[1] Xai-Xai, formerly João Belo, developed in the early 1900s, under Portuguese rule, as a companion port to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo), though its economic significance was never on par with Mozambique's largest city.

It was hit hard by the 2000 Limpopo floods, caused by four weeks of heavy rainfall accompanying Cyclone Leon-Eline, leaving some buildings 3 metres (10 ft) under water.

[5] At an elevation of 9.8 m (32 ft),[3] Xai-Xai is located on the Limpopo River, close to the Indian Ocean,[6] and in a wide, fertile plain where rice is grown.

Xai-Xai is a bustling town with markets, shops, restaurants, bars, petrol stations, banks, and a post office.

[6] A coral reef running parallel to the shore offers good snorkeling and protects the beach from strong waves.