Turtle Cove Tofo Mozambique

A warm welcome to Turtle Cove Tofo Mozambique, Weather you are a passionate diver, avid surfer, a committed yogi or just looking for the ultimate beach holiday, delicious food and great company, Turtle Cove offers a holiday you’ll remember forever. Offering a range of accommodation you will not be disappointed with what this vacation spot has to offer.

Turtle Cove Reservations: book@go.mozbookings.com

Tofo offers an untamed African wonderland amidst hundreds of Palm trees, miles of unspoilt beaches, world-class diving, epic surf breaks, delicious fresh seafood and more. With 3 direct flights per week from Johannesburg to Inhambane, the area is fast becoming the new jewel of Southern Africa.

Tofo is situated 25km from the old town of Inhambane, a melting pot of Arabic, Portuguese and African cultural heritage, offering charming cafes, a great fresh market, banks and ATM’s for an effortless African adventure. Turtle Cove is tucked away amidst coconut palms, approximately 1km back from Tofinho beach, offering a cool haven for travelers to enjoy the laid back Latino-Afro rhythm of life Tofo has on offer. We are NOT on the beach, however, a 15minute walk away from all surrounding swimming beaches as well as the Tofinho Point Surf Spot.

A cool haven for travelers to enjoy the laid back Latino-Afro rhythm of life in Tofo, Turtle Cove offers:
- Comfortable accommodation, ranging from chalets to grass huts, dorms and camping
- Restaurant and Bar
- Superb yoga center
- Professional surf school
- Ocean safaris for snorkel excursions and swimming with Whale Sharks.

We also arrange a wide variety of excursions to be enjoyed in Tofo from scuba diving (including a shuttle service to the dive school), horse riding, kayak excursions, sunset dhow cruises and more. With regular resident yoga teachers stationed at Turtle Cove and on going yoga retreats on offer, Turtle Cove offers the perfect African Yoga Holiday destination.

Weather you are a passionate diver, avid surfer, a committed yogi or just looking for the ultimate beach holiday, delicious food and great company, Turtle Cove offers a holiday you’ll remember forever.

Turtle Cove appeals to travelers, mature back backpackers and holiday makers who are looking for a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, comfortable and clean accommodation, excellent food and good value for money.

Accommodation at Turtle Cove, Tofo

Turtle Cove was first established in 1994 by avid surfer, Nic Tasioulas, 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 travelers seeking the perfect accommodation choice in Tofo.

Chalets
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 and Camping
For backpackers and travelers on a budget, Turtle Cove offers the option of camping in a large shaded area with braai areas as well as Dormitory rooms. There is a small kitchenette with electricity, gas cooker and wash up area to utilize.

Restaurant and Bar
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 would be live music around the fire after dinner.

ACTIVITIES AT TURTLE COVE

TOFO YOGA
The yoga center, affectionately known as the Gaia Yoga Temple, holds the spirit of love with an architectural grandeur that is sure to capture the creative spirit of Yogi Travelers for the ultimate African Yoga Holiday adventure.

The Gaia Yoga Temple regularly hosts world-class yoga teachers who run workshops and retreats in conjunction with tropical bliss. After a week of balmy sun, sea and sand and inspiring yoga, you’ll leave Tofo energized with a renewed sense of vigor and enthusiasm for life.

Join us on a Yoga for Africa Retreat to restore and revive Body, Mind and Soul and FEEL TOTALLY AMAZING!

The center is equipped with yoga mats, limited Iyengar Yoga props and yoga CD’s for self practice at your own pace.

SURF SCHOOL
Facilitated by our fully qualified surf instructor and life-guard, you too can join in the fun of learning to surf. All lessons include a rash vest and a soft surf boards, specifically for beginners. After just one lesson, you could be standing up on your board and ‘feel The Stoke’!

Tofo Main Beach is the perfect spot for a surf school; A wide bay protected from the southerly wind and swell, makes this a perfect venue for learning to surf. With no reefs, rocks or serious currents, you can effortlessly focus on technique while learning. The swells are clean and gentle with sandbanks that gradually produce bigger waves at the Northern end of the bay, providing an African surfing playground for all levels of experience.

