14
MOZAMBIQUE
Tofo
By TIM ROCK
The remote coast of south-central Mozambique is the home of
Inhambane City and nearby Tofo Beach. Marked by rolling sand
dunes and miles of deserted beaches, these coastal waters are
rich in plankton, and filter feeders like manta rays and mobulas
thrive here. But it’s the planet’s biggest fish, whale sharks, that
snorkellers come to see.
In the past, the whale shark experience was something that
was done on the way to the famous Manta Reef, which is the big
reef dive attraction in the area. But now dedicated whale shark
snorkelling trips are common.
These impressive behemoths rarely hold still since they are
feeding as they swim, and those that aren’t feeding are also
on the move, so a good pair of snorkelling or freediving fins is
essential. Snorkellers are dropped in ahead of the whale sharks
and as the big fish approach, they swim along for as long as they
can keep up. Multiple drops can take up a morning or afternoon.
These animals are mostly young males and over 650 individuals
have been identified by the Tofo-based
Marine Megafauna Foundation. Their
research shows that the whale sharks aren’t
14. Snorkelling alongside
really resident but visit Mozambique for a
the world’s biggest fish
quick seafood snack before continuing on to
is a once-in-a-lifetime
experience
places unknown.
PRACTICALITIES
WHEN
The whale shark alley off Tofo
Beach attracts whale sharks all year
round, and sightings are almost
guaranteed.
HOW
Fly from the major airports in Hong
Kong, Singapore and South Korea
direct to Johannesburg, South
Africa. From here, there are direct
flights to Inhambane.
STAY/DIVE
• Diversity Scuba
(www.diversityscuba.com)
• Tofo Scuba
(www.tofoscuba.com)
• Hotel Tofo Mar
(www.hoteltofomar.com)
• Casa Barry
(www.casabarry.com)
TOPSIDE
Nights are quiet with the surf
pounding on the beach and the
sky full of stars. Fishing, horse
riding and surfing are all part of the
activities on offer here.
ENTRY
It is recommended that travellers
acquire the appropriate visa prior
to departing, although a singleentry visa can be purchased upon
arrival at major airports.