Mozambique
Mozambique
A lifetime experience in the capital of pelagic
diving is worth a long journey!!!
Tofo and Pomene ><(((°> Safari at the Kruger National Park ><(((°> Gallery
Mozambique
Mozambique is one of Africa’s up-and-coming hot-spots, with stunning beaches, excellent diving and magical offshore islands. The country borders Tanzania to the north, Zambia and Malawi to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and South Africa and Swaziland to the southwest. To the east lies the Indian Ocean and a coastline of nearly 2,500km (1,550mi) with beaches bordered by lagoons, coral reefs and strings of islands. Behind the coastline, a vast low plateau rising towards mountains in the west and north accounts for nearly half the area of Mozambique. The landscape of the plateau is savannah.
Tofo and Pomene
Tofo is located 20km (12mi) away from Inhambane, which itself is 2-hours North of Johannesburg by aircraft. The concentration of plankton in the waters of the Mozambique Channel offers ideal conditions for the impressive diversity of resident and seasonal sub-aquatic fauna. Tofo’s main attractions are the abundance of whale sharks (one of the local dive operators counted up to 38 specimens during a two-hour boat safari run!!) and manta rays which can be seen on most reefs. Whale sharks are mostly (local) summer visitors with the best time of year to see them being October until May. During the winter months, there are fewer whale sharks but it is still possible to see them frequently.
Between June and October, humpback whales visit the area during their migration up the east coast of Africa to mate and give birth. The whales often jump fully out of the water, or hold their tails high out which is behavior associated with mating. While diving, it is possible to hear them “singing” to one another – a sound that can be heard from up to 2km (1.2mi) away. Bottlenose, common and humpback dolphins can be seen in Mozambican waters most of the year but June-August is the best time for them. They are rarely seen alone but usually in groups known as pods.
The Pomene Bay, located less than 200km north of Tofo, is still a fairly unknown dive location. Chances of running into another group of divers underwater are virtually nil. The waters of Pomene offer a wider diversity of corals and sharks than those of Tofo but whale sharks can be seen only occasionally.
Safari at Kruger National Park
Last, but not least, the famous Kruger Park is just across Mozambique’s west border. A trip to Tofo gives you the opportunity to extend your stay with a guided safari in the Kruger Park. After whale sharks and manta rays, how about magical encounters with zebras, giraffes, antelopes, buffalos, and most, if not all, of the Big Five…?
Information Summary
Diving Tofo ><(((°> Most Famous Dive Sites and Attractions ><(((°> The Dive Center ><(((°> Technical and Admin Information ><(((°> Other Activities and Excursions ><(((°> The Kids' Corner
Diving Tofo
Tofo’s 15+ dive sites range in depth from 10 to 37 meters (33 to 120ft). The visibility is usually between 7 and 20m (33 and 65ft), with an average of 10m (33ft). It takes between 5 and 45 minutes to reach dive spots. Because of their depths and currents, some dive sites are only suitable for Advanced divers.
The concentration of whale sharks in the waters of Tofo is one of the highest (if not the highest) in the world. Other pelagics such as giant mantas (local scientists have recently discovered an endemic species with wingspan ranging from 7 to 9 meters!), many different species of sharks (bull, hammer, leopard, guitar etc…), groupers, tunas and barracudas are also commonly observed while diving Tofo. When whale sharks are seen on the way to the dive sites, boats sometimes stop and let everyone go snorkeling with the pelagics. Whales and dolphins are observed from the boat.
Fans of smaller, colored fishes, corals and macro fauna will be spoiled as well! Green and leatherback turtles, scorpion fishes, morays of all sorts, nudibranchs, boxer and harlequin shrimps, Spanish dancers and many more species populate the waters surrounding Tofo.
Guests who stay at the Flamingo Bay Lodge will discover exactly the same sites as those who prefer to stay in Tofo. They should, however, be aware that it takes 20 minutes longer to get to most dive sites.
