Mozambique – All Out Africa

Marine Conservation Mozambique Q1 2026

Simise — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:21:06 +0000

Marine Conservation Mozambique Q1 2026 marks a dynamic and impactful period for All Out Africa’s Marine Research and Conservation Center. In January, we said goodbye to Jule Buschmann, who has been managing the Marine Research and Conservation Center for the last two years. She will be greatly missed for her valuable contributions, and spent her last month at the MRC training her successor, Therese Lauridsen, who will be managing the center going forward.

We have hosted three volunteers in January, eight in February, and five in March, completing more than 60 research dives! On these dives, 13 Leopard sharks have been identified using AI spot mapping. Two Leopard sharks had not previously been documented, so these were submitted as new individuals for the shared global dataset ‘Sharkbook’. The volunteers named the first one ‘Professor’ and the second one ‘Power’. We also managed to submit a research paper on Leopard sharks “Leopard Sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum) in Southern Mozambique: Population Structure, Spatial Ecology and First Observations of Courtship behaviour” led by AoA and supported by MMF.

This quarter presented great challenges for the community of the Inhambane province. With floods in both January and March, and the cyclone Gezani in February, the research center was challenged on completing the research dives and the regular activities. It was, however, during the 6-day power outage following the cyclone the new Leopard shark ‘Power’ was discovered - hence the name. The volunteers however made these challenges into opportunities, as they offered their support in cleaning up debris and rebuilding, which many from the community expressed moved them.

In March, the Whale sharks finally returned to Tofo, after having been absent since September 2025. The volunteers are very excited, and we are taking every chance we get to swim with these magnificent creatures. Four times we have been able to ID them, one of them has not been documented in the datasets before, so the volunteers are lucky enough to name this one too. The timing could not have been better, as we currently are hosting a three month intern from the Netherlands, coming to study the Whale sharks. She however changed her research topic from Photo-ID and AI spotmapping, to trying to explain this long absence of Whale shark from September 2025 to March 2026. This fits well with another research paper submitted for publication this quarter, where the data sets of Whale shark sightings have been analysed, and suggests a new possibility of a seasonal redistribution and movement patterns of the Whale sharks, which used to be present in Tofo all year.

Overall, the volunteers have shown great spirits through challenging times, and very genuine care for the community and the locals of the area, while still completing their research dives and contributing to the large datasets aimed at marine conservation in Mozambique.
The research center has submitted three different research papers. Follow along on our Instagram, where we will post when they are published

Feeling inspired? Contact us at bookings@alloutafrica.com to learn more about our Mozambique volunteering and internship programs.

We’re Proud to Share Some Big News from Tofo Beach!

All Out Afica — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:33:14 +0000

We’re delighted to announce that a story about an exciting scientific paper - authored by our very own Marine Conservation Project Coordinator, Jule Buschmann - will soon be featured in Shark News, the newsletter of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group! Look out for the article in issue 12 due to be published very soon.

The paper, published late last year in Frontiers in Marine Science, highlights the ground-breaking work being done by our Marine Research Programme in Tofo Beach.

So what’s the research all about?

Over a period of three years, Jule and the team used long-life remote underwater video cameras (LL-RUVs) to observe visitors to the reef - without any disturbance by divers. These cameras were placed at reef “cleaning stations,” where species like manta rays gather to get spruced up by small fish. The result? Over 500 hours of footage revealing 14 different shark and ray species, including reef mantas, oceanic mantas, and even the elusive smalleye stingray.

The footage captured not only who’s visiting these reef spas, but also some interesting and rarely witnessed behaviours and interactions between species. It’s all part of a bigger picture that helps scientists better understand how to protect these incredible (and often endangered) creatures.

Why it matters

The study showcases a low-impact, high-reward method for monitoring marine wildlife, crucial in places like southern Mozambique, a global biodiversity hotspot. By seeing how these animals use local reef, researchers can develop better conservation strategies and ensure cleaning stations are protected for the long haul.

We’re incredibly proud of Jule and the team for this contribution to global marine science, and can’t wait for the upcoming feature in Shark News. Stay tuned to this page for when it goes live in issue 12!

Want to get involved?

You can be part of this pioneering research through our Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Volunteer Programme in Mozambique! Work alongside scientists, assist with underwater camera deployments, help ID species from video footage, and contribute directly to cutting-edge conservation.

Whether you're a budding marine biologist or just passionate about ocean life, this is your chance to make a difference and have the adventure of a lifetime.

Learn more & apply now– limited spaces available! SPECIAL OFFER FOR NOVEMBER 2025 START!

To celebrate this publication we are offering a very special discount for volunteers wishing to join us in November 2025: Book a four week placement for the price of three weeks – Yes, that’s right, one whole week free.

Email bookings@alloutafrica.com quoting “Shark News” to claim this amazing offer.

*Direct bookings only

Be sure to follow on Instagram or Facebook to see latest news, photos and videos from the project in Tofo Beach

Discovering the Mysteries of the Ocean: Amazing Facts about Jellyfish

All Out Afica — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:02:26 +0000

Jellyfish are some of the most fascinating and mysterious creatures that inhabit our oceans. These gelatinous beings have been captivating marine enthusiasts for centuries with their unique characteristics. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of jellyfish and uncover some incredible facts that you probably didn’t know.

