
CONTACT
FOR QUESTIONS OR ENQUIRIES
+258-856778433 (call/Whatsapp)
PLANE
You can fly from Maputo or Johannesburg with LAM Airlines to Inhambane (25 mins drive) or with SA Airlink to Vilanculos (4 hours drive). We can help with airport transfers
CAR
You can drive to Tofo with any car. It is 500km (+/- 8 hrs) from Maputo, and 1000 km (+/- 15hrs) from Johannesburg or Durban with Maputo as a convenient midway stop.
BUS
There is a weekly shuttle service from Nelspruit to Tofo (Cheetah Express) or use local transport with long distance Etrago busses to Inhambane and from there take a local chapa (taxibus)
Get in touch
Frequently asked questions
- via airplane: the nearest airports are Inhambane (20 mins drive), Vilanculos (4 hrs drive) and Maputo (7 hrs drive). At the moment LAM airlines has flights from Maputo or Johannesburg to Inhambane, and SA Airlink has flights from Johannesburg directly to Vilanculos. The lodge can help you organise a shuttle from any of these airports to Tofo and back
- via car: we are located 8hrs north of Maputo or 15hrs from Joburg or Durban. You can do the drive and get to the lodge in any car (no need for 4x4). or we can arrange a transfer from Maputo or other cities.
- via shuttle bus: there are weekly transfers from Nelspruit with Cheetah Express and daily transfers from Maputo with Fatima's bus. There are also long distance busses (Etrago) from Maputo to Inhambane.
South African passport holders and most SADC (Southern African Development Community) citizens receive a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days when entering Mozambique.
There is also a list of 27 other countries whose citizens qualify for a visa on arrival. These include the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Singapore, Indonesia, Ukraine, and most European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Ireland and Switzerland, as well as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal.
For these travellers, the visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days and requires a payment of 15 EUR in cash, proof of accommodation in Mozambique, and a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of entry.
If your country is not included in either the SADC list or the visa-on-arrival list above, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. This can be done through the official Mozambique eVisa portal (https://evisa.gov.mz) or via a Mozambican embassy or consulate before travelling.
Visa regulations can change, so we always recommend checking the latest requirements with your local Mozambican embassy or official government sources before departure.
Yes, malaria is present in Mozambique, including coastal areas. It is more common during the warmer and wetter months, but precautions are recommended year-round.
We advise guests to speak to their doctor or travel clinic before travelling to Mozambique about malaria prevention. This may include taking prophylactic medication, depending on your personal health situation and travel plans.
Simple preventative measures are also very effective. These include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evenings, and sleeping under mosquito nets. At Kumba Lodge, all rooms are fitted with mosquito nets, and we take regular measures to reduce mosquitoes on the property.
If you have any concerns or feel unwell during or after your stay, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
Driving in Mozambique can be rewarding but comes with some challenges. Here are key tips to make your trip safer and smoother:
Road conditions vary: Main highways are usually paved, but many rural roads are dirt or sand tracks that can become slippery in the rainy season. A 4x4 is recommended for off-road or remote areas.
Drive carefully at night: Street lighting is limited outside towns, and vehicles, pedestrians, and animals may be on the road unexpectedly.
Observe local traffic rules: Speed limits are generally 60–80 km/h in towns and up to 120 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, and drink-driving laws are strict.
Fuel up regularly: Gas stations can be sparse in rural areas. Keep your tank topped up, especially when travelling long distances.
Carry cash and documents: Always have local currency, your passport, driver’s license, and car rental papers. Some tolls and fuel stations may not accept cards.
Be cautious of pedestrians and animals: People often walk along roads, and livestock may cross unexpectedly.
Prepare for emergencies: Carry water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a spare tire. Mobile coverage can be limited in remote areas.
Plan your route: GPS works in main towns, but paper maps or offline navigation apps are useful in rural areas.
For local advice and updates on driving conditions, consider joining the DriveMoz Facebook group, where drivers share real-time tips, road alerts, and travel experiences across Mozambique.
Most areas in Mozambique, including Tofo and major towns, have good mobile coverage. To stay connected:
SIM cards: You can buy a local SIM card from providers like Vodacom, Movitel, or Tmcel at airports, shops, or mobile kiosks.
Data and calls: Local SIMs offer prepaid data and calling packages at affordable rates. 4G coverage is common in towns and tourist areas, while more remote areas may be slower or patchy.
WiFi: Many lodges, restaurants, and cafes provide WiFi. At Kumba Lodge, WiFi is available throughout the property, including rooms, the yoga studio, and pool area.
International calls: You can use WhatsApp, Zoom, or other internet-based apps to make calls, which is often cheaper than traditional international calling.
Yes, our restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all guests are welcome to dine with us.
Our room rates always include breakfast and access to yoga classes. We don’t offer half or full board because many of our guests enjoy the freedom to explore Tofo’s excellent local restaurants for lunch and dinner, or to eat in at the lodge when they prefer.
Yes, all our guests are welcome to join the yoga classes included with your stay. Classes are designed to suit a range of levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners, so no prior experience is needed. We have yoga mats, blocks, straps and other props available on site.
Our teachers offer guidance and modifications to help everyone feel comfortable and get the most out of their practice. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to your practice, you can join at your own pace.
Yes, Kumba Lodge can arrange airport transfers for our guests. From Inhambane Airport, the cost is 750 MZN per adult and 300 MZN per child (under 16), one way.
For Vilanculos Airport, which is more than a four-hour drive, we recommend using Ernesto from Amigos Tours. He offers a transfer for 9000 MZN one way for 2–3 people sharing.
Please let us know your flight details in advance so we can help organise a smooth pickup or drop-off.
Yes, Kumba Lodge can help you arrange a wide variety of activities and excursions in Tofo. These include scuba diving, snorkelling, surf lessons, whale shark and humpback whale interactions, ocean safaris, dhow trips to Pansy Island or Survivor Island, deep sea fishing, kite surfing, quad biking, horse riding, mangrove paddling, e-bike tours, visits to local communities such as Tofo Life Village or Libumba Pottery, and massages or Barre classes at the lodge.
We usually recommend booking on arrival, rather than in advance, so you can check the weather and ocean conditions for the best experience. Our team will guide you and help organise everything during your stay.
Yes, children are very welcome at Kumba Lodge. We offer family-friendly accommodation, including family ocean and palm bungalows, and children can enjoy the pool, beach, and yoga classes with supervision.
There is no extra charge for an additional mattress for children under 16, making it easy for families to stay together comfortably. We do ask parents to keep an eye on their children, especially around the pool and near the beach, to ensure everyone’s safety.
