Introducing Inhambane

Inhambane is a province of Mozambique which is situated on the coast in the southern part of the country.  The Inhambane Province covers an area of 68,615 km² and has an approximate population of 1,500,000.  The provincial capital is also called Inhambane.

The climate in this region of Southern Africa is tropical throughout the year.  It is more humid along the coast and dryer inland.  The coast of Mozambique is home to many mangrove swamps.

The town of Inhambane existed in the 10th century, and was the southernmost port used by the Arabs for slave trading. This area of Mozambique was visited by Vasco da Gama in 1498, who claimed Inhambane Bay for Portugal.  The Portuguese established a trading post at Inhambane in 1534.

The province of Inhambane is the second largest grower of cashews, additionally coconut and citrus fruit are also produced here.  The magnificent, long coastline of southern Mozambique supports much fishing. The Inhambane Bay area features several beaches and one of the last remaining populations of dugong in Mozambique.

The Inhambane Province is subdivived into the following districts:

• Funhalouro District
• Govuro District
• Homoine District
• Jangamo District
• Inharrime District
• Inhassoro District
• Mabote District
• Massinga District
• Morrumbene District
• Panda District
• Vilankulo District
• Zavala District

Cities of the Inhambane Province in Mozambique

• Inhambane: provincial capital
• Maxixe: largest population, and the province's economic capital

The southern coast of Mozambique is well known for its excellent diving and surfing opportunities.  It is also here where visitors have the unique opportunity to swim with dolphins and whale sharks.  During the summer, October to December, turtles come onto the beach to lay their eggs, and in the winter whale watching is a popular attraction.  Driving on the beach in this area in Mozambique is not permitted but there are exciting 4x4 trails through the dune forest.  Fishing for barracuda, kingfish and bream is popular in this region of Mozambique.

The quaint village of Ponta D’Ouro in Mozambique is a short distance from the South African border at Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.  Due to its mild and tropical climate and its beautiful coastline, Ponta D’Ouro in Mozambique is a popular beach and holiday destination.  Ponta D’Ouro reflects an inviting and picturesque setting surrounded by casuarinas trees, sand dunes and the sea.  There is a wide variety of accommodation available, lively restaurants and a few shops.  The towns of Ponta Mamoli and Ponta Malongane are located near Ponta D’Ouro.

The Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique

The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of six islands in Mozambique, near the mainland city of Vilankulo.  The Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique comprises the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque, Santa Carolina, which is also known as Paradise Island, and Shell.  The Bazaruto Archipelago forms part of the Vilancolos District of Mozambique's Inhambane Province.

The islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, were formed from sand which has been deposited here by the Limpopo River, which has since shifted its course. Tourist attractions in this region of Southern Africa include sandy beaches, coral reefs, and many opportunities for surfing and fishing.  The Bazaruto Archipelago became a National Park in 1971.

The tropical island of Santa Carolina measures only 2 miles by 0.3 miles in size.  Santa Carolina in Mozambique is a true rock island with deep channels. Santa Carolina has three beautiful beaches with coral reefs close to the shore. The island, also known as Paradise Island, is regarded as the ‘gem’ of the islands forming the Bazaruto Archipelago which is a proclaimed marine national park which is home to magnificent beaches and beautiful scenery.