In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.
Voykit pocket guide · Mozambique
Xai-Xai
Stop for a beach day or one night on the drive between Maputo and Tofo or Inhambane; not a base for longer than that.
Xai-Xai is a coastal town at the mouth of the Limpopo River, about 3 hours north of Maputo on the EN1. Its wide golden beach and coral reefs are the main draw, but accommodation is basic and the town itself has little to do. Most travellers use it as a lunch-and-swim break or a single-night stop en route to Tofo or Inhambane.
- Country
- Mozambique
- Best months
- Apr–Nov
- Avoid
- Dec–Mar (rainy and hot; road conditions may worsen)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- MZN
- Money
- Currency is the Mozambican metical (MZN, MT). Cards work in Maputo and larger lodges; markets, small restaurants and transport are cash.
- Daily spend
- Budget MT 1,700–2,500 excl. bed · Mid MT 2,500–4,000 excl. bed · High MT 4,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Vodacom, Movitel and Tmcel are the networks; Vodacom has the widest coverage along the southern coast.
- Emergency
- Police 119 · Ambulance 117 · Fire 198
- Plugs
- Types C, F, M · 220 V · 50 Hz · South African large round-pin (M) common in the south; bring an adapter for both.
- Tipping
- Restaurant: About 10% if no service charge.; Dive crew: US$5–10 per day in the tip jar.; Lodge staff: US$5–10 per guest per day in the box.; Car guards: 20–50 MT.
- Water
- Not safe from the tap; lodges provide filtered water.
- Toilets
- Flush toilets in hotels and restaurants; basic outside towns.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Guesthouse double room | MT 1,700–2,500 |
| Beach hotel double room | MT 2,500–4,000 |
| Simple meal (grilled fish, rice, vegetables) | MT 300–600 |
| Bottle of beer (local) | MT 50–80 |
| Bottled water (1.5 L) | MT 30–50 |
| EN1 toll at Limpopo bridge | MT 10 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- MPM · Maputo International Airport
- About 3 hours south by car; the nearest commercial airport.
Typical fares
- Maputo → Xai-Xai by car (EN1)
- about 3 hours, one toll of MT 10 (check)
- Xai-Xai → Tofo by car
- about 2.5 hours
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
A car is essential: the beach is 2 km (1.2 mi) from the town centre and there is no public transport along the strip. Taxis are available in town but scarce on the beach.A car is essential: the beach is 1.2 mi (2 km) from the town centre and there is no public transport along the strip. Taxis are available in town but scarce on the beach.
See and do
Known for
- Praia do Xai-Xai beach
- Snorkelling at coral reefs
- Gateway to the Limpopo River mouth
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Maputo | EN1 south, about 3 hours by car | 3 h |
| Tofo Beach | EN1 north then the coastal road, about 2.5 hours by car | 2.5 h |
| Inhambane | EN1 north, about 2 hours by car | 2 h |
Sleep
- Praia do Xai-Xai (the beach strip)
- A few basic hotels and guesthouses right on the sand; no restaurants or shops within walking distance of most.
- Xai-Xai town centre
- Closer to shops and the EN1, but the beach is a short drive away.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | Oláoh-LAH |
| Thank you | Obrigadooh-bree-GAH-doo |
| How much? | Quanto custa?KWAN-too KOOS-tah |
| Where is the beach? | Onde está a praia?ON-de es-TAH ah PRY-ah |
| I don't understand | Não percebonow per-SEH-boo |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: 'Bom dia' and a handshake, then your question; avoid: Skipping greetings with officials
- Police stops: Calm, polite, documents ready; avoid: Arguing or offering money
- Dress: Cover up off the beach; avoid: Bikinis in town
- Photos: Ask first; avoid: Police, soldiers, buildings
Scams and watch-outs
- The beach has no lifeguards: swim only in calm conditions and watch for currents.
- Accommodation is basic and often books out on weekends and holidays: reserve ahead.
- The EN1 toll at the Limpopo bridge costs MT 10 for cars (check).
- No ATMs on the beach strip; withdraw cash in Xai-Xai town or in Maputo.
Xai-Xai is generally safe for tourists, but petty theft can occur on the beach. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone on the beach after dark. The main risk is road safety on the EN1: drive defensively and avoid night driving.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Xai-Xai yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Praia do Xai-Xai beach
- Snorkelling at coral reefs
- Gateway to the Limpopo River mouth
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Xai-Xai, revision 5222421 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5222421
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/xai-xai). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.