Maputo to Tofo Road Trip
The EN1 runs north from Maputo through lagoon towns and river country. Tofo waits at the end with a sandy village, tropical reefs and ocean safaris.
Highlights include:
- Browsing woodcarvings, textiles and local food at FEIMA Craft Market
- Looking across Maputo Bay from the Catembe Ferry Viewpoint
- Swimming in the calm lagoon at Bilene Beach
- Breaking the journey at Xai-Xai Beach
- Watching birds around the Limpopo River mouth and estuary
- Walking among the old façades and harbour streets of Inhambane
- Spending time on Tofo Beach
- Taking an ocean safari to look for manta rays and seasonal whale sharks
Mozambique road trip from Maputo to Tofo Beach (496 km, about 8 hours driving). Plan this trip with Sideroads Africa.
Stops along the way
- FEIMA Craft Market: Open-air craft and food market in Maputo — woodcarving, textiles, and local snacks in a lively courtyard setting.
- Catembe Ferry Viewpoint: Viewpoint across Maputo Bay toward Catembe — ferry crossing and skyline views from the capital’s harbour edge.
- Bilene Beach: Lagoon and ocean beach town on the EN1 north of Maputo — popular weekend escape with calm water for swimming.
- Xai-Xai Beach: Provincial capital beach stop on the EN1 — long sands and a classic overnight on the Maputo–Tofo run.
- Limpopo River Mouth Estuary: Wide estuary where the Limpopo meets the Indian Ocean near Xai-Xai — birdlife, mangroves, and a scenic EN1 pause.
- Inhambane Old Town: Charming coastal town with Portuguese colonial façades, a cathedral, and a calm harbour — gateway to Tofo Beach.
- Tofo Beach: Mozambique’s famous backpacker and dive beach — manta rays, whale sharks in season, and a vibrant beach village.
- Tofo Ocean Safari: Ocean safari and scuba diving from Tofo — manta rays, whale sharks in season, and rich tropical reefs.