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Vasco da Gama opening soon in Tofo…

Vasco da Gama opening soon in Tofo…

With a beautiful swimming pool and a genuine Herbie parked in the restaurant, Vasco da Gama in Tofo, Inhambane is firing up their restaurant again.

Famous for it’s genuine Portuguese cuisine and ice cold draft beer – Vasco’s now has resident chef Henrique who has been creating culinary masterpieces for decades. Henrique has cooked all over the world and blends different methods and ingredients to create his unique and international flavour.

We were served grilled pork fillet basted in a mango sauce and almost ate our fingers right off!

Check back soon for more information…Vasco da Gama opens on Valentine’s weekend.

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Vasco da Gama opening…Friday the 13th February!

 

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Sardine correspondent Renske Massing tries out the genuine Herbie parked in the Vasco da Gama restaurant and pool area.

 

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Too hot to surf…

Too hot to surf…

…or do anything else for that matter, between 11 and 3 or so each day lately, here in Tofo, Southern Mozambique. With the thermometer climbing to over 40 degrees more often than not, even surfing is nigh impossible. It’s not so much the sunburn – rashies, hats and cremes take care of that challenge – but rather the sheer levels of exposure your body must go through to get out there and surf. Many beach accesses see you traipsing through that dark black sand that literally melts in the sun, finding it’s way between your toes and everywhere else it can. Fishing is no easier – it seems the only safe place around here is underwater!

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Too hot to surf…find a shady spot and sit tight! Even when Tofinho just keeps pumping them out.

 

Scuba diving is safer than snorkelling as the sun can really teach you a lesson as you drift around completely exposed with a layer of water to fool you that you are not being burnt at all!

Tofo Scuba has recently adopted new owners Brodie and Danny, who have revitalised the fantastic venue – right on the beach, a kilometre or so north of Tofo town. As dive operators Tofo Scuba has been around for a very long time – their team is highly regarded as real professional, and friendly to boot.

Aside from the scuba activities, the daily ocean safari’s search the crystal clean and warm water here for whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, dolphins, porpoises, whales and maybe even the odd shark if you get really lucky.

The restaurant operated by Tofo Scuba starts early and closes early…which suits us all fine since Tofo generally only get’s going each day after 9. It is called 23 degrees and the kitchen fires up at 7am! A really tasty breakfast and a good coffee sets you up for the day.

tofoscuba

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Fun at Fatimas Backpackers in Tofo

Fun at Fatimas Backpackers in Tofo

 
Fatima’s is where it all begins for backpackers and travellers in Tofo. The lavish setting, on a dune overlooking Praia do Tofo to the south, and Ponta da Barra to the north, is startling.

The ocean out front is idyllic for swimmers and surfers alike – and the inviting blue waters of the Mozambican current can easily be accessed via one of the many dive, ocean safari or fishing operators here.

More fun can be had on the Inhambane Bay where, aboard an ancient but sturdy and reliable dhow, you can island hop by sail all day. Ihla do Porcos, Panzy Island, Survivor Island, Secret Beach and Linga Linga are some of the favourite stops. Seafood by arrangement and a cooler box full of refreshments is mandatory. As is your camera, bathing outfit, suncreme, a hat and water!

Accomodation at Fatima’s has steadily been upgraded – year after year. You can still camp however, but get into one of the front casita’s overlooking the beach and you will never feel like leaving.

Fatima’s is the first and oldest backpacker organisation in Mozambique, and has a bus service daily running between here and Fatima’s Nest in Maputo. So easy – although the bus ride needs some planning for, it takes a good 8 hours to make the journey, including stops at some interesting roadhouse type places.

Fatima staff are well presented and eager to serve – be it something from the experienced and well run kitchen crew, an ice cold 2M (local delicious beer) from the bar or a group excursion to the islands (ask for Ruben).

For more information check out http://www.mozambiquebackpackers.com/

 

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Pumula Surf Camp

Pumula Surf Camp

Pumula Surf Camp
Pumula Surf Camp

http://www.pumulasurfcamp.co.za/

The recently opened Pumula Surf Camp is the talk of the town right now – Justy and Hayley Maisch have created a small piece of paradise on the KZN South Coast.

The surf in and around Pumula is world class and there are waves all year round. Winter is obviously the best time when sand lines all the point breaks producing beach after beach filled with perfect waves. Umzumbe, Hibberdene, The Spot…are but a few of the classic right hand point breaks that the KZN south coast is famous for.

Justin, also known as “The Fox” stemming from his competitive nature and prowess, is an advanced surf coach that will help better surfers surf better, and start beginners off from scratch. Pumula Surf Camp’s close relationship to Wedge Surfboards and Maisch Fins mean they have the best possible equipment for you to rent or buy.

For more information on surfing on the south coast, accommodation and packages…

http://www.pumulasurfcamp.co.za/

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A brace of Wahoo: by Darrell Hattingh

A brace of Wahoo: by Darrell Hattingh

Oceanic Marine artist Darrell Hattingh has been producing amazing fish art and sculptures for over 30 years.  Darrell excels in underwater scenes drawn or sculpted as he has seen them in his thousands of hours spent underwater – spearfishing. This experience enables Darrell to perfectly emulate the subjects in their natural behaviour of hunting and preying.

Here Darrell has produced a brace of serious looking wahoo as they hunt for prey somewhere off our coastline.

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A brace of Wahoo: by Darrell Hattingh

Darrell can be contacted through his classifieds listing on thesardine.co.za…Click here to go there.

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