Surfing Mozambique's Hidden Gems: Why it's an Unrivalled Experience

For decades, rumours of incredible waves filtered across the border into South Africa. With a bloody civil war tearing Mozambique apart, Adventurous surfers could only fantasise about the crystal-clear waters, empty lineups and sand-bottomed points of Mozambique. The country took on a mystical heir – corelords hosted secret meetings to discuss what they’d heard about the country’s endless coast, and a peppering of perfect rights. When the war eventually ended in 1992, small groups of committed surfers started exploring the tropical paradise. What they found surpassed their expectations – a wealth of incredible waves situated in the midst of untouched tropical beauty. They’d come for the sand-bottomed points – waves that turned out to be longer, and better than they could have hoped – but they stayed for so much more. They stayed for the warm blue waters and abundance of sea-life.  They stayed for the sandy roads, unrivalled African backdrops and incredible weather. They stayed for the delicious food, rich with flavour, and the warm people eager to connect.

While the country has gained a certain level of international attention since achieving political stability, it remains largely untapped. Very few surfers make the journey to this east African gem, one of the many reasons why Mozambique offers an unrivalled surf experience.

Incredible waves

Think warm blue water, dolphins and peeling right-handers. With water temperatures ranging from 22 – 27 degrees Celsius, there’s hardly a day when you can’t get away with boardies and a t-shirt – but don’t let the spectacular environment distract you from the abundance of high-quality waves. Mozambique is known for its epic right-hand points – from Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Mucumbo in the south to Tofu and Pumene further north. Hidden between these marquee waves are a smattering of empty beach breaks.

Amongst the long list of world-class setups lie two of the most famous waves in the country – Ponta do Ouro and Tofinho. Well known for their consistency, these two have long been considered Mozambique’s most reliable options.

The town of Ponta do Ouro is situated in the south, a few kilometers north of the South African border. Known for incredible dolphin sightings and abundant sea life, the town is also home to an amazing wave. The wave is broken up into two peaks – First Point and Second Point. The more consistent First Point breaks of a shelf of volcanic rock before running into a sand-bottomed bay. When Ponta is working, the wave offers a hollow barrel section from the take-off before opening up – allowing for a combination of manoeuvres. The fickler Second Point is a freight-train barrel on its day. Breaking further up the point, Second Point breaks straight in front of the shelf of volcanic rock. Coming from deep water, waves explode on the shallow sandbars to produce frighteningly thick tubes. This wave needs a large build-up of sand to come to life – something that rarely occurs. Ponta works best when an easterly swell combines with spring low tides. Add a light westerly wind to the mix and you’re all but guaranteed epic waves.

A nine-hour drive north of Ponta do Ouro, lies the small Town of Tofu. North of the Maputo, the country’s capital, Tofu belongs to the Inhambane province. The town lays claim to two waves, Tofu and Tofinho.

Tofinho, situated 500 metres south of the little town, is the area’s premiere wave. Similarly to Ponta do Ouro, the wave at Tofinho breaks in front of a shelf of volcanic rock before running into the bay. While it doesn’t offer the same length of ride as its southern counterpart, Tofinho matches up to Ponta in all other regards. When sufficient sand builds up behind the rock shelf, waves barrel from the takeoff, offering five second tubes. As the wave passes the shelf, bending into the bay, it slows down, producing the perfect canvas for manoeuvres. Tofinho works on a variety of swell directions, making it a consistent option.

The surf in Mozambique is good from December right through to August. In the summer months, cyclones bring large, easterly swells to the region, producing pockets of all-time surf. As the country cools, and winter begins, storms born beneath the tip of African send consistent southerly swells up the coast. The cooler temperatures produce morning offshore winds, delivering epic surf.

Amazing Food

Nowhere screams flavour quite like Mozambique. The country, which was colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, is famous for its cuisine. Drawing on both local and Portuguese flavours, Mozambican’s combine chili, garlic, lemon and butter to create dishes bursting with flavour.

There are few experiences as culturally rich as a trip to a Mozambican baraka. Scattered along the sandy roads in the south, these restaurants reflect the vibrant local culture. None epitomise the region’s unique charm like Sunset Bar, our favourite local haunt. Located at the foot of one of Mozambique’s many inland lakes, Sunset Bar offers incredible views of the sun, as it sets in the west. Looking over the lake, you’re treated to the archetypal African sunset as you sip on mojitos. The open-air restaurant is fitted with a rim-flow pool, a great sound system, and an incredibly warm atmosphere. Wanna listen to Bob Marley as the sun disappears? Just ask one of the friendly waiters to connect you to the sound system and you’ll have control of the tunes. Whether you’re taking a dip, enjoying the music, or soaking up the sunset, you’re sure to be relaxed as you wait for the main attraction – the food.

It's all about the chicken and the prawns. Both options offer incredible, unique flavours. The garlic-lemon-butter mix, developed in this region is perfected at sunset bar. The chef throws in a touch of their famous peri-peri chilli to produce the most incredible dishes. We’ve travelled across the globe, sampling the best of the local cuisine as we search for epic waves, and nothing quite compares to the flavours of Mozambique.

Small Crowds

With incredible waves, amazing food, and vibrant culture, you’d expect Mozambique to be overrun with tourists. In reality, the country’s underdeveloped infrastructure and laissez-faire attitude make it hard for new-comers to navigate – inside info is an essential element of a successful trip to Mozambique. Consequently, the country remains quiet and uncrowded. It’s rare to surf with more than ten people at the country’s premiere waves, and you’ll probably surf alone if you’re in the know. No hassling on your holiday, no frustrating sessions in paradise, just you, cooking waves and unmatched backdrops.

A Mozambican surf trip offers so much. If you’re not enamoured by the waves, then maybe the clear waters and beautiful beaches will catch your eye; or perhaps the delicious food will be to your liking. If this doesn’t excite you, you’ll have to settle for exquisite weather, warm hospitality and an abundance of sea-life. Mozambique offers a true African surf adventure, and one you’d be silly to pass up on.