A typical Beginners Course would include 3 lessons of 2 hours each after which you can rent the boards to practice to perfection at leisure. Weather you are a total beginner with a passion to learn or an intermediate surfer wanting to refine your style, Turtle Cove’s surf school caters for all surfing abilities to take you to the next level.

Whale Shark Ocean Safari:
Tofo is world-renown for its high concentration of Whale Sharks year round. Enjoy a snorkel ocean safari where you may come face to face with these magnificent plankton eating giants of the ocean.

Praia D’ Rosha Ocean Excursion Beach Braai:
Enjoy a 4-hour ocean excursion, swimming with Whale Sharks, Dolphins and snorkeling on the reef, including a delicious fish beach braai at Praia d’ Rosha. Praia d’ Rosha is a magnificently beautiful and totally untouched bay – We can’t recommend this excursion enough!

Diving:
Rates vary / please request a price list. Tofo is a Mecca for many divers from around the world. One of the highlights for all divers is Manta Reef, a cleaning station for Manta Rays where one can dive with up to 20 Giant Manta Rays.

Linga Linga – 2 Night Excursion:
Highly recommended

Horse Riding:
Enjoy sun rise or sun set horse riding along the beach and among the villages; a wonderfully intimate experience of Mozambican magic.

Kayak Island excursions:
A full day Kayak excursion to one of the nearby unspoiled islands including lunch on the island

Sunset Dhow cruise:
The magnificent sunsets over the Inhambane bay provide the perfect back drop for a traditional Arab Dhow sailing cruise… A wonderful photographic opportunity, romantic and relaxing!

Quad Bike Trails:
A stunning excursion to the Barra Peninsula; Travel through the local villages and Palm Trees and truly experience the Spirit of Mozambique. Visit the Light House, White Sands, Flamingo Bay and more.

Quad Bike Rental:

Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage:
Pamper yourself… Restore your balance and release all tension and stress through this sacred Polynesian method of massage.

Surf Lessons:
The wide and protected bay of Tofo provides the perfect wave to learn surfing. With our resident surf instructor and soft surf boards designed for beginners, this is the ideal time to learn.

Microlight Excursions
Details to be provided.

About Tofo
Tofo offers an untamed African wonderland amidst hundreds of Palm trees, miles of unspoilt beaches, world-class diving, epic surf breaks, delicious fresh seafood and more. Rated as one of the world’s TOP 3 dive destinations and with 3 direct flights per week from Johannesburg to Inhambane, the area is fast becoming the new jewel of Southern Africa.

Due to the high concentration of Whale Shark and the Manta Ray Cleaning Station where scuba divers have the opportunity to dive with up to 20 or more giant Manta Rays at a time, Tofo has become a Mecca for divers from around the world. But there is more to Tofo… an exotic magnetism that instantaneously captures the hearts of travelers. The laid back Latino-Afro rhythm of life combined with miles of spectacular beaches with warm balmy waters, perfect and un-crowded waves for all surfing abilities, monthly Full Moon parties and the welcoming and innocent charm of the local Mozambicans mesmerize visitors to return time and again.

The old City of Inhambane is situated 20kms from Tofo and offers quick access to the International Airport, banks, petrol stations and amenities for all your travel needs.

Inhambane town is a melting pot of Arabic, Portuguese and African cultural heritage, dotted with street cafes and fresh markets infused with a dreamy ambiance of a bygone area with traditional Arab Dhows gliding the calm waters of Inhambane Bay.

With a growing expatriate community settling in the area and ongoing development and facility improvements, Tofo and Inhambane combined has become a prevalent cosmopolitan African destination sure to attract growing interest world-wide.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Entry & Customs
A passport with a visa (South African citizens do NOT need a visa anymore) – For non-South African citizens: You can purchase a visa at the border, which is cheaper and faster than arranging before hand. Your visa will be issued at passport control at your point of entry and costs approximately R180 per person.

Original vehicle registration papers if driving yourself OR a letter from your bank with a copy of your vehicle registration papers.

Driver’s license (Southern African citizens do not need an International license)

Emergency triangles – place these in a visible point on your vehicle (i.e. your dashboard or tied to the front of your vehicle). You do not need the blue triangles… only the standard red ones.

