A coastal town with Portuguese colonial buildings from the 1700s, white-sand beaches, and warm waters where whale sharks and manta rays swim year-round.
Inhambane sits on a calm bay 470 kilometers northeast of Maputo. In the old quarter, you'll walk past the 170-year-old Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception and see traditional dhow boats crossing the waters. Local vendors at the central market sell fresh prawns, dried fish, and locally grown cashews. A short drive takes you to Tofo Beach, where divers regularly encounter manta rays and whale sharks in the warm Indian Ocean waters.
Getting to Inhambane
You can reach Inhambane by road from Maputo on the EN1 highway, which takes approximately six hours. The city's airport receives daily flights from Maputo and charter flights from Johannesburg. Local minibuses connect Inhambane to nearby towns and beaches, while dhow boats regularly cross the bay to Maxixe.
Marine Life and Diving
Manta rays swim year-round at Manta Reef, while whale sharks frequent the waters between November and April. You can book diving trips at several PADI-certified dive centers, which take you to more than 12 dive sites. From June to September, humpback whales migrate through these waters.
The Old Quarter
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception stands in the center of Inhambane's historic district, and you can climb its spire for views across the bay. Walk through the narrow streets to see the 19th-century Portuguese colonial buildings, including an old mosque and an art deco cinema. The former trading houses along these streets once served as centers for ivory and spice trade.
Markets and Local Food
Visit the Mercado Central along the main boulevard in the morning to see fishermen selling their fresh catch and farmers displaying coconuts, cashews, and citrus fruits. Small restaurants around the market cook grilled prawns and fish curry with coconut rice. The region grows particularly large and sweet tangerines.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Tofo Beach extends for several kilometers, with waves that draw surfers throughout the year. The beach town has grown into a relaxed community with restaurants and guesthouses facing the ocean. At Barra Beach, you can swim in natural tidal pools near the lighthouse during low tide, or explore the mangrove estuary by kayak.
Local Transportation and Language
Move around Inhambane city in tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis. About 200,000 people in the region speak Bitonga, the local language. Learning basic phrases like "Nhibongile" (thank you) and "Nugodio" (good morning) helps when talking with locals. Plan your visit during the dry season from April to October for mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.
