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 luxurious en-suite.The 20 chalets
are spacious and well appointed with balcony, wide opening
sliding doors and air-conditioning. Sunbathing, swimming,
snorkelling and boating may be enjoyed directly from
your chalet. Golf carts is be 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.
The main lodge houses a cocktail bar, restaurant,
lounge and library and there is also a swimming pool.
White sands lace the beaches. |
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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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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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