Inhambane city is situated on a peninsula
on Mozambique's south - central coast. It is a tropical
area with deserted white beaches and clear tropical waters.
The town of Inhambane is one of the oldest settlements
in southern Africa. In 1534, Portuguese traders established
a trading post here and their legacy can be seen in the
architecture and layout of the city. There are many old
buildings in varying states of repair, including a 200-year-old
cathedral. The market, where slaves, ivory, gold and spices
were once traded, is well worth a visit.
The city is situated on the edge of tidal mudflat and estuary
directly opposite the town of Maxixe. Mangrove swamps flank
the water along the edge of the peninsula, all the way up
to Barra. Inland a variety of shallow pans and wetlands
are to be found. Sandy grassland occurs in patches throughout
the indigenous woodland areas. A lot of ground has been
cleared for cultivation and of course the area is known
for its huge stands of exotic palm trees. Isolated patches
of secondary dune forest are to be found near the coast.
Old buildings and cobblestone streets provide faded colonial
charm, but most travellers only stay a few hours before
heading to the beautiful beaches of Tofo and Barra. Tofo
beach is a broad expanse of clean sand fringed by palms
and coconut trees. Barra is a beautiful headland with sea
on the one side and mangrove forests on the other. It's
a lovely stretch of coastline frequented by fishermen and
dhows.
How to get there?
A Private Charter fly from Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg
on Fridays and Mondays directly to Inhambane, with same
day return flights. LAM (Mozambique Airlines) fly on Wednesdays
/ Fridays / Saturdays & Sundays with return flights
on Wednesdays & Fridays.
| Accomodation |
| Flamingo
Bay Water Lodge |
Flamingo Bay Water Lodge is situated in the crystal clear waters of Flamingo Bay. Wooden walkways lead to the unique water chalets, which are built on stilts over the ocean. Panoramic sea views are visible from all windows of your chalet.
The 20 water chalets are spacious and well appointed with balcony, wide opening sliding doors and air-conditioning.
The chalets and furniture are constructed from beautiful local hardwoods from Mozambique. Each chalet is situated on stilts in the crystal clear tidal waters of Inhambane Bay. Sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and boating may be enjoyed directly from each chalet. Golf carts are available to take you from the main reception area to each individual chalet.
Flamingo Water Bay Lodge's main building is set aside from the rooms but connected by a wooden walkway.
A restaurant overlooks the inviting swimming pool which merges into the view across the bay. Enjoy cocktails on the spacious pool deck while watching the sunset or enjoy your meals in the morning or evening either indoors or outdoors.
The gourmet restaurant offers sumptuous meals specialising in local dishes of Mozambique including fresh prawns, fish, crabs and calamari which are all caught locally. The well stocked bar is a gathering point attracting guests to share their days experiences and enjoy the magical sunsets. An upstairs area enhances the view as the day draws to a close.
Coffee Bar is the ideal place to relax over a good cup of coffee and a light meal.
A spacious air-conditioned conference centre seats 60 guests comfortably.
Facilities: Curio Shop / Internet facilities
Activities: Scuba Diving / Catamaran Yacht / Charter Boat Fishing / Dhow Trips / Mangrove Sightseeing / Horse Riding / Quad Bikes / Water Sports
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| Barra
Lodge |
Barra Lodge is set in one of the most picturesque areas in Mozambique, with spectacular views of pristine beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Barra has secluded, unspoilt beaches, bordered by the Inhambane estuary on one side and the sea on the other.
The lodge is nestled among groves of coconut trees; all rooms have exquisite beach and sea views. The traditional Casitas is made of thatch, brick and reeds creating a charming atmosphere.
While you relax to the sight and the sound of the waves gently breaking on the shore, indulge your taste buds at the restaurant. Fresh seafood dominates the menu with prawns, calamari and fresh line fish remaining the ever-popular favourites. The tropical beach bar creates an atmosphere of relaxation where the best fisherman's yarns are heard.
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| Pomene Bay Lodge |
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Pomene Bay Lodge is situated in one of the most picturesque spots in Mozambique. Situated on a narrow peninsula with the Indian Ocean lapping at its front doorstep and crystal clear waters of a spectacular Mangrove Estuary lapping on the other, it has the best of both worlds. From every accommodation site you are no more than one minutes walk from the white beach sand and the warm Indian Ocean. The lodge is advantageously located in the Pomene Bay offering a sheltered haven for swimming. Here one cannot escape the rhythmic sound of the ocean nor miss seeing perfect sunsets over the Estuary
10Water Chaletsgrace the Estuary Sheltered from wind and sea this is the perfect getaway for those looking for a "back to nature" experience. These rooms are all, en-suite with double bed and situated within the tidal zone in the Estuary. They are serviced daily but do however not have air-conditioning.
There are 3 self-catering chalets available (8 sleeper / 6 sleeper / 4 sleeper). All the chalets have cutlery, crockery, 2 plate gas cooker, freezer and bedding including mosquito nets on all beds. Each chalet has a separate toilet and shower with hot and cold water. All cleaning materials and swimming towels are to be provided by guests.
