Inhambane province in Mozambique has excellent beaches as well as good opportunities for diving and snorkeling. The pretty historical town of Inhambane offers charming colonial architecture and affordable shopping for local products, while the coastal resorts such as Praia do Tofo, Praia dos Cocos and Ponto do Barra are perfect for relaxing beach holidays. Still undiscovered by mass tourism, Inhambane area is becoming popular as a diving destination.
Coastal region located on eastern Mozambique in southern Africa, the Inhambane province includes the sleepy historic capital city of Inhambane, as well as popular beach areas such as Tofo Beachm (Praia do Tofo) and small outlying islands. Inhambane is one of the oldest settlements on the coast of Mozambique, and a popular trading place since the 11th century. The Portuguese established a trading post and a missionary in Inhambane in the 1500s, and Inhambane became a center for ivory and slave trade. However, the town diminished in importance in the 20th century, and suffered from the civil war in Mozambique in the 1980s. Today, Inhambane’s great potential for tourism is being slowly developed.
Beaches & water sports. Of the many beautiful sandy beaches in Inhambane province, Praia do Tofo is the most popular. Located about 30 km from the town, Tofo has become a popular beach destination amongst backpackers with its wide beaches, nightlife options and great diving and snorkeling. Surfing, kite surfing and kayaking are also available. The nearby Tofinio is a great place for surfing in Inhambane, and Praia dos Cocos and Ponto do Barra offer a more quiet but as lovely beach destinations in the area.
Coastal region located on eastern Mozambique in southern Africa, the Inhambane province includes the sleepy historic capital city of Inhambane, as well as popular beach areas such as Tofo Beachm (Praia do Tofo) and small outlying islands. Inhambane is one of the oldest settlements on the coast of Mozambique, and a popular trading place since the 11th century. The Portuguese established a trading post and a missionary in Inhambane in the 1500s, and Inhambane became a center for ivory and slave trade. However, the town diminished in importance in the 20th century, and suffered from the civil war in Mozambique in the 1980s. Today, Inhambane’s great potential for tourism is being slowly developed.
Sights and activities in Inhambane: Beaches, historical attractions, diving & snorkeling
Inhambane is a small historical town located along Inhambane Bay. Best known for its colonial architecture, Inhambane hosts a 170 years old cathedral, an old mosque, a museum and a colorful market great for shopping local food products and handicrafts. The town is also the main travel hub in the area. The town of Maxixe is located across the bay, while nearby beaches include Praia do Tofo, Praia dos Cocos, Ponto do Barra, Ilha de Benquerra and Guinjata Bay. Snorkeling and diving in Inhambane is excellent in the warm and clear waters of the Indian Ocean. There are many dive operators and dive sites around the province.Beaches & water sports. Of the many beautiful sandy beaches in Inhambane province, Praia do Tofo is the most popular. Located about 30 km from the town, Tofo has become a popular beach destination amongst backpackers with its wide beaches, nightlife options and great diving and snorkeling. Surfing, kite surfing and kayaking are also available. The nearby Tofinio is a great place for surfing in Inhambane, and Praia dos Cocos and Ponto do Barra offer a more quiet but as lovely beach destinations in the area.
Inhambane travel information and practical tips
Inhambane has a tropical climate with two main seasons.
Photo: Erazo-Fischer, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
There is a hot wet season from October to March, with heavy rainfall and occasional cyclones, and a bit cooler dry season from April to September.
How to get there. Inhambane has a small airport with flights to Inhambane from Maputo and Johannesburg. You can also travel to Inhambane by bus from Maputo or by car from South Africa or elsewhere in Mozambique.
Local transportation in Inhambane area is offered by local minibuses called chapas or by taxis. Car rental in Inhambane is also possible. Beach resort areas in Inhambane are small in size and everything is within walking distance.
Visitor services. Hotels in Inhambane, as well as many small hostels and guesthouses can be found both in Inhambane town and in the beach resort areas. Especially Praia do Tofo has plenty of accommodation to choose from. Restaurants in Inhambane are similarly located both in the town and around the popular beaches. In addition to local dishes, European and international cuisine are also available. There are also many bars in the beach areas, especially in Praia do Tofo. Some English is spoken in Inhambane, but it is good to learn also some phrases in Portuguese.
Safety. Inhambane area consists mainly of peaceful small town locales, but as Mozambique is a very poor country, crime against tourists does happen. Take care of your valuables while at the beach, and never walk alone in unlit areas at dark. Also, be aware that there are still landmines on some rural areas of Mozambique, so stay on the beaten trails. Also watch out for jellyfish and snakes.