Some of Tofo's Most Famous Dive Sites and Attractions
The Dive Center
The local dive operator, one of the few Mozambique’s Padi Gold Palm 5 Star Training and IDC Facility, is ran by Portuguese management. They use 7.5m semi-rigid boats powered by 2*85hp Yamaha engines. Boats are fitted out with all the necessary safety equipment as specified by the South African Department of Transport which includes radios, GPS, foot-straps, first-aid kits and medical oxygen.
Those who prefer to stay at the luxury Flamingo Bay Lodge will dive with another operator, less than 10 minutes away from the lodge by minibus (transfer arranged by the lodge). This dive operator, also a Padi Gold Palm 5 Star center, uses the same kind of equipment and offers the same level of service as that of Tofo.
Technical and Admin Information
- rental equipment: primarily Scubapro gear
- 10 and 12 liter aluminum tanks (international and DIN cylinder valves), weights and weight belts are provided
- night dives possible, torches can be rented
- Nitrox available in Tofo only (not at the Flamingo Bay Lodge)
- logbook - dive certification card
- medical clearance for scuba diving from a physician, issued within the last 12 months
- evidence of repatriation insurance
Recommended diving equipment and documents: dive computer, safety sausage, 5 to 7mm wetsuits and torch, insurance covering dive-related injuries (DAN or equivalent). A no glove policy is applied by the local dive center.
Other Activities and Excursions
Divers who like to take a break, and non-divers, need not worry. There are plenty of activities to enjoy a dry day, or keep oneself busy between dives.
A typical day for a diver in Tofo and at the Flamingo Bay Lodge goes as follows (may be adjusted based upon weather conditions):
- early (from 6:30 AM) breakfast
- two dives in the morning
- lunch
- optional third dive early in the afternoon
- free time to rest or do some activities
Activities for non-divers and for divers’ dry days are the following:
- Excursions:
- Ocean Safari (strongly recommended): a 2-hour boat tour to snorkel with whale sharks and/or watch humpback whales and dolphins
- Catamaran day trip: a cruise to the Linga-Linga point, to snorkel in the Inhambane bay and have a picnic under the coconut trees
- Horse Riding: a way to discover the hinterland, ride under palm trees and visit local villages
- Excursion to Inhambane: the city has been successively inhabited by the Arabs and the Portuguese and is definitely worth seeing, with its architecture influenced by the Portuguese’s style, its central market, and its culturally mixed population
- Deep sea and fly fishing: a 4-hour fishing trip, where you can hope to catch a giant Mahi Mahi, king mackerels or sailfishes
- Quad Biking*: a fun and easy way to explore the hinterland
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking/Canoe* along the tide to explore the mangroves, observe the flamingos or go snorkeling in the pristine water
- Sailing*: hobie cats and lazers can be rented
- Kite surfing/surfing: kite surfs and surf boards can be rented, and surf board courses can be organized upon request
* only available at the Flamingo Bay Lodge (but the road transfer from Tofo to Flamingo takes only 20 minutes). All other activities are available in both locations.
The Kids' Corner
With the exception of the Flamingo Bay Lodge, where children under the age of 12 can not be accommodated, there is no age limit to enjoy a stay in Mozambique, provided all recommended sanitary measures are addressed in due time (primarily preventive treatment against malaria).
Baby sitting service can be arranged, so divers can feel comfortable while enjoying their dives.
Activities for your children and teenagers include dive safaris (under parents’ supervision), observing fishing boats returning to the shore, walking on the beach to look for shells, crabs, and other marine life. In fact, most of the activities available in Tofo/Flamingo can also involve children (excursion to Inhambane, kayaking etc…)
A day at the local school can be organized: a great experience for both your children and Mozambican children to widen their prospective and enhance their intercultural awareness.
