Travel - 14 feb 2022

Travel Diaries: Mozambique with Tanika Hoffman

From surfing into the sunset to wild animals roaming free, we caught up with Tanika Hoffman to get the inside scoop on her trip to Mozambique.

Let's dive in:

What’s your favorite beach in Mozambique? Tofo Beach is so beautiful and definitely one of my favorites. Most afternoons are spent watching the sun set behind the palm trees while longboarding in the bay, nothing beats those golden afternoons!

Best local spot to eat at? The fish market is so much fun, the fishermen come in every morning with their fresh catch. You can either buy a fish to pop on the fire, or the market vendors will cook up a delicious meal of fresh fish and local veg! "Sumi" is also one of my favorites, the restaurant is beautifully decorated and designed with nature in mind, the rooftop bar has amazing views of the bay. It's the perfect location to watch the sunset AND the best sushi in Mozambique!

Do you have any tips for anyone visiting for the first time? Mosquito repellent is definitely a must pack when traveling to Mozambique, as well as a sting cream, as the summer months often comes with light onshore winds and blue bottle jellyfish. Mozambique's untouched beauty is one of the many things that makes it so special, there are miles and miles of empty beaches, sand roads meandering through palmtrees with no one in sight, and incredible view points of the bays and estuaries. Having a 4x4 vehicle allows you to explore it all.

Any must-see’s or hidden gems in the area? I think Tofo, Mozambique is the hidden gem. It is one of the most special places that I've been privileged enough to travel to. The locals are welcoming, kind and so keen to ensure that everyone has the best time in their beautiful country. The food is fresh and delicious, waves are always fun, and the untouched natural beauty is like something out of a dream. Mozam has my heart and I'm sure anyone who has been there would feel the same.

Talk about the nature, what’s something you can only experience in Mozambique? Shortly after driving over the border from South Africa to Mozambique, the main road runs straight through the "Maputo Special Reserve" where wild animals roam free. We always try to get on the road as early as possible and head through the reserve just after sunrise, where we are greeted by giraffes, elephants, and an arey of buck as they have their morning graze and browse.

What is your go-to Billabong outfit at the moment? It's summer here so I have been living in my blue daisy bikini and occasionally throwing on a pair of denim shorts or a cotton shirt.

What was the highlight of your trip? I met Julia Fernando a few years ago on one of my first trips to Mozam. She is one of the happiest and most fun people to surf with. A highlight from my recent trip would be a magical evening surf in the bay. Julia and I had the bay to ourselves, we laughed, shared stories, and surfed into the sunset.