Moon over the Sea

If you read a book titled "100 Places to Go Before You Die," this cottage is one of them. Right there on the beach in Tofo, a seaside village not too far from Inhambane in Mozambique, just north of Maputo, the capital, you'll find local markets, restaurants, and transportation options such as taxis and boat trips, making your journey easier and more comfortable.  

Whatever you do, try to get there by plane, car, bus, or even ship; the huge passenger liners from Cape Town stop nearby, offering day trips to Barra. You could abandon ship and chill out in Tofo. I promise you might be missed, but you'll be in heaven.

The house, a modest, two-bedroomed cottage built in the '60s by Portuguese fishermen, is just sublime. Who can boast a house right on the beach, right on the high-water mark? Not too many. The veranda is the selling point, as this is where you'll be whiling away your days, seated on a locally made chair, feet on the wall, and a 2M in your hand (the local beer). Meals are taken at the long palm-wood table while you watch the waves or passersby. Breakfasts are on the beach, with Pão (Portuguese rolls) served with organic tomatoes and crispy lettuce, washed down with Tipo Tinto and fruit juice. TT is the local tipple, a rum of dubious origin! There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but the house can comfortably accommodate 7 people, especially if they're children and don't mind sharing. I slept on the veranda, and it was great.  

We've loved every holiday in Tofo, and we will return. It's truly magical.

For bookings, contact me at [email protected].  Don't wait-this is a gem, and availability can be limited. Reach out early to secure your stay.

Update: We have since sold our share of the Tofo house, but my brother Percy Knight and my sister-in-law, Sue, are among the current owners of the cottage, and it is still for rent. We have been back on numerous occasions, and I still dream of returning one day. It is one of my most beloved places.