Pomene
The Pomene Bay is situated in one of the most picturesque spots in Mozambique, approximately 200 km north of Inhambane. The experience starts with an amazing 4 hours ride on a 4*4 A/C vehicle along the coast, followed by a 10 minutes boat cruise until you reach the lodge. It is located on a narrow peninsula with the Indian Ocean lapping at its front doorstep and crystal clear waters of a spectacular mangrove estuary lapping on the other: the best of both worlds…
Diving Pomene
Pomene’s 12 dive sites range in depth from 8 to 30m (26 to 98ft). The visibility is usually similar to that of Tofo. There are more sharks, turtles and corals than in Tofo. There are also cleaning stations where manta rays can be observed, but whale sharks are only spotted on occasions. Dives end on a reef at low depth, allowing relaxing safety stops whilst watching marine life until the very last minutes of each dive.
The local dive operator, a Padi center, is run by an on-site Padi instructor. All dive spots are within a 5 to 45 minutes boat drive, using an 8m semi-rigid dive boat powered by 2*85 hp motors. Rental equipment is available (mostly Scubapro). Night dives might be arranged upon request. Nitrox is not available yet. The boat is fitted out with all the necessary safety equipment as specified by the South African DoT.
The closest hyperbaric chambers are located in Durban and Johannesburg, all dives are within no-decompression limits.
Activities
A typical day for a diver in Pomene goes the same way as in Tofo. Activities for non-divers and for divers’ dry days are the following:
- Excursions:
- Ocean Safaris
- Horse Riding
- Deep sea and fly fishing
- Sunset cruise on the Pomene bay on a boat which is equipped with a panoramic deck
- Hiking in the mangrove
- Quad Biking
- Sunbathing on the wonderful beach
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking/Canoe
The Kruger National Park
The legendary Kruger National Park is the area with the greatest diversity of wildlife in Africa. The park is located in the north eastern part of South Africa, and is bordered by Mozambique to the east and by the Kingdom of Swaziland to the south and east. It is difficult to conceive of an area of greater historical, scenic and natural diversity anywhere in the world, and a journey to Mozambique would not be complete without a visit to the Kruger National Park.
Born as the Sabie Reserve in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld from over-hunting, the area was enlarged and proclaimed as the Kruger National Park in 1926. This park of nearly 2 million hectares is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Whether it is driving, biking, horse-riding, hiking or walking that you want to do, Kruger has something for you. Activities include animal hides, where you stay hidden away while watching the animals interact, and the morning and evening game drives, when you can track and view the bigger animal species. Experienced, professional and armed guides act as trail leaders and interpret the natural surroundings at regular intervals, to make the most of your guided activity. They will try their utmost to detect African wildlife and to give you the opportunity to see the famous Big Five - Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhino – in their natural habitat.
Marloth Park Nature Reserve
Marloth Park is a small reserve located less than 2 hours away from Maputo - the capital of Mozambique - by road transfer, and only 10 kilometers away from the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park. This reserve is also conveniently situated close to all the major attractions of the South African Lowveld, such as Swaziland or the Sudwala Caves.
There are no fences in Marloth Park, allowing wild animals such as kudus, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, zebras, nyalas, buffalos, giraffes and many more to roam about freely. Although Marloth has no resident elephants, they can often be viewed while bathing in the Crocodile River, which forms the border to the Kruger National Park. Various predators like lions and leopards can be seen and heard from time to time. Big five game is also a common sighting from the lookout points next to the Kruger Park fence.
Daily game drives in the Kruger Park take place on a 4*4 open vehicles (maximum 9 passengers per vehicle). They start early in the morning, and last until late in the afternoon, with a lunch on one of the many picnic spots or rest camps.
