Domestic Flights

Inhambane Airport with LAM

You may fly into Inhambane airport which is just a short 20 minute drive to the house. Once you arrive at the airport there will be taxi’s waiting. Depending on the season it is M1,000 - M1,500 one way to Tofinho. There is currently only one domestic airline called LAM Mozambique. You may search and book for flights on their website. There are not direct flights to Inhambane everyday and the flight schedules are not always reliable.

Pros : Fastest way to get to Inhambane

Cons: Unreliable service as they often cancel or change their schedule without notice

Vilanculos Airport with SAA Airlink

You may fly into Vilanculos airport which is around 4.5 hours drive north of Tofo. You may rent a car in Vilankulos and drive to the house.

Pros : Direct flight from Johannesburg and you will have a rental car at your disposal

Cons: Cost

Car Rental from Johannesburg or Maputo

When renting a car from Johannesburg you will need to time your journey to be able to cross the Komatipoort/Lembobo border first thing in the morning (06:00 - 00:00). You can stay over night close to the border in Komatipoort, 5 hours from Johannesburg International airport. From the border to Tofo is approximately 8 hours.

When renting a car from Maputo you will need to time your journey to leave early in the morning (FYI Sundays are best days for driving in Maputo) as the drive will take approx. 7 hours to Tofo. If you prefer you can have an overnight stop in Xai-Xai at Honey Pot. Honey Pot is cheap n’ cheerful accommodation with no frills but is very conveniently right off the side of the road.

Following the posted speed limits is necessary as there are many speed cameras on the road that traffic officers will pull you over for. For every 10 kms you are over is a MZN2,000 cash fine. Please note only officers wearing white shirts, black pants and a hat can fine you. Make sure you ask for a carbon print receipt. Under no circumstances pay a bribe. You are only feeding the dragon. There are tolls along the way that you will need cash for. The toll gates will accept MZN or ZAR.

Required paperwork and equipment to cross country borders :

  1. Border travel letter from the rental car company.

  2. Buy your 1-month 3rd party car insurance at the border or online here - it’s the same price either way. If you buy it online it will save you time at the border. Make sure you have it printed with you.

  3. Apply for your Temporary Import Permit at the border. This is valid for 1-month at no charge.

  4. If you are a non-Southern African passport holder you will need a visa. This you can obtain before your arrival through an embassy or you may obtain it at the border for USD50. You may only obtain a single entry 1-month visa at the border.

  5. Two or more yellow safety vest, two or more red triangles, fire hydrant.

Note : Reliable, strong 2x4 cars are fine up until Tofo. All roads are tar now up until Tofo. If you will be traveling past Tofo you will need a high clearance 4x4 vehicle.

Recommendation : Whether renting a car or driving your own. I strongly recommend signing up with the extremely helpful group called DriveMoz.

Pros : Cheaper to rent from Johannesburg vs. Maputo; unlimited mileage from Johannsburg vs. limited miles from rental companies in Maputo

Cons : Length of drive

 

Van Service

Cheetah Express

Amigos

Locally owned and operated, Ernesto offers a variety of routes up and down Mozambique.

Pros : Reliable and you don’t have to drive

Cons : Long time to be in a vehicle

 

Self-Drive Times

Johannesburg to Tofo, 13 hours - recommend overnight night stay in Komtipoort and then drive through to Tofo or if you prefer to break up the drive you can spend the night in Xai-Xai.

Nelspruit to Tofo, 9 hours - you can drive straight through to Tofo or spend the night in Xai-Xai if you prefer to break up the drive.

Komatipoort to Tofo, 8 hours - you can drive straight through to Tofo or spend the night in Xai-Xai if you prefer to break up the drive.

Maputo to Tofo, 7 hours - you can drive straight through to Tofo or spend the night in Xai-Xai if you prefer to break up the drive.

Durban to Tofo, 14.5 hours - overnight options could be Ponto do Oura and Xai-Xai depending on how many hours you feel comfortable driving per day.

Kosi Bay to Tofo, 10 hours - you can drive straight through to Tofo or spend the night in Xai-Xai / Ponto do Doura if you prefer to break up the drive.

For helpful driving tips read the Car Rental Section and join the on-line group DriveMoz

Pros : You are on your own schedule

Cons : Slower than flying into Inhambane

 

Weather

Internationally recognized PADI Scuba Diving Certification explains, “You can dive on a year-round basis as Inhambane and Tofo experiences balmy tropical weather. It is drier during April to December and during the rainy season from late December to March, the rains are just a quick downpour. Water temperature could be a little chilly in the dry season with a low of 72˚F (22˚C) but during the rainy season it goes up to 86˚F (30˚C).” Read more here.

Click here for today’s weather forecast.

 

Map

 
 

I followed my heart

and it led me to the beach.