On the beach there is an experienced organization called Tofo Scuba. Here you can snorkel and dive. I did an ocean safari, where you take a boat out into the ocean and snorkel in search of whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays and many more large marine animals. I definitely recommend you to do at least this ocean safari, because the whole experience of snorkeling and enjoying the view on the boat is one that you will not forget. In addition to snorkeling, you can also do a day course to be allowed to scuba dive. Here you will dive under the guidance of experts to a depth of 15 meters in the ocean. If you want more and also get a PADI certificate, you can do that at Tofo Scuba. After a day of fun at the beach, snorkeling or diving, you can also have lunch here and enjoy refreshing drinks. In other words: Tofo Scuba has it all!

In addition to the water activities, you can also go quad biking in Tofo. I did a two-hour tour at Sentidos Beach Retreat in Barra. You will drive yourself on quads with a guide through the surroundings of Barra and Tofo. The tour goes along the beach, through the small villages, and you get in touch with the locals. During this tour you will visit an old lighthouse, and if the keeper is present, you can even climb this lighthouse. On the way to the village, you will also taste the juice from coconuts and fresh cassava, which grow in the surrounding villages.

In Tofo there is also a vibrant nightlife. During the weekend there are several parties on the market, but also at different hotels. Like at the Mozambeat Motel, which has Dutch owners, you can enjoy live music and tasty drinks.

There is much to experience in Tofo and its surroundings. Whether you're looking for a week of rest to rejuvenate yourself, or you're looking for adventure and a challenge, Tofo has something for everyone. If you would like to discover a whole new culture, if you happen to be already in Southern Africa or if you want to visit a different destination than usual, do not hesitate to go to Tofo in Mozambique.