So after 10 weeks in South Africa most of the crew decided to join us in Mozambique for an added 3 weeks, and why not, when else would you have such an easy opportunity to travel to this hidden gem of Southern Africa? Though it is one of the most economically vulnerable places on earth it has to also be one of the most beautiful and after a two day journey by car we made our way from Durban all the way to the Inhambane Province and the town of Tofo, we arrived in Paradise!
Its quite difficult to describe the place, we stay in a quiet yoga retreat a few minutes drive from the main market and ‘Town’. Riddled with palm trees and beach sand, the area is everything you imagine it to be when you think of a tropical paradise.
There is a mix between western concrete structures, local wooden beamed ones with palm leaved finishes and a few with corrugated iron sheets for roofs etc. Some local people live amongst holiday houses in their modest traditional homes providing an immediate contrast to the eye between the past and future of the area. All the wealth in the region is the result of tourism and the local people who aren’t employed within the industry work the land and sea. You don’t have to drive too far though before you see how the locals live without the western presence that comes with tourism. The locals are lovely people, full of smiles and curiosity.
Getting settled in here was easy, the relaxing atmosphere and the element of space and time was another contrast for everybody after 10 weeks of surfing in South Africa and doing the instructor course. With a light itinerary, tropical weather and coconuts on tap, this is definitely the surf holiday you want to experience.
The best mode of transport is 4×4 in these parts
The only other major differences to South Africa that takes some getting used to is the language, the main language here is Portugese so depending on where you are, communicating with people can be quite a funny ordeal. The currency, just after getting used to using the South African Rand you now have to start doing conversions with the Metical. The heat, it can be quite relentless at times and hydration is one of the most important things here especially if you’re surfing everyday, 3-5 litres a day depending on your size and weight. Malaria, though we’re in a relatively low risk area, remembering to take and adjusting to potential side effects of Malaria medication may throw you off in your first couple of days. The water, it is crystal clear and around 26 degrees all year around so surfing in boardshorts and bikini’s everyday in the tropical waters may mean you get a lil bit of chaff until your body adapts, rash vests and surfing in T-shirts help significantly though.
Bom Dia, morning from my room
So we’ve arrived in paradise and we’ve settled in very comfortably, we had a few days of really fun waves straight off the bat and since then its gone a bit flat. Luckily the beauty of the place is enough to fill your cup and there are plenty other things on offer in the area, but we’ll discuss that in a future blog.
It’s hard to put into words how beautiful it is here, this is my fifth time here and every time it’s beauty astounds me but on this trip more so than ever. I’d felt like I’d seen it all and nothing could really take it beyond what I already knew and understood to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen… Then Chris Bond rocked up with his drone! I quickly put together this little clip to give you an idea as to what its like here (still doesn’t quite do it justice though). There’s no denying, Mozambique needs to be on your bucket list!
We’re off to Pomene for a few days before coming back, it’s a small nature reserve a few hours north of Tofo and it is literally the most beautiful piece of the planet I’ve ever seen and I’m too excited to be returning for the second time! We’re living in Paradise, stay tuned for more updates.
Shakka’s