You’ll fly into Maputo International Airport (MPM), the capital of Mozambique. Our team will meet you there and take care of everything from that moment on — including the scenic 8–9 hour transfer to Tofo Beach.

Accommodation & Meals

• 6 nights in beachfront bungalows at Tofo (shared twin rooms, unless single supplement is requested and confirmed)
• 2 nights at a 4-star hotel in Maputo (shared twin rooms, single supplement available)
• Daily breakfast throughout the trip
• Packed lunches during whale swim days
• Lunch during Kruger safari 

Transport & Transfers

• Private round-trip ground transport between Maputo and Tofo
• Airport transfer from Maputo hotel to airport on departure day
• All local transport related to activities and excursions

Activities & Entrances

• 5 whale swim outings (4h each) aboard a RIB boat with experienced crew
• Use of fins, mask, snorkel, and wetsuit (bringing your own is recommended)
• Full-day guided safari in Kruger National Park
  - Professional field guide ranger
  - Park entrance fees
  - Open-vehicle game drive
  - All transport and fuel

Extras

• Esploro Travel trip leader throughout the journey
• Assistance with special dietary requirements (please notify in advance)

• Dinners
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• International flights
• Tips and personal expenses
• Any cost related to visa issuing
• Extra activities or extensions not listed in the itinerary
• Anything not specified under What's Included

Moderate

You must be a confident swimmer in open ocean conditions. No scuba / freediving experience needed, but you’ll be entering and exiting the boat multiple times and may need to react quickly to whale sightings.

In August and September, Tofo enjoys its dry season, with warm and mostly sunny days. Temperatures typically range between 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) during the day, while nights remain mild at around 18–22 °C (64–72 °F). Sea conditions are generally calm in the morning, ideal for whale swims and underwater visibility, though winds may pick up later in the day, making the sea chop
In contrast, Kruger National Park enters the late dry season, one of the best times for wildlife viewing. Daytime temperatures range from 25–30 °C (77–86 °F), while early mornings and nights can be much cooler, often dipping to 10–15 °C (50–59 °F) or lower. Expect clear skies, dry air, and excellent chances to see animals gathering at waterholes.

In-Water Gear

• 3 mm full wetsuit recommended (long hours in the water; a shorty wetsuit or rashguard + boardshorts may suffice, but 3 mm full suit is the safe default)
• Mask, snorkel, fins (included if needed: confirm ahead)
• Boat jacket or windbreaker (for wind chill between swims)
• Waterproof drybag for valuables (phone, documents, electronics)

Sun & Weather Protection

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hat & sunglasses
• Light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection on the boat

Safari Day

• Passport (for border crossing to South Africa)
• Valid visa for South Africa (if required)
• Lightweight daypack
• Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors or white)
• Long pants and a breathable long-sleeve shirt for sun protection
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals
• Camera with zoom lens
• Binoculars (optional, but great for spotting wildlife)
• Extra batteries and memory cards
• Insect repellent
• Personal snacks or energy bars

Travel Essentials

• Travel insurance covering: Swimming in open water, Snorkeling, Boat excursions, Safari and wild animal encounters, Medical evacuation/repatriation
• Power plug/adapter for Mozambique (Type C, F, and M plugs, same as Europe and South Africa)
• Reusable water bottle (to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste)

Optional but Useful

• Underwater camera or GoPro (+ spare batteries/memory cards)
• Seasickness tablets or wristbands (just in case of rough seas)
• Lightweight towel or poncho towel
• Personal snacks for boat days (energy bars, nuts)

Whale Encounters

Q: Will I definitely swim with whales?
A: While we can’t guarantee encounters (these are wild animals) August and September are peak months for humpback whale migration in the Tofo region. With experienced local guides and optimal conditions, chances are very high.

Q: Will we see other marine life?
A: Absolutely. In addition to humpback whales, it’s common to encounter dolphins, whale sharks, and manta rays. If conditions and group dynamics allow, we may swim with them too.