The Den is 4 x 1 roomed chalets each with en-suite shower and toilet (sleeps maximum 2 per room).
This cluster of chalets has a communal fully equipped kitchen, suitable for a group of 8 people who are looking for a little more privacy than living together in one chalet.
The Campsites are spacious and have their own ablution block with hot and cold water.
In addition to the campsite one may book a barraca which is an open sided thatched area, with plug point, suitable for storage & commonly utilized as an open air eating / living area. All campsites have electrical plug points.
Enjoy a meal al fresco on the restaurant balcony on the banks of the Estuary where fresh fish and crab are menu favourites; however meals to suit all tastes are on offer.
The bar overlooks the pool and Estuary a perfect spot for sunsets and Fishing tales. Pomene currently runs on generator power and the power supply is turned off in the evenings. Lights are available during the night from a reserve power supply.
Scuba diving - The Diving is world class and is regarded by some as the best Diving in Mozambique. The density & variety of marine life is astounding. There are 12 regular dive sites and still many more to be explored.
Fishing – Pomene is renowned for offering some of the best Game Fishing in Mozambique. Hard fighting adversaries such as Wahoo, King Fish Tuna, Couta & bill Fish congregate in these waters to test your tackle and your skill. There is a boat for hire, including an experienced skipper who knows the local waters well. All rods, tackle and bait are included.
Other activities: Ocean Seafaris with Snorkelling Fishing Ski’s / Spear Fishing / Quad Bike Trails / Mangrove Trails / Horse Riding
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What to see
Inhambane City is steeped in history. First founded by Vasco
da Gama in 1534 it was the most southerly slave port used
by the Arabs. Stroll through this old slaving port, visit
the harbour and local museum, seek out the deposed statue
of Vasco de Gama, visit the cathedral and find the beautiful
old buildings with their colonial Portuguese architecture.
The African culture and local market places all make it
a fascination town to browse around. A number of restaurants
in and around Inhambane give a variety of options.
What to do
Diving & Snorkelling
The diving in this region offers a wealth of choice and
variety for novices, photographers and the more adventurous
diver. Gullies, amphitheatres and rocky ridges with both
hard & soft corals comprise our interesting underwater
terrain. A beautiful, shallow lagoon offers the perfect
place for confined water training, introductory dives and
superb snorkelling. Aquatic life is in abundance with astounding
fish population just metres from the shore break. Manta
rays and whale shark can be seen all year round as close
as 1km offshore.
Fishing
Excellent opportunities exist in virtually unexploited waters.
Surf fishermen have endless expanses of beach offering both
blue and white water on sand. Rock fishing offers kilometres
of gullies, deep channels, or white water. Fly fishers can
choose their spot from the beach or rock - large, deep pools
exposed during low tide hold blacktip kingfish! A huge diversity
of game fish abound in these waters including sailfish and
marlin, this has made it the prime destination for fishing
competitions. Tag and release is encouraged.
Fishing from croca
skis
These 'fishing kayaks' have become very popular amongst
anglers in South Africa due to their lightweight construction,
superb stability and easy manoeuvrability. Large fish including
billfish have been taken from these craft and much can be
said about its lack of noise and minimal silhouette, which
from a fishing point of view stands for a lot. Guided and
self–guided excursions both in the estuary as well
as offshore are available.
Watersports-Freshwater Lake
A 28 km long freshwater lake, crystal clear and lukewarm,
is only minutes away by vehicle. The lake is perfect for
safe swimming, kayaks, canoes, water-/jetskiing, sailing,
windsurfing, etc, and offers a valuable alternative away
from the beach.
Catamaran Yacht
The luxury 33 foot, live aboard catamaran offers unforgettable
day. The yacht moors alongside coral reefs for snorkelling
and diving. It cruises the flat waters of the estuary, stopping
for a picnic on a secluded beach before gently heading for
home.
Ocean Safaris
This fun ride to sea gives one the opportunity of seeking
out the elusive and rare dugong. You also stand a good chance
of seeing Whales and Whale Sharks as well as the resident
pods of Dolphins.
Quad bikes
One of the most popular activities, a guided quad bike trail
through the coconut plantations and local villages adds
a new dimension to Mozambique. One is able to get into areas
that one would normally never see. The ability to travel
into off beat areas allows one to experience the real Mozambique.
Quad bikes are not allowed on the beaches.
Mangrove
Adjacent to the lodge is a salt-water mangrove with crystal
clear waters; here one can explore by boat or foot. This
ecosystem is made up of a fascinating chain of pioneering
and sacrificial plants together with a huge array of crustaceans.
Flocks of Flamingos, the local fish traps and stunning sunsets
over the estuary makes this a photographer's dream.
Dhow Trips
Take a trip on a dhow and feel a great sense of history
as the dhows are still built as in ancient times. This is
something that must be experienced before this age-old art
dies out. The Dhow trips depart from the Inhambane harbour
and you may go either around the bay or to the town of Maxixe
across the bay.
Horse riding
A guided horse ride on the beach is a once in a lifetime
experience.
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