Activities
A typical day-long game drive goes as follows:
- early wakening (5 AM), tea/coffee at the lodge
- game drive, then breakfast at around 8:30 AM
- break for a copious picnic
- game drive until late in the afternoon
- free time to rest, then a well deserved dinner
Marloth Park is uniquely positioned to further afford its visitors with the opportunity to experience excursions and activities, including:
- Excursions:
- Close enough for a full-day excursion are the panorama regions of South Africa's Mpumalanga Province which abound with many interesting attractions and activities - from magnificent waterfalls, the world renowned Blyde River Canyon, the enchanting God's Window viewpoint, to wildlife rehabilitation centers such as Chimpanzee Eden & Moholoholo or Kapama Cheetah project
- Panoramic route: the breathtaking beauty of rock formations, picturesque waterfalls, landscapes and magnificent views of the Blyde River Canyon & Bourke’s Luck Potholes situated in the Lowveld Escarpment (a full day excursion)
- Day trip to Swaziland: the Kingdom of Swaziland is just an hour away and this trip offers a different experience to visit traditional cultural villages, bushman paintings, art and craft centers, and the beauty of one of Africa's last remaining Kingdoms.
- The Sudwala Caves: these impressive caverns are filled with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. A fascinating work of art built up through 2 million years. Owen Hall is 70m in diameter and 37m in height, and thus, some of these towering caverns are considered to be containing the largest dolomite chamber in the world
- Golf can be arranged at a nearby course
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Quad biking
Tofo - Baia Sonambula Guest House
Less than a minute away from the beach, the Baia Sonambula is undoubtedly the best type of accommodation you can find in Tofo. This new house features 3 en-suite seaview fan bungalows with private terrace, 2 en-suite fan bedrooms (non sea-view) and 2 larges terraces overlooking the bay. Each bungalow and bedroom has its private bathroom with hot and cold water and beds have mosquito nets. They are serviced every day and towels are provided.
Breakfast is served at the guest house, lunch and dinner are served at a nearby restaurant.
Tofo - Paradysun Chalets
6 chalets made of wood and bamboo (floor made out of concrete), located 100 meters above the beach with a wonderful view over the Tofo and Tofinho bays. These chalets feature 2 to 4 fan double bedrooms (you will not have to share your chalet with other guests unless you are part of a group). The environment is peaceful and each chalet has its own terrace, kitchen and bathroom with hot and cold water. Furniture is basic, but beds have mosquito nets and chalets are kept neat and clean. They are serviced every day, and towels are provided.
Everything is provided so guests can prepare their own breakfast, whilst other meals are served at a nearby restaurant.
Tofo - Restaurant
For half and full board packages, meals are served at a restaurant located in the center of the village, less than 5 minutes walk from each type of accommodation. The restaurant is nicely decorated with local materials, and features a relaxing, shaded terrace. The French chef enjoys blending typical French cuisine with fresh seafoods, fishes, vegetables and fruits he finds at the local market, and with Mozambican flavors.
The restaurant is closed every Tuesdays, but lunch and/or dinner is arranged at another restaurant. There are around 10 other restaurants in Tofo.
Flamingo Bay - Flamingo Water's Bay Lodge
Flamingo Water’s Bay Lodge is located on a beautiful estuary and consists of 20 luxury chalets built on stilts. Each chalet boasts well appointed balcony with glorious views, sliding doors, A/C, hand crafted furniture made from local hardwoods, mosquito nets and bathroom with hot and cold water. Sunbathing, boating, swimming, snorkeling in the sparkling waters of Inhambane Bay are accessible directly from each chalet. Chalets are serviced every day, towels are provided.
The main building is separate from the chalets but connected by a wooden walkway. It features a restaurant, a bar, a coffee bar, a lounge, and a swimming pool. Serving the best in local cuisine, the elegant gourmet restaurant offers sumptuous meals, delicious cocktails and wonderful views of the swimming pool and bay. A peaceful and romantic environment that will please divers, honeymooners and those who want to relax after their fantastic Tofo experience.
No children under the age of 12 can be accommodated at Flamingo Bay Water Lodge.
Pomene Bay Lodge Water Chalets
These 10 one-room fan chalets are all en-suite with double beds, mosquito nets and a bathroom with hot and cold water. Lights are available from 8AM till 1PM and from 4PM till 10PM from a reserve power supply. They are serviced every day and towels are provided.