Q: How close will I get?
A: Close, but always respectfully. All encounters follow ethical whale-swimming guidelines: calm, passive entries; no chasing or diving down; and no touching. Everything happens on the whales’ terms.

Q: Are the encounters safe?
A: Yes. Each boat is operated by a licensed skipper and includes a whale spotter and an in-water safety guide. Briefings are held before every outing to ensure comfort and safety for everyone.

Q: How long are we at sea each day?
A: We spend about 4 hours on the water each day, giving us plenty of time to search for wildlife and enjoy multiple snorkel opportunities.

Logistics

Q: How do I get to Tofo?
A: You’ll fly into Maputo International Airport (MPM), where the group meets on Day 1. From there, we travel by private shuttle to Tofo
(approx. 8–9 hours). The return trip to Maputo is included.

Q: Do I need a visa for Mozambique or South Africa?
A: Most nationalities need a visa for Mozambique, which can often be obtained on arrival or online. South Africa (for the Kruger day trip) is visa-free for many nationalities but always check your passport’s requirements in advance.

Q: How big is the group?
A: Our boat is limited to 5 guests (plus 1 leader) to maintain a calm, respectful in-water experience and allow personal attention from guides.

Gear & Preparation

Q: Is snorkeling gear included?
A: Yes: mask, snorkel, and fins are provided if needed. However, we strongly encourage bringing your own gear for best fit and comfort.

Q: Do I need a wetsuit?
A: Yes. We include 3mm wetsuits, but again, your own suit may fit better. Water temps can range from 22–25°C (72–77°F), and we spend long periods in the water, so warmth matters.

Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
A: You should be confident swimming in open water, able to snorkel without assistance, and comfortable getting in/out of a RIB boat in ocean conditions.

Safari Day

Q: What’s included in the Kruger safari?
A: A full-day open-vehicle safari with a professional field guide. You'll see a wide range of African wildlife: elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more. Includes breakfast, park entrance fees, and lunch at a rest camp.

Q: Is the Kruger trip strenuous?
A: Not physically demanding, but it’s a long day. We depart at 5:00 AM and return around 5:30 PM, with rest stops and a restaurant lunch break.

Q: Do I need any special gear for the safari?
A: Comfortable clothing, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), binoculars if you have them, and a camera. A jacket is recommended for the cool morning drive.

Practicalities

Q: Are all meals included?
A: Breakfasts are included daily. Lunch is provided during whale swim days and on the safari day. Dinners are not included but we’ll help with local recommendations in both Tofo and Maputo.

Q: Is travel insurance required?
A: Yes. Your insurance must cover swimming/snorkeling in open water, boat excursions, and safari. We also recommend coverage for trip cancellation and medical evacuation.

Q: Will I have internet access?
A: Tofo has limited Wi-Fi in the lodge’s common areas. Maputo has reliable internet. Mobile coverage in Tofo can be spotty, especially offshore.

Other Experiences

Q: What else can I do in Tofo besides swimming with whales?
A: Tofo is one of the top spots in the world for scuba diving with marine megafauna, including manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and reef sharks. Because of the time spent at sea for whale swims, only night dives may be possible on the same day, but many guests choose to extend their stay to enjoy full diving days after the main trip. Let us know!

Q: Can I surf in Tofo?
A: Absolutely. Tofo has excellent surf conditions in August and September, with waves suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers. We can help coordinate lessons or board rentals with the local surf school, especially if you're planning to stay longer.

Q: Can I do more safari days after the trip?
A: Yes. Maputo is ideally located near several national parks, making it a perfect base for additional safari experiences. We can help organize multi-days trips to:

• Kruger National Park (South Africa)
• Maputo National Park (Mozambique)
• Hlane Royal National Park (Eswatini/Swaziland)

Q: What about extra beach time?
A: If you’re not ready to leave the ocean behind, we recommend extending your stay to explore Mozambique’s stunning coast. We can help arrange extra days in:

• Vilanculos, gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago
• Bazaruto Island, known for white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters
• Chidenguele, a quiet off-the-beaten-path beach escape with freshwater lakes and dunes

Let us know your interests, and we’ll help craft the perfect extension.