The town of Xai Xai, situated on the Limpopo River, is a sprawling settlement of houses, markets and shops. Tourists generally only stop off for supplies in Xai Xai: it is on the main coastal road between Maputo and the more popular beaches of Inhambane. There is, however, a great beach about 10 kilometres to the east. The bay has a coral reef running about one kilometre offshore which offers protected waters for swimming and snorkelling. Being so close to the banks of the Limpopo River, Xai-Xai was hit particularly hard by the 2000 floods, with some buildings finding themselves 3 metres deep. But the town was open for business almost as soon as the waters receded. You can stay at the Xai-Xai Beach Resort or you can camp at a beach campsite.