Praia do Tofo, Inhambane, Mozambique

How to get to Tofo.

Via Inhambane. Every route in, public and private.

Tofo is reached through Inhambane — Airlink flies direct from Johannesburg, LAM hops from Maputo, and the EN1 drive is paved the whole way. The last 22 km is the easiest leg in Mozambique.

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Plan the journey

Getting to Tofo.

Pick your origin to see the public-transport options and our private transfer offer for that route. Or scroll the full list of every way in.

From

Maputo → Tofo

Tofo is reached via Inhambane — either fly to Inhambane Airport (INH) and transfer, or drive the EN1.

  • LAM Maputo → Inhambane (INH) + 30-min transfer
    Duration
    ~1h30 total
    Fare
    from $100 one-way + transfer
    Frequency
    Daily (most days)
    Operator
    LAM Mozambique

    Most lodges include the transfer. If yours doesn’t, we can sort it.

  • Self-drive on the EN1
    Duration
    ~7 hours · ~470 km
    Fare
    Fuel ~$50

    Paved the whole way. The last 22 km from Inhambane to Tofo is paved and easy.

  • Long-distance bus + chapa
    Duration
    ~9–10 hours
    Fare
    MZN 1,200–1,800

    Two-leg: bus to Inhambane terminal, then chapa or taxi to Tofo (~30 min, MZN 100–200).

  • EKAYA private transfer Private
    Duration
    ~7 hours
    Fare
    On request

Last verified May 2026. Fares are approximations — confirm with the operator.

From

Johannesburg → Tofo

The fastest route is the Airlink direct flight to Inhambane (INH) — then a 30-minute transfer to Tofo. Driving is also possible via the Lebombo or Kosi Bay border.

  • Airlink direct Johannesburg → Inhambane (INH) + transfer
    Duration
    ~2 hours total
    Fare
    from $250 return + transfer
    Frequency
    Several times a week
    Operator
    Airlink

    INH is 22 km from Tofo; transfer is ~30 min. Most lodges arrange it.

  • Self-drive via Lebombo or Kosi Bay border
    Duration
    ~12–14 hours · break overnight
    Fare
    Fuel + border ~$180

    Most travelers break in Maputo. SA-registered vehicles need a Mozambican third-party insurance disc. See our self-drive guide.

  • EKAYA-coordinated transfer Private
    Duration
    Varies

    We can arrange a partner driver from Johannesburg as far as the border, then take over.

Last verified May 2026. Fares are approximations — confirm with the operator.

From

Cape Town → Tofo

No direct flight from Cape Town — you connect through Johannesburg, then it’s the Airlink hop to Inhambane (INH) and a short transfer to Tofo.

  • Cape Town → Johannesburg → Inhambane (INH) + transfer
    Duration
    ~2h to JNB + ~1h30 to INH, plus layover
    Fare
    from ~$400 return (both legs) + transfer
    Frequency
    CPT–JNB hourly; JNB–INH several times a week
    Operator
    CPT–JNB on any SA carrier; JNB–INH on Airlink

    INH is 22 km from Tofo; the transfer is ~30 min and most lodges arrange it. If the Inhambane connection doesn’t line up the same day, an overnight in Johannesburg is common.

  • Self-drive (the long haul)
    Duration
    3+ days · ~2,600 km to the border alone

    Not realistic from Cape Town — fly to Johannesburg and connect. Listed only so you can rule it out.

  • EKAYA-coordinated transfer from INH Private
    Duration
    ~30 min from Inhambane Airport

    Book the flights via Johannesburg; we cover the Inhambane–Tofo leg.

Last verified May 2026. Fares are approximations — confirm with the operator.

From

Inhambane → Tofo

Tofo is just 22 km east of Inhambane city — the easiest leg in this whole table.

  • Self-drive
    Duration
    ~30 min
    Fare
    Fuel ~$5

    Paved road. Easy.

  • Chapa (shared minibus)
    Duration
    ~30–40 min
    Fare
    MZN 100–200
    Frequency
    Throughout the day

    Cheap and easy. Pick up from Inhambane bus terminal or near the market. Wait for the chapa to fill before it leaves.

  • Lodge or EKAYA transfer Private
    Duration
    ~30 min
    Fare
    Lodge transfer typically included; standalone ~$25–40

Last verified May 2026. Fares are approximations — confirm with the operator.

From

Vilanculos → Tofo

  • Self-drive Vilanculos → Tofo
    Duration
    ~5 hours · ~280 km
    Fare
    Fuel ~$30

    Paved EN1. Detour into Inhambane city before the final leg to Tofo.

  • Long-distance bus + chapa
    Duration
    ~6–7 hours
    Fare
    MZN 800–1,200
  • EKAYA private transfer Private
    Duration
    ~5 hours
    Fare
    On request

Last verified May 2026. Fares are approximations — confirm with the operator.

Common questions

Before you book.

What's the fastest way to get to Tofo?
Airlink direct from Johannesburg to Inhambane Airport (INH), then a 30-minute transfer to Tofo. About two hours total from gate to beach. Most lodges arrange the transfer; if yours doesn't, we can sort it.
Is there an airport in Tofo?
No — the nearest airport is Inhambane (INH), 22 km west of Tofo. It serves Airlink direct flights from Johannesburg (~1h30) and LAM Mozambique flights from Maputo (~50 min).
How do I get from Inhambane Airport to Tofo?
A 30-minute drive on a paved road. Three options: lodge transfer (often included — check before you fly), EKAYA private transfer (~$25–40), or a chapa + taxi from town (cheap, slower, fine without big luggage).
How long does it take to drive from Maputo to Tofo?
About 7 hours, ~470 km on the EN1, paved the whole way. The last 22 km from Inhambane city to Tofo is paved and easy. Plan a fuel stop at Xai-Xai.
Can I drive from Johannesburg to Tofo?
Yes, but it's a 12–14 hour journey — most travelers break overnight in Maputo. Cross at Lebombo or Kosi Bay, head north on the EN1 to Maxixe, then east to Inhambane and on to Tofo. SA-registered vehicles need Mozambican terceiro insurance and a vehicle permit. See our self-drive guide.
How much is a chapa from Inhambane to Tofo?
Around MZN 100–200 per person (~$1.50–3). Chapas leave from the Inhambane bus terminal and the area near the market through the day, generally waiting until they're full before they go. Cash only.

Last reviewed:

From any airport, we can take it.

Tell us when you'll land at Inhambane (or Maputo, or wherever) and we'll have a driver waiting. Same goes if you're driving and want to break the trip.

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