Travel to Inhambane

some wonderfully remote sections of the coast

The Inhambane coastline stretches over several hundred kilometres, from the capital Maputo to the coastal town of Vilanculos.

The area is characterised by broad open beaches, backed by vegetated dunes and mangrove inlets. It is particularly renowned for its excellent diving and snorkelling.

Most lodges are primarily targeted at self-drivers, fishermen and backpackers, which means they are on the budget side.

However there are some notable exceptions, cool and good value properties which are really worth considering.

Inhambane tends to feature in safari and beach trips relatively rarely, since it is that much more difficult to get to than the Bazaruto area to the north. But for those who do make the effort, it does have a considerably more remote feel.

The usual stay duration is 3-4 nights, often in combination with a lodge in the Bazaruto area, making 6-10 nights total on this beautiful tropical coastline.

Seasonality

The Inhambane area is at its best during the May-Nov dry season, but there are good reasons to visit during other months.

Getting there

Access to most of the lodges in this area is via the airport at Vilanculos, with direct flights from Kruger and Johannesburg.

Where to stay

We divide this coastline into seven sections, listed here from south to north …

Xai Xai, pronounced ‘shy-shy’, is the 200km section to the north of Maputo, which presently contains no recommended accommodation.

Inharrime and Zavora are characterised by huge vegetated sand dunes backed by a string of large freshwater lagoons. The area is more heavily farmed than elsewhere, but the dune ridge itself and the beaches remain beautiful and untouched. Dunes de Dovela is a really lovely beach lodge, one of the best on this whole stretch of coast and well priced.

Jangamo and Guinjata are ostensibly similar to the above, renowned for large pelagics, but without any recommended accommodation.
Barra and Tofo are two settlements situated on the peninsular to the east of the town of Inhambane. These slightly scruffy places are renowned for diving and are the main target for budget travellers. Two of the better options around here are Baia Sonambula and Tofo Mar Hotel.

Inhambane is a large town set to the south of a large natural harbour.

Pomene is another relatively remote coastline centred on a national park of the same name. There are two excellent and remote options here, Travessia Lodge and Massinga Beach Lodge.

a handful of appealing lodges, away from the busy self-drive areas