If you’re visiting Mozambique, chances are that outside of Maputo, the two cities you’ll be exploring are Vilanculos and Tofo.
Tofo is the country’s main tourist hub and is often more visited due to its closer proximity to the capital. However, Vilanculos was my favorite destination in Mozambique, and I highly recommend it—especially if you want to visit islands like Bazaruto and Benguerra.
If you’re not willing to spend over $100 on a 40-minute flight that only operates three times a week, public transportation is your best bet. I made this journey in April 2024 and didn’t find much information online, so I’ve put together this guide to help future travelers know what to expect.
Step 1: Buy a Bus Ticket to Maxixe
In the Vilanculos city center, you’ll be able to purchase a ticket to reserve a seat on a bus to Maxixe. I took this trip a year ago, so I don’t recall the exact ticketing location, but any local or hotel staff should be able to point you in the right direction. It’s best to buy your ticket at least two days in advance to secure a seat.
Several buses run this route, but the earlier ones are faster and make fewer stops, so aim for an early morning departure. Buses may also have different levels of comfort—spending a little extra for a nicer bus is worth it. Be sure to clarify all these details when buying your ticket. Since early departures mean leaving before dawn, plan ahead and arrange a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you to the Vilanculos bus stop.
Step 2: Ride to Maxixe Early
Don’t expect an official bus terminal—buses line up along a major road, with little infrastructure or signage. This can be challenging, especially in the dark and if you don’t speak Portuguese. I was fortunate to travel alongside two Portuguese speakers I met at my hotel, but if you’re alone, Google Translate will be your best friend.
There will likely be multiple buses departing at the same time, so double-check that you’re getting on the correct one, especially if you paid for a higher-tier option. Also, Maxixe is probably just a stop on the way rather than the final destination, so inform the driver and conductor that you need to get off there. This is crucial since the journey is around four hours long, and you’ll probably fall asleep. Be alert—buses don’t stop for long at any location.
Step 3: Take the Ferry from Maxixe to Inhambane
Once you arrive in Maxixe, walk a few minutes to the port, where you can buy a ticket for the ferry to Inhambane. The fare is very cheap, but you’ll soon understand why—the “ferry” is really just a large wooden boat (see photo).
If you have luggage, leave it at the front of the boat. I made the mistake of bringing mine to my seat, only to have locals shouting at me in Portuguese when they couldn’t squeeze past—lesson learned! They’ll cram in as many passengers as possible in those wooden benches. The boat departs once full, so be prepared to wait. I boarded first and waited about 30 minutes before departure. The ride itself also takes around 30 minutes.
Step 4: Get a Taxi from Inhambane to Tofo
Upon arriving at the Inhambane port, you can take a taxi to Tofo, which is a 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on your hotel’s location. Taxis here aren’t cheap by African standards, so traveling with others to split the fare is a good idea.
Alternatively, you can take a cheaper taxi to the Inhambane bus station and then catch a bus to Tofo. However, this option can be inconvenient as you’ll have to wait for the bus to fill up before it departs. Additionally, once in Tofo, you may need another taxi to get to your accommodation. For convenience, just take a direct taxi to your hotel—plus, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful views along the way from the comfort of your own window.
Final Thoughts
Since I hadn’t started this blog at the time of my trip, I didn’t track the exact costs for each leg of the journey. However, overall, the trip is quite budget-friendly, with the only potentially costly part being the taxi from Inhambane to Tofo.
If you’re traveling in the opposite direction—from Tofo to Vilanculos—the process should be similar. However, getting a bus from Maxixe to Vilanculos may require more flexibility, as there might not be a fixed schedule. That said, this route is frequently traveled, so you’ll likely find fellow passengers and locals who can help with directions.
I hope this guide makes your journey smoother. Stay tuned for more posts on the best experiences in both Tofo and Vilanculos—Mozambique is one of the most underrated destinations in Africa!
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