The border post at Komatipoort (Ressano Garcia) is open daily from 06h00 – 24h00

South African side (Komatiepoort):
First fill in your vehicle / goods export form, get a gate pass and then get your passport stamped.

Mozambique side (Ressano Garcia):
Get your passport stamped - You have to pay R17.00 / person; Take out the compulsory 3rd party insurance (R 85.00 / vehicle); buy the compulsory temporary import permit for all vehicles - including boat trailers (payable in meticais)

Health Care & Malaria:

Malaria is a very real threat in Mozambique. Please follow these basic guidelines:
Prophylaxis – Please consult your GP for advise.
Repellants – citronella, Peaceful Sleep, mosquito coils etc.
Homeopaths also recommend taking a Vitamin B complex & garlic tablets and there are various Homeopathic anti-malaria products on the market.

All beds have mosquito nets … please insure that you are well tucked in at night before going to sleep!

Yellow Fever Vaccination:
All travelers entering Mozambique from any of the 43 countries where yellow fever has been diagnosed must present a valid certification of vaccination against the disease. Any passenger who cannot present such a certificate at his or her point of entry will be vaccinated at the cost of about 54 US dollars before entering the country. Yellow fever has been reported from 43 countries, mostly in Africa and Latin America.

The nearest hospital is in Inhambane with basic facilities. We recommend travel insurance and Medical evacuation insurance in the event of an emergency.

Money
Take Rands or US Dollars CASH –Credit cards are only accepted at the 5* hotels and dive schools (who will charge you a 5% bank fee in the even that you should pay via credit card. Although Rand is widely accepted, we advise that you exchange into Meticais for use at the markets, restaurants, shops and petrol stations (You can pay in Rands at the petrol
stations, but you will get a weak exchange rate)

When traveling by car, exchange money before you enter the border at the Komatiepoort Oasis: There are always people selling meticais at the border on the SA side at the Komatiepoort Oasis petrol station. Make sure that you get the right amount of money for what you are exchanging – the exchange varies and is pinned to the US Dollar. Please confirm the rate
before leaving your destination.

Exchange money at banks (closed for siesta between 12H00 – 14H00), local shops, even the markets – ask around.
You can draw money from the ATM in Inhambane with your credit card only… Not a normal ATM card. Please insure that you have your PIN code for the credit card in order to withdrawal from the ATM.

What to bring
DOCUMENTS & FORMALITIES
Driver’s licence & ID Books – VERY IMPORTANT
Passport & Visas (if applicable)
Vehicle Registration papers
2 x Red Triangles (You do NOT need the blue triangles)
Registration papers for trailers
Third Party Liability Insurance (You purchase this at the border at R85 per vehicle – Compulsory!)

CLOTHING
Shorts, T-shirts, Sarongs, Summer dresses etc – the dress code in Mozambique is very relaxed.
Sandals and shoes.
Long sleeved shirts and long pants (light) for the evenings (it is important to cover most of your body for protection against mosquitoes).
Hat and sunglasses.
Swimming costume and towel.
Light jacket / Sweatshirt

OTHER ITEMS
Swimming towels
Mosquito repellent (Tabard, Peaceful Sleep, citronella etc.)
Mosquito coils
Malaria precautions
Sun block and after sun soothers
Torch – in case of a power failure in Tofo – very important!
Snorkel, mask and fins if you have – most places that have a scuba operation offer these for hire or free of charge if you are on a ocean safari
Camera and film
Good book to read
Small medical kit with basic items - Hydrogen peroxide is very effective for insect bites and scratches. Also an ointment for insect bites, disinfectant, headache tablets and other basic supplies – surgical spirits is an excellent disinfectant for any scratches or cuts from the ocean!
Hammocks, beach umbrella & beach chairs

SMALL COMFORTS…
Your favourite South African wines
Chips, sweeties, biltong…. chocolate… yum !

GETTING THERE
Tofo is situated 450kms north of Maputo (the capital of Mozambique) and 1100kms from Johannesburg. The main gateway, City of Inhambane International airport is 20kms from Tofo.

