A 20-minute drive away, Tofo Beach is the go-to spot for surfing, kayaking and windsurfing, as well as organised activities and excursions. Between June and October, whale watching trips are the main attraction, and throughout the year small boats with experienced guides take snorkellers and divers out to swim among the whale sharks, hammerheads and sea turtles. Tofo’s also the top destination for dune rides, whether done on horseback or at greater speed on quad bikes, while anglers, expert and otherwise can fish from the shore or head out to sea for the landing of tuna and kingfish, sailfish and marlin. Whatever you do, do it in a dhow: these sleek and simple sailing boats once made the trip over here from Arabia, and remain in use today for fishing and pleasure rides. Take a trip from Barra out to Pansy Island, filled with coloured shells, and to Pig Island, filled with… pigs, as well as friendly traditional villages. Or sail into the former ivory trading outpost of Imhabane, feeling as if you’re in another century. It’s half an hour by road to Inhambane if you prefer terra firma: this is a pretty old town of Arab, Portuguese and African influences, worth a wander for its old mosque, museum and lively market.