During President Guebuza’s visit to China it was announced that they are looking to rebuild the Lindela to Tofo road.
(Courtesy AIM)
The road from the EN1 to Tofo is often flooded, and some sections are in need of repair. The road is heavily used by business, locals and tourists. When the road floods, it cuts off Barra, Tofo and Inhambane – and the only way out is by boat or aircraft!
The roads in Mozambique have improved dramatically since the end of conflict.
The day started early and onshore with no real promise at all.
But as the tide dropped, it summoned up a little twist in the wind direction – to a side offshore, from the north.
Then the swell cleaned up and all of a sudden, Tofo came alive.
Steep takeoffs, fast and hollow sections…just like we know her.
The casualties started early and increased as the tide advanced.
Arjen lost his nose and got a few scratches to the head and Dave Charley popped his fin out in a power turn.
Fish Profile: Blue Tail Mullet – staple diet for communities in many tropical places throughout the Indo-Pacific, the blue tail mullet also puts up helluva fight on hook and line. Which in Mozambique and similar 3rd world countries, means hand line.
Life Underwater – Blue Tailed Mullet in the Umzimkulu Estuary (youtube.com)
Mostly though, these fish are caught in a huge net deployed from a dhow.
These fish above were netted.
But we saw an amazing display of fishing skills on the Inhambane Pier a few years back. Using handlines with tiny prawns as bait, local subsistence anglers expertly fight and subdue these fine-looking blue-tinged fish – they are so full of colour in the water. This guy must have run 3 or 4 kilos. However, we have seen some that look even bigger around here.
The wet, windy and disagreeable weather in Inhambane has abated. But only after sending holidaymakers packing early, leaving us in a quiet and docile Tofo town.
The diving has been excellent as the water warmed up again. Master Jack came back from a fishing trip with a hatch full of decent yellowfin.
The waves out front of Tofo have been peeling for days – longboarders having a feast.
The locals are back to the simple life – families harvesting shellfish together, kids scraping for baitworm, divers shooting fish…
A few pics from over the past few days…
Family harvesting together at Praia da Conguina
Children collecting seafood, or Marisco, as it’s known here…
The above pictured kids collection of shoes and fishing equipment…
Fish, surf, cycle, snorkel, scuba, swim, suntan, shop, eat and party. Everything for everyone here in Tofo as the nicest season gets underway.
Families and foreign tourists line the beaches and in the market you can hear the buzz as seafood harvesters negotiate with vendors who negotiate with tourists and so on.
Yes, Tofo in March is special…and sets the tone for the next few months of idyllic weather and ocean conditions.
Fortunately it gets quite full here in March, but not overcrowded. A welcome change from the absolute quiet of February and it’s sweltering heat.
Check out the advertising columns on thesardine.co.za for many options on acommodation, restaurants and fun activities.
The following pics were shot yesterday morning on Tofo Beach…
Joao Magulu is the best Natal Stumpnose hunter I have ever encountered. These fish he gets on handline in the shallow troughs down at Bamboozi and beyond.
Bicycles are great for cruising the beaches and streets of Tofo. At low tide you can ride to Barra and back with ease.
Sunbathing out front of Fatima’s Nest, a favourite for backpacker tourists.
You never what you might find on the ride to Barra!