Gorgeous Jellyfish: Ocean’s captivating beauties. (Source: Tim Mossholder)

1. Ancient Sea Dwellers

Jellyfish are ancient sea creatures that have been roaming our oceans for millions of years. They are one of the oldest living organisms on Earth, making them a testament to the resilience of marine life [2].

2. Abundance in Oceans

Unlike many other marine species, jellyfish are not at risk of extinction. In fact, there is a surplus of jellyfish in our oceans, and they can be found in every ocean around the world [5].

3. Diverse Species

Jellyfish come in various shapes and sizes, with more than 2,000 different species identified. From the graceful moon jellyfish to the imposing lion’s mane jellyfish, each species has its unique features and behaviors [2].

4. Unusual Locomotion

Jellyfish are known for their distinctive mode of movement. They use a pulsating motion to propel themselves through the water, making them appear as if they’re gracefully dancing beneath the waves [3].

5. Ancient Medicine

Believe it or not, jellyfish venom has shown promise in the field of medicine. Some researchers are exploring the potential of jellyfish toxins to develop new drugs for various medical conditions, including heart disease and cancer [2].

6. Essential Marine Role

Jellyfish play a vital role in marine ecosystems. They serve as a food source for various marine animals, including sea turtles. Additionally, they help control the populations of smaller organisms, contributing to the balance of oceanic ecosystems [1].

Tofo Dive Adventure: Up close with a Jellyfish in Mozambique. (Source: MRC)

7. Box Jellyfish – A Unique Species

Box jellyfish are known for their distinctive cube-like shape, measuring up to 20cm on each side. These intriguing creatures can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific region [6].

Jellyfish are not just captivating beings in the ocean but also essential to the marine ecosystem. Their enigmatic beauty and unique characteristics make them a subject of fascination for scientists and marine enthusiasts alike. The more we learn about these ancient sea dwellers, the more we appreciate the wonders of our oceans.

So next time you’re near the ocean, keep an eye out for these mesmerizing creatures and remember the important role they play in the delicate balance of marine life.

All Out Africa Foundation Annual Report 2021 – 2022

All Out Afica — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 08:57:42 +0000

Over the past two years, the All Out Africa Foundation has faced immense challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Poverty, education, health and wellbeing, and conservation efforts have all suffered across our regions of operation in Eswatini, South Africa, and Mozambique. Despite limited government resources, our foundation has worked tirelessly to address these growing needs. Thankfully, 2022 has been a year of progress for us. To read more click HERE

Mozambique beach tours from Eswatini (Eswatini)

All Out Afica — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 08:42:08 +0000

Mozambique beach tours from Eswatini (Eswatini) have been a regular occurrence for us since early 2004. Covid travel restrictions have made leisure travel from Eswatini (Eswatini) to Mozambique virtually impossible for the past year, but things may be about to improve. With the daily infection rate currently dropping in both Mozambique and Eswatini (Eswatini) it is likely that we will be able to start running tours from Eswatini (Eswatini) to Mozambique in the next few months.

Many people in Eswatini (Eswatini) have visited Maputo before, but there are some other destinations that are well worth checking out, and All Out Africa can take you there! Here is our list of the top 3 Mozambique destinations within reach from Eswatini (Eswatini):

Ponta d’ Ouro Beach Tours from Eswatini (Eswatini)

Ponta d’ Ouro Beach Tours from Eswatini (Eswatini) are probably the quickest way to get to a great beach. Located just south of Maputo “Ponta d’ Ouro” is only a 4-hour drive from Ezulwini and can be enjoyed on a 2-night visit. The Ponta bay has beautiful golden sand beaches and warm, clear ocean water, making it a popular choice.

Swim with dolphins in Ponta d’ Ouro

The town is set right on the beach and there is a wide range of accommodations and restaurants to choose from. The highlights of Ponta include the stunning beaches, ocean safaris to swim with wild dolphins and quad biking tours through the breathtaking coastal plains.

One of the restaurants found in Ponta d’ Ouro

***Tofo Beach* *Tours from Eswatini (Eswatini)***

Tofo Beach Tours from Eswatini (Eswatini) take you to a proper tropical Indian ocean beach. Tofo is a microcosm of Mozambique with so much on offer. It takes about 9 hours to get to by road from Eswatini (Eswatini) so we recommend no less than a 4-night visit. There are many good restaurants in the town as well as markets to explore. You can choose from a wide range of accommodation many of which are located right on the beach.

This is one of the best places in the world to snorkel alongside whale sharks and scuba dive with manta rays. Other activities included surfing lessons, beach yoga, mangrove kayaking, and sunset sailing trips.

Kayaking Tofo Mozambique’s Indian ocean

Maputo Elephant Reserve (Maputo Special Reserve) Beach Tours from Eswatini (Eswatini)

Maputo Elephant Reserve (Maputo Special Reserve) beach tours take you through one of the most beautiful and untouched coastal nature reserves in southern Africa and it’s just a hop over the Lubombo hills from Eswatini (Eswatini). Nestled just south of Inhaca Island and Maputo it’s only 4 hours from Ezulwini. The park combines miles and miles of exquisite, untouched sand beaches with rolling coastal plains and inland lakes. Elephants are present and fairly commonly seen along with reedbuck, waterbuck, warthog and kudu.

Maputo Elephant Reserve shows a herd of elephants

Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to mid-range bungalows and camping. What makes this place so unique is that you can combine a game drive safari experience with the beach and diving. This is a place well worth visiting, it’s like paradise on earth.

For more information or to book your own Mozambique tour email us tours@alloutafrica.com