You do not need a 4x4 to travel to Tofo or Turtle Cove. It can be reached in a standard sedan vehicle. Tofinho is 1100kms from Johannesburg and an overnight stop at BLUE ANCHOR INN or CASA LISA GUEST HOUSE, 50kms north of Maputo, is highly recommended. The drive from JHB to Blue Anchor and Casa Lisa (Maputo) takes approximately 7 hours (depending on how quickly you clear the border). From here the following day to Tofo takes a further 6 – 7 hours.

The Maputo corridor is now complete, making it a good highway all the way from Gauteng. There is a total toll fee of R 120.00 in South Africa (from JHB) and Mt110 in Mozambique - (each way). You can pay the toll fees in Mozambique in cash with Rands, US Dollars or Meticais.

The road going north from Maputo (EN 1 – National Road #1) is a new and good tar road all the way to Xai Xai. The road from Xai Xai for a stretch of 90kms is potholed, but patched periodically (take it easy on this stretch!). After 90kms, the road is in great condition again all the way to the Inhambane turn off; From the Inhambane turn off to Tofo (approximately 50kms in total), it is potholed again. Make sure that you have your spare tire and all equipment to change a tire if you need to.

Traveling after dark is not advisable. No streetlights, other vehicles with inadequate lighting and a constant stream of pedestrians & cyclists on the road, all contribute to difficult driving conditions after dark.

Petrol in Mozambique costs around R 10 per litre. It’s advisable to fill up at the garage just before the border. There are filling stations in Maputo, Xai-Xai and Inhambane. We suggest you fill up at the BP in Xai-Xai only as the filling station at Quissico and other small towns do not always offer clean and good quality fuel

Unleaded petrol is available in all towns of Mozambique, including Xai Xai and Inhambane.

Self-Drive Directions:
Turtle Cove and Anastasea is situated 480km north of Maputo on the EN1 North road. Take the Xai- Xai off-ramp just after the Maputo Toll Plaza and turn left onto the EN1.

This road takes you to all the coastal destinations north of the capital city of Maputo. (See map below to get onto the EN1 road to Xai-Xai). The South African Komatiepoort border is referred to as the RESSANO GARCIA BORDER in Mozambique. This is important for your return journey to follow the signs to RESSANO GARCIA as you will naturally not find sings to ‘Komatiepoort’ coming from Maputo when traveling back to the border.

From the turn off onto the EN1, travel approximately 480 KM until you come to a Y-Junction at which point; turn right towards Inhambane. There isn’t a sign so watch out for a small village called Lindela, the turning to Inhambane is just after this village. Do NOT take the road to Maxixe or Vilanculos… Take the Inhambane road.

Drive a further 30 KM to Inhambane. Keep going into Inhambane town until you see the pier on your left, turn right. Continue up to the traffic circle where you need to take the third exit to TOFO/BARRA. (NOTE: ON YOUR WAY TO TOFO (about 6 or 7 kms from the traffic circle in Inhambane, you will see 4 palm trees on your right with white pain markings …. PLEASE SLOW RIGHT DOWN AS THERE IS A BIG SPEED BUMP IN THE ROAD AS YOU CROSS THE BRIDGE… THERE IS A SMALL ROAD SIGN WITH A ‘BUMP’ WARNING TOO.

You are now on the road to Tofo. Continue straight ahead, keeping to the main road for 15km until you reach a junction with Bar Babalaza on the corner. Turn right towards Tofo.

The first road to the right as you enter Tofo will take you to Turtle Cove & Annastasea. This road is the 4x4 road only. If you do not have a 4x4, please continue to the SECOND ROAD to your right (as you enter Tofo) and follow the signs to Turtle Cove from here.

Flying:
Flights on LAM from OR Tambo to Inhambane direct are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Local Transport Option: (For the adventurous)
The local busses from Maputo to Inhambane operate daily. Make sure to take the express bus service that departs Maputo at 07h00 and arrives in Inhambane around 14h30 (subject to no breakdowns!). You need to buy your ticket at the bus station from 05h00 in the morning to make sure you get a seat. From Inhambane bus station, take a chappa (similar to a minibus) to Tofo. Call us on arrival in Tofo and we will pick you up to transfer you to Turtle Cove or ask the driver to drop you off at Turtle Cove (for which we will give him a 'tip' for his service).

Turtle Cove Reservations: book@go.mozbookings.com