Inhambane city is on a peninsula on Mozambique’s south coast; approximately 470 km northeast of Maputo. It was once an important port and it is the capital of the Inhambane Province.
The Portuguese established a permanent settlement and trading post at Inhambane in 1534. Making it one of the oldest settlements in Southern Africa.
The city boasts impressive architecture. The 170 year old Cathedral of our Lady of Conception is in the old quarter of the city. A rusted ladder leads to the top of the spire. If you prepared to risk the rusty ladder, the panoramic views of the city and harbor are worth it.
The central market is on the main boulevard (Mercado Central). It offers numerous foods including spices, vegetables, fish, and cashew nuts. Inhambane has an airport providing access to Tofu and Barra plus other beach resorts.
Tofu
Approximately 30 minutes drive from Inhambane airport is Tofu which the main reason why people fly into Inhambane.
Inhambane and Tofo’s beaches are some of the most popular in Mozambique; especially for South Africans. There are a number of bars and restaurants offering excellent seafood and Portuguese Peri Peri Chicken. There’s plenty of space so it rarely feels crowded – just Christmas and Easter can get full.
Until recently; it was mainly a backpackers area but there are now a few more upmarket accommodation options.
What to do in Inhambane and Tofu
The main attractions in this region are surfing, fishing, and diving; which is excellent. Additionally; off-shore snorkeling trips where you’ll swim with huge whale sharks and manta rays. Tofo is considered one of the best places in the world to see these giants; especially the mantas.
Scuba diving is particularly popular in locations like Amazon Reef, Manta Reef, and Galleria. Whale Sharks, Turtles, and giant Manta Rays plus many other species of marine life are regularly seen by scuba divers in this area.