The bar overlooks the pool and estuary, a perfect spot for sunsets and for diving and fishing tales. Pomene Bay Lodge is remote and some products are difficult to find. However, fishes and shrimps could not be fresher, and the restaurant offers a good selection of South African wines.
Marloth Park: Mvuradona Private Game Lodge
Mvuradona Lodge is a haven for the nature lover and photographer, with a unique setting and layout that allows for the ultimate wildlife experience. Birds and animals can be observed from various game viewing decks and open areas. Accommodations are spacious and feature en-suite bathroom with hot water, A/C, ceiling fan, mosquito nets and a minibar. Rooms are serviced daily, towels are provided.
The lodge also offers a comfortable restaurant, a relaxing lounge, a swimming pool in a beautiful environment, and a large boma area where to enjoy a barbecue with family or other guests. Baby sitting service can be arrange and internet access is available within the lodge.
This bushveld retreat delivers a true African experience combined with excellent service and modern comfort.
Required and Recommended Equipment and Documents
In addition to your documents related to your repatriation insurance (and for divers: your logbook, dive certification card and a medical clearance for scuba diving), you will need:
- your passport, which must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond intended date of return
- visa is required by everyone except citizens of South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Botswana, and can be bought at most borders (including upon arrival at the Inhambane airport) for U$ 32 for 30 days. It is recommended to apply for visa beforehand to reduce delay at the airport. Visas for neighboring countries are available at most borders except Tanzania.
- malaria treatment is a must
- sun cream
- mosquito repellent
- trousers and sweaters, in winter times (June to Sept.), as temperature can go down to 15 degrees at night
- adaptor-plugs
- a flashlight, which might be helpful to find your way back home at night
- batteries
How to get there/Flight information
To get to Inhambane, you must connect in Johannesburg. From there on, we take care of regional flights and airport transfers. We can also arrange for a night in Johannesburg, if necessary.
LAM airlines only operate return flights from Johannesburg to Inhambane on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flights from Johannesburg to Inhambane depart at 10:55AM. Flights from Inhambane to Johannesburg depart at 3:25PM, except on Sundays, when they depart at 1:30PM. To be on the safe side, we recommend you account for 3 hours to connect in Johannesburg airport.
On LAM, 20kg/passengers are allowed, in addition to hand luggage. No special allowance is granted to scuba divers carrying their gear. The charge per extra kilo is approximately 2 EUR.
We suggest you compare airfares, but can often get competitive rates from China and Australia, to Johannesburg, especially if you are ready to spend some time on connections, as flights through Qatar and Dubai can have reasonable rates. Should you need assistance, please contact us and we will try our outmost to provide you with the best offer.
From China, including Hong Kong: you can fly via Hong Kong, Singapore, Doha and Dubai
From Singapore: there are direct flights, but flying via Dubai seems to be the cheapest option
From Korea: you can fly via Hong Kong or Dubai
From Malaysia: you can fly via Dubai and Singapore
From Taipei: all flights require 2 connections
From Australia: there are direct flights from Sydney and from Perth
The above information is non exhaustive and subject to change. It is provided to help you identify potential routes and airlines in order to obtain the best time-of-travel/airfare ratio.
Health and Safety
Health:
Malaria prophylaxis is a MUST in Mozambique
The best solution is to not get bitten: always have insect repellant in either aerosol or cream (those purchased in pharmacies are usually the most efficient) for application to the exposed skin in the evenings as a preventive measure. Also, wear clothes with long sleeves during evenings.
Some strains of malaria found in Mozambique are resistant to Chloroquin. Speak to your doctor for advice on which drug treatment program will best suit you and your family. There are also homeopathic alternatives available.
Malaria Medication Advice for Divers in Mozambique
Larium & Mephloquin prophylaxis have always been a topical issue when it comes to scuba diving while on this particular medication. Please be advised that although we do not wish to offer prescribed medical advice it is advisable to find an alternative to these medications mentioned above if one wishes to enjoy a diving holiday in Mozambique. Some medical practitioners may be unaware as to the possible side effects of these drugs and alternatives are available. For more information about Malaria, click here to read the express advice and opinion of DAN South Africa.
