| Official Name: | Tofo Mozambique |
| Other Name: | Tofo Beach |
| Native Name: | Praia do Tofo |
| Nickname: | Tof |
| Pushpin Map: | Mozambique |
| Pushpin Mapsize: | 240 |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Type1: | Provinces |
| Subdivision Name1: | Inhambane Province |
| Area Total Km2: | 17 |
| Area Land Km2: | 9 |
| Area Water Km2: | 8 |
| Population Total: | 8000 |
| Population Density Km2: | 7 |
| Coordinates: | -23.8556°N 35.5481°W |
| Elevation M: | 0 |
| Elevation Ft: | 0 |
| Postal Code: | 1300 |
| Area Code: | +258 |
| Website: | https://www.tofomozambique.com |
| Footnotes: | [1] |
Tofo Beach (pt: Praia do Tofo) or simply Tofo is a small town in southeastern Mozambique. The town lies on the Indian Ocean coast, on Barra Beach peninsula in Inhambane Province, Jangamo District, 22 km drive from Inhambane city.[2]
The main local language spoken in Tofo, Mozambique is Bitonga, which is related to Chopi. It is a Bantu language that is spoken in the southeastern part of Mozambique. Bitonga is also one of the official languages of Mozambique, along with Portuguese. Other languages that are spoken in the region include Makhuwa, Chopi, and Sena. The diverse linguistic landscape of Tofo reflects the rich cultural heritage of the area.,[3]
Tofo has a history that dates back to the pre-colonial era. The town was originally inhabited by the Bitonga people, who were skilled fishermen and traders. During the 16th century, Portuguese explorers arrived in the region and established a trading post in nearby Inhambane. This led to the introduction of Christianity and the Portuguese language to the area.[4]
In the 19th century, the Bitonga[5] people were conquered by the Gaza Empire, which was led by the powerful ruler Soshangane. The Gaza Empire controlled much of what is now southern Mozambique, including the Tofo region. The Bitonga people were forced to pay tribute to the Gaza Empire, and many were enslaved and taken to other parts of the empire.
During the colonial era, Tofo and the surrounding region became part of Portuguese East Africa. The Portuguese introduced cashew farming to the area, and many local people were forced to work on the plantations. In the 1960s, a liberation struggle began against Portuguese rule, and Tofo became a center of resistance.
After Mozambique gained independence in 1975, Tofo and the surrounding region experienced significant economic growth. Tourism became an important industry.
Tofo is a small coastal town located in southeastern Mozambique, near the city of Inhambane. It is situated on the Indian Ocean and boasts a long, sandy beach with clear turquoise waters. The town is surrounded by lush vegetation, including palm trees and mangroves, and is known for its natural beauty and wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. The region also features several coral reefs and is popular among divers and snorkelers. Tofo is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its unique geography and marine life.[6]