Island Life
Many of the pristine, sandy beaches, such as Tofu, offer ideal diving spots and beautiful coral reefs make for great snorkeling ventures.
Inhambane is located in southern Mozambique, 470km northeast of the capital, Maputo. With only 74 000 residents, this charming, historic town is ideal for a romantic getaway or relaxing beach vacation. Aside from its idyllic, white beaches lined with coconut trees, this city is famous for scuba diving, fresh food markets and is close to Bazaruto National Park.
Cheap flights to Inhambane are now available for a limited time only, so book your flight today and enjoy a sun-kissed retreat on the east coast of Africa. Inhambane is home to Inhambane Airport (INH), only a 10 minute drive from the city centre, directly accessible by car or taxi. INH serves their only local airline, LAM. There are no direct flights from Johannesburg, but South African Airways is a popular choice to Maputo for a connecting flight out via LAM.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Many of the pristine, sandy beaches, such as Tofu, offer ideal diving spots and beautiful coral reefs make for great snorkeling ventures.
Seafood lovers will delight in the fresh shellfish caught daily, cooked to Portuguese perfection using a medley of fresh herbs and spices.
Inhambane is a charming town boasting a rich history dating back to the 18th century. See the faded, colonial buildings against a backdrop of old buildings scattered along colourful streets.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Mozambique |
|---|---|
| Currency | New Meticail (MZN) |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 5.205 MZN |
| Language | Portuguese/ Bitonga |
| Hub Airport | Inhambane Airport (INH) |
| Airline | LAM Mozambique Airlines |
| Time Zone | GMT + 02:00 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type M |
The best time to visit Mozambique is anytime between May and October, as the clear skies, cool temperatures and sunny days create the perfect tropical weather. During September and October the climate remains dry as daytime temperatures reach over 30 C, while the nights remain cool. The rainy season starts in November, with often unpredictable showers. Bear in mind school holidays run between June and July, and beach resorts often become crowded.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall chance (%) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 23°C | 23°C | 22°C | 20°C | 18°C | 16°C | 16°C | 18°C | 19°C | 21°C | 22°C | 20°C |
| High °C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 29°C | 27°C | 26°C | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 153 | 136 | 110 | 78 | 59 | 56 | 35 | 31 | 36 | 38 | 76 | 144 |
Inhambane is an undiscovered gem of Mozambique. Located in the country’s southern coastal region, its tropical climate, crystal blue waters and colourful history make it a traveller’s paradise. Its natural landscapes and cultural diversity lends itself to a world of discovery. Suitably named Terra de Boa (Land of the Good People) by Vasco Da Gama, this quaint seaside town encompasses a rich culture of Arab and Portuguese influences, both in its history and its cuisine. The locals are very welcoming and laid-back and you’ll find that life moves at a very slow pace. Whether you’re after a sea adventure, or just a stroll through the nostalgic streets, you’ll definitely find yourself on holiday mode.
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Inhambane online at Travelstart!
South African passport holders do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months upon return and make sure there are at least 3 blank pages for entry stamps.
Passport holders of other neighbouring African countries are also exempt from a visa. Visit the website to check if you are exempt from needing a visa.
The South African High Commission to Mozambique is in Maputo:
Avenida Eduardo Mondlane 41, Caixa Postal 1120, Maputo.
Tel: +258 21 243 000.
Inhambane is considered to be relatively safe. Petty crime does occur so take the usual precautions. Keep personal belongings close at hand and don’t walk around alone at night.
Be advised that healthcare and medical facilities in Mozambique are very limited so best to bring your own supply, clearly labelled in clear containers. Carry a prescription or doctor’s note and pack all medication in your hand luggage.
Malaria is highly prevalent throughout Mozambique so consult a doctor on the best medicine for you. This will need to be taken before, during and after your holiday. Vaccines for Typhoid and Hepatitis A are strongly recommended, as you may be exposed to contaminated food and water.
Most facilities do not accept credit cards so have enough cash on hand. Remember to pack insect repellent and sun screen!
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Inhambane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | R 90 | R 100 | R 68 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 22 | R 25 | R 10 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R 19 | R 20 | R 14 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | R 10 | R 12 | R 10 |
| Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 38 | R 38 | R 20 |
If you’re travelling to Inhambane during peak season, be sure to book your accommodation ahead of time as availability may be limited. Whether you’re up for a more casual, backpacking experience or looking to treat yourself to a bit of luxury, there are options to suit your budget.
To get the full beach experience, there are many lodges and resorts right