Yellow Fever
Travellers who have visited, or come from, countries affected by Yellow Fever are advised to have a Yellow Fever vaccination for entry into both South Africa and Mozambique. For enquiries call the South African Department of Health at +27 (0) 13 793 7183
In the unfortunate and unlikely event you would need medical support, an hospital and a private clinic operate in Inhambane, and there is a doctor at Marloth Park.
Safety:
Full medical insurance, including medical evacuation outside of your country of residence, is mandatory. We also advise scuba divers to ensure their personal insurance covers dive related injuries. Should you consider joining DAN Asia-Pacific and become a member, please click here
Mozambique is generally safe, but there are some areas and situations where caution is warranted. You are required to carry your passport or a notarized copy at all times. If stopped by the police, do not surrender your documents – insist on going to the nearest police station instead.
History and Culture
Inhabited since before recorded history, Mozambique came under the control of Portugal at the beginning of the 16th century. By the end of the 19th century, enough immigration had taken place to warrant the region's organization into a formal colony called Portuguese East Africa. In the 1950s, Portuguese rules began to be protested by the native peoples. During the 1960s, the Frelimo (Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) rebellion fought a guerilla war. Portugal had its own revolution in 1974 and thereafter agreed to support independence for Mozambique. This led to so many Portuguese leaving Mozambique, that much of the country's administrative infrastructure was effectively wrecked.
In June 1975, independence was granted and a Marxist Frelimo government was installed. During the 1980s, a movement to overthrow the Frelimo regime was organized and civil war erupted. The war came to an end in 1992 and in 1994, the country's first-ever multiparty elections were held. By mid-1995 the more than 1.7 million Mozambican refugees who had sought asylum in neighboring countries as a result of war and drought had returned, as part of the largest repatriation witnessed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, a further estimated 4 million internally displaced returned to their areas of origin. Now dark times are in the past, and Mozambique is one of Africa’s rising stars, with an upbeat atmosphere, overflowing markets and a breathtaking coastline waiting to be discovered.
The country is divided along both ethnic and linguistic lines. Mozambicans often identify primarily with a tribe and/or linguistic group. However, the independence movement that began in the 1960s was a unifying force, causing these disparate elements to join together in resisting the Portuguese. Ironically, some of the main unifying factors in the country have been remnants of the colonial system, including the Portuguese language and the Roman Catholic religion. This is most evident in the central Zambezi Valley, where Portuguese influence was strongest.
Despite ethnic and linguistic differences, there is little conflict among the various groups. The greatest cultural disparities are those which divide the north of the country from the south. The groups north of the Zambezi follow a system of matrilineal descent. Many of them are semi-nomadic, moving every few years to more fertile soil. Because they are far from the capital and other urban centers, these northern groups show less influence from the Portuguese. South of the river, in the Zambezi Valley, the people adopted Portuguese dress, language, and religion to a larger extent.
Country Facts and Practical Information
Climate: tropical, with a dry season (Apr. to Nov.) and a rainy season (Dec. to Mar.)
Population: 20.9 million
Language: Portuguese is the official language, many dialects are also spoken
Religions: Christian, Muslim, Hindu and traditional beliefs
Electricity: 220/240 volts
Time difference: GMT +2 hours (excluding daylight saving time considerations)
Telephone: Country code 258. Mobile phone can be used throughout the Tofo area (only text messages can be sent from Pomene) and at Marloth Park. Prepaid SIM-Cards can also be purchased.
Internet: there are a few internet cafes in Tofo
Currency: the official currency is Metical. US Dollar, South African Rand and the Euro can be changed at local banks.
ATM & cash: in all major cities, including Inhambane. Visa cards are always accepted, sometimes MasterCards as well. US dollars can be changed at most banks without paying commission, and South African rands are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are not recommended.