Do it all in Tofo, Mozambique. Here in this sublime backpacker hotspot you can dive and snorkel with mantas and whale sharks, surf some of the best breaks the Indian Ocean has to offer and explore nearby tropical islands by sea kayak with plenty of chill time on some of the worlds best beaches. This is the ultimate Mozambique adventure.
Mozambique Adventure
With one of the longest coastlines of any African country, untouched and spectacularly beautiful, Mozambique is the gem of any Africa Gap Year. Plenty of adrenaline sports and cool chill out experiences await you in Tofo, with the Xtreme Gap Year Mozambique Adventure programme cramming in the best that the country has to offer. Did you know there is amazing surf breaks here? Interspersed with a massive whale shark population it’s a great backpacker location and a superb place to chill out for a week or two. The longer you stay the more you get to do.
A modular trip booked by the week, the trip gives you the opportunity to do some seriously fun activities.
This trip is especially good when booked in connection with the Kruger to Coast sports programme as you can end up bolting assaults the trip to prolong your African Xtreme Gap experience.
Highlights included as standard are:
- Ocean safari, snorkelling with whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins
- Snorkelling old ship wrecks
- Surfing some of the best breaks in the Indian Ocean
- Sea kayaking adventure to a tropical island
- Sunbathing on jaw dropping beaches
Optional extras:
- Get dive certifications, dive with amazing marine life like manta rays and whale sharks
- Fresh fish galore with a big game fishing trip
- Rent a surf or body board per day
- Horse safaris along miles of white sandy beaches
Diving in Mozambique
Why we give you the option to get your diving certificate must be clear. In Mozambique you can ‘dive the big 5′ meaning you can encounter:
- Whale sharks
- Humpback whales
- Dolphins
- Manta rays
- Sea turtles
Tofo is quickly becoming one of Mozambique s favourite diving destinations offering great training grounds for new divers and a large array of deep and shallow sites for the already qualified divers. National Geographic recently voted Tofo as one of the prime whale shark and manta ray viewing sites in the world.
Photos
Itinerary
This programme has a flexible itinerary based on weather conditions for activities. This means one day you might go surfing, another day out on an ocean safari. During your week there you have the option to do it all. Bear in mind there is plenty to do in Tofo, and as it is one of the top backpacker destinations in Africa, you will have plenty to write home about.
On arrival you will get an introduction and meet the other travellers. Accommodation and breakfast are included.
Whale Shark, Manta Ray and Hump Back Whale Safari (included)
During your week you will be taken out on an ocean safari, to swim with Whalesharks! Do not worry they are completely harmless, but incredible to swim with! Tofo is one of the best places in the world to do this!
Island Kayak Trip (included)
Take a step back in time with an island kayak tour to visit an untouched piece of the Inhambane lagoon system. These kayak trips depart from White Sands and the journey is an one hour paddle across to the island where the local people have prepared a truly local feast.
The kayak trip is suitable for everyone and anyone, and our two seater ocean kayaks are fast and stable. Refreshments are provided, and a tour of the island allows people an inside view to this special little place. The tour highlights include visiting the school, churches, hospital and the rare chance to witness the ancient dhow manufacturing process, as well as amazing Mozambique hospitality.
Surfing – One lesson per week (included)
The coastline of Mozambique is a long stretch of waves waiting to be explored. One the Mozambique adventure you can get a taster for this cool Xtreme sport. The Indian Ocean waters of Tofo and Tofinho are clean and warm, averaging around 24 degrees C. and waves for all surfing abilities. The water is marvelously warm and dolphins often frequent the break.
Tofo surf is seasonal, the peak being over winter (May-August), but there is a steady flow of waves all year round with the cyclone swells coming through between end December to beginning March.
The main wave, Tofinho Point, is definitely not for beginners. It’s a rock ledge set up that wraps around a headland. The wave breaks just off the ledge, on sand, and follows the shape off the ledge making it a very hollow wave; especially on low tide (it loves the spring tides!).
The next break is Dragons Point, another quality right hander that actually links up to Tofinho Point on a big swell, creating an amazingly long ride.
If you have previous surf experience you can try your skills at these breaks, (check out our Mozambique Surf Dude Programme), but for most on the Mozambique Adventure, this is their first step into the world of surfing.
