5 days · Beach · Family
Southern Beaches in 5 Days
Maputo to Tofo along the EN1, trading city for lagoon for open ocean.
A straightforward self-drive down the southern coast, moving from the capital through Bilene's calm lagoon and Xai-Xai's tidal pool to the open ocean at Tofo. It suits families and first-time visitors: distances are manageable, the road is surfaced, and the water gets progressively more dramatic as you go north.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Maputo
Arrive, settle in, and spend the afternoon on a short walk through the Baixa. Dinner on the Marginal. Pick up supplies and cash before leaving the city.
Arrival, city transfersAirport to city centre: 6 km
Maputo → - 2
Day 2
North to Bilene
Drive north on the EN1 and turn off at Macia for Bilene. Spend the afternoon on the Uembje lagoon — the water is warm, shallow and almost tideless, which makes it ideal for swimming and kayaking.
Car via EN1 and MaciaAbout 180 km, roughly 2.5 hours
Bilene → - 3
Day 3
Bilene to Xai-Xai
A short hop north. Praia do Xai-Xai has a reef-protected tidal pool that stays calm when the ocean is rough — time your swim for low tide. In the afternoon, walk the beach north towards the Wenela blowholes.
CarAbout 90 km, just over an hour
Xai-Xai → - 4
Day 4
The long drive to Tofo
The longest driving day. Break it at Maxixe, cross to Inhambane by ferry if you want the classic bay crossing, then continue 22 km to Tofo. Arrive in time for sunset on the beach.
Car via EN1 to Maxixe, then Inhambane and TofoAbout 400 km, allow 5–6 hours
Tofo → - 5
Day 5
Tofo and the ocean
Take an early ocean safari — the best chance of manta rays and, in season, whale sharks. Afternoon at the market and on Tofinho point. If you are diving, Manta Reef and Giants Castle are the sites to ask about.
On foot in the village; boat for ocean safariBoat trips run 2–3 hours
Tofo →