Inhambane offers a stop over for the journey to Beira or to the beautiful beaches of Tofo. It is 500km north of Maputo. This is an old ivory and slave trade port. The main boulevard has small shops, a central market, banking services (no traveler's cheques) and the freshest bread in all of Mozambique. One of the oldest towns in Mozambique dating back to the 10th century. Major income of the city comes from cashew nut processing.
A minibus leaves from behind the market regularly. There is decent internet in town though facing regular power cuts Minibuses leave from behind the Market regularly - 15,000 Meticais one-way. Inhambane also offers decent Internet access at 50,000 per hour, though regular power disruptions may mean a lost email or two.
Attractions in Inhambane
Tree lined avenues are the characteristics of Inhambane. There is an energetic market place, a waterfront and a bathing area. The beaches are palm lined.
For the culture lovers there is a 200 year old Cathedral of our lady of conception, municipal buildings and a museum. The town itself is set on a bay looking across Maxixe.
Watch the dhows cruise across the bay as you enjoy a drink. You can hire a dhow to sail around the bay. It is possible to hire a dhow to sail around the bay or up to Linga Linga Nature Reserve. This area was once a whaling station. Now it is a home to remaining dugong in Southern Mozambique.
The landscape surrounding Inhambane is dominated by thousands of coconut palms! This long stretch of coastline is by far the most developed in Mozambique as far as tourism is concerned. Apart from the beautiful historical town of Inhambane the main attraction to this area are the idyllic beaches of Jangamo, Tofo, Tofinho and Barra. A variety of marine activities are found on these beaches. It is a great area for snorkelling, diving and surfing. There are many good reefs in the area including the aptly named Manta reef, and Praia de Rocha where the rock and coral has formed a spectacular landscape of pinnacles, gullies, and overhangs. There is also the opportunity for dolphin and whale watching safaris.
Getting to Inhambane
There are
flights to Inhambane from Lanseria airport in Johannesburg South Africa or from OR Tambo International Airport. Alternatively you can drive on good tar roads. Its just 30 minutes drove from Inhambane passing through the local villages and tropical coconut forests.
Accommodation in Inhambane
Wide sands of Praia do Tofo are edged with hotels, guest houses and restaurants. There are very comfortable beaches that can be found on the beaches. On the north of the peninsula is a good lodge and camp site adjacent to Barra Point. A range of water-related activities and microlite flights over the reefs, sand banks and mangroves are offered. Ponta da Linga Linga is a nature reserve where villagers tend fishing traps from traditional dugout canoes. Horse riding on the beach to scuba diving.
Flamingo Bay Water Lodge
•Situated on stilts in the crystal clear waters of Flamingo Bay in the Indian Ocean.
•Flamingo Bay Water Lodge is located in the province of Inhambane, 485Km north of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
•20 Luxury water chalets with Air conditioning, Balcony, Bathroom en suite, Wooden walkways, Golf cart shuttle, Swimming Pool, Library/Lounge, Bar, Coffee Shop, Restaurant, Conference centre, Curio Shop, Internet facilities, Shuttle service, Tea/Coffee in chalet
•Activities include snorkelling, beach walks and scuba diving.
Barra Lodge
•This beautiful beach lodge has onsite activity centre or relax around the pool.
•Many activities are provided which include diving, fishing and horse riding.
•Each "casita" is fully serviced daily and has twin beds, mosquito nets, fans and en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet.
•Breakfast and dinner is included in your package
•Facilities include restaurant and bar, swimming pool, laundry
Casa John is on Tofinho Beach, just 20 kilometres south of Inhambane.
•coastal views houses with cleaning facilities everyday
•each house is fully equipped and can accommodate 6 people. It ahs an pen plan design
•Watch whales fro early June to October and dolphins chasing their catch
•You can sun and surf and take a walk along the beaches.
•Enjoy the local music and enjoy the food from the restaurant.
Jangamo Beach Lodge
•Before you reach Inhambane Town, a well-signed road on the right that leads to 'Praia de Jangamo'. A 20km 4x4 drive south. Follow signs and you'll turn off left over a dune to the beach. The area surrounding Praia de Jangamo is green forests, the deep Blue Ocean and pure white beaches.
•You can enjoy trying to break a coconut without a tool.
•Pick up some shells to decorate in your home
Travel advice
The best time to visit is between April and October when the shores are cooled by the trade winds. October to March can be rather hot and windy. Jun-Aug is also a good time when both temperatures and rainfall are low. The weather is extremely humid due to its close proximity to the tropic of Capricorn. Daytime temperatures exceed 25°C inland; the coastal areas remain cooler because of the sea breeze. The area in which the city lies is a cyclone prone area.
The inhabitants of Inhambane city number around 50,000. The main industrial activity consists of cashew nut processing, with tourism being one of the major revenue activities. The city is one of the oldest settlements in southern Africa, and has a rich European tradition from the time the Portuguese set up a post here.
Please note that Mozambique is a malaria area. Wearing light clothes, using repellent on exposed skin will minimise mosquito bites. Always sleep under treated mosquito netting or have doors and windows that are screened against mosquitoes.