Heading about a kilometre north to the next bay brings you to the main beach of Tofo. A wide bay protected from the southerly wind and swell makes this a perfect venue for learning. The swells are clean and gentle with sandbanks that gradually produce bigger waves at the Northern end of the bay – an ideal spot for beginners or intermediates.
And there are other surf spots in the area (such as the next bay, ‘Back Door Beach’) that work better in different winds, ensuring that there is nearly always good surf to be had. You can book extra lessons or hire equipment locally if you get the surf bug, do as little or as much as you like, it is up to you!
Diving (Optional)
Become a certified diver and get your Open Water Diver certificate in Mozambique. Doing your Open Water Diving course will take 4 days and you will make 4 dives in the ocean. With this certificate you will be able to dive to 18 meters all over the world. If you are already an Open Water Diver you can do Your Advanced Open Water Course which will allow you to go to 30 meters. This course takes 3 days and you will do 5 dives.
You can also decide to do fun dives if you are already a qualified diver. This way you can see the amazing marine life in Mozambique! Dives can be booked upfront or locally.
The diveschool we work with is equipped with:
- 3 x fully equipped and certified charter boats
- Full range of Scubapro gear
- Wi dive World class dive sites
- International friendly dive staff
- Outstanding safety record
- Registered PADI Dive Centre
- 3.5 metre training pool
- Classroom
- Gear service facilities
- Full range of rental diving gear
- Fantastic deck-ideal for watching humpbacks
- Fantastic bar and restaurant
Accommodation
Your home for your stay is the awesome Turtle Cove. Turtle Cove was first established in 1994 by avid surfer, Nic Tasioulas, who boldly settled in Tofo, Mozambique in those early days. Today, Turtle Cove remains legendary, and after an extraordinary revamp, the lodge offers an exotic ambiance amidst the Palm gardens. Built in a striking blend of Mozambican, Mali and West African architecture, Turtle Cove exudes a charming and warm welcome to travellers seeking the perfect accommodation choice in Tofo.
BAR & RESTAURANT
Freshly caught fish and prawns are superbly prepared together with local specialties, vegetarian specials, as well as our popular sushi evenings. Dinner time is a relaxed affair where guests gather around the bar for sundowners to talk about the highlights of the day and typically viewing some surf footage of the surf taking off at Tofinho point. On occasions there will be live music around the fire after dinner.
ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES
The lodge comfortably accommodates 22 guests in 7 double/twin chalets and 2 family units (each sleeping 4 guests comfortably).
All rooms are en-suite and consist of double or twin beds, mosquito nets, bed linen.
Please take own shower and beach towels as these are not supplied. The rooms are serviced by municipal power and each has 3-point 220V power point with 2-point adaptors. Rooms are serviced daily upon request.
DORMITORY ROOMS & CAMPSITE
For backpackers and travellers, Turtle Cove offers the option of camping in a large shaded area with braai areas as well as dormitory rooms. This programme uses dorms as standard, with the option to upgrade to chalets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of clothes to bring?
How can I keep my costs for food down, is there a communal kitchen?
Do you go in scuba gear on the ocean safaris?
As you do this in the morning, you are free of residual nitrogen and can do this as much as you want, in the afternoon you can go diving, surfing or chilling on the beach.
Are Whale Sharks Dangerous?
I am not a qualified diver yet.. Can I still Join
Can I do anything else there?
What about Malaria?
Price
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Included
- Pre departure information
- Orientation on arrival
- All accommodation, based on shared dorm
- Breakfast (muffins, fruit salad, cereals, eggs, toast and Jam)
- One Ocean Safari in search of Whale Sharks
- Snorkeling equipment on Ocean Safari
- Island kayaking Adventure
- A Surfing lesson and equipment – one per week
Not included but available as an optional extra
- Open Water or Advance Open Water PADI Qualification
- Rent a surf or body board per day (optional extra)
- Penisula Tour
- Yoga Classes in a chic Yoga Sala
Excluded
- Flights
- Insurance
- There is a local payment (about $15 USD) for people transferring from Maputo
- Linen and towels
- Costs for Visas
- Open Water diving course can be done too! (€350)
Dates
There are no set start dates for this program please contact us with your travel dates.
“I had an awesome week in Tofo, really enjoyed the surfing but the highlight would definitely have to be swimming with the whale shark.”James Bell
“I absolutely adored the people and had lots of fun it was a great way to end my African adventure.”Sofia Adams
