Xefina Is.; aka Xefina Pequena (Little Xefina, even though it is the largest of the three Xefinas with 6.2 km2!) is located between Maputo city and the Incomati river mouth. It is just 5 nm north of Club Naval.
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The island has a fascinating history. .. from a stronghold during WWI where massive cannons - the likes of "Guns of Naverone" - were built (now rusting away and half submerged due to serious erosion), it was turned into a prison and leper colony. Today it serves as a temporary fishing camp and holds a small resident community of less than 100 people... projects for several major resorts have been proposed, but thus far it stays the same. Rugged, beautiful and under serious erosion...
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The tidal flats are a resting and foraging ground for several species of birds including flamingo and there's plenty of nature to explore. On its sandy beaches, ghost and hermit crabs rule, sand dollar and shells are abundant... the tenatious mangroves are excellent places to take kids exploring. The inland bird life is really interesting and a walk along the beach to visit the ruins of the cannons is a must...
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Whenever the sea sea is rough or like yesterday when we don't have a full day to spend in the beach, Xefina is always at hand. It is the closest somewhat decent, quiet and safe beach, from Maputo...
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When time allows or there's a crowd especially during summer weekends, I like to go to the northern point that .... a lot more remote and the drive there is very relaxing...
Xefina may not look like the typical white-sandy beach of southern Moz. It may not have the "glamour" of Tofo, Guinjata or Mili.... but it really is a especial place, where one can always rely on when these other place are simply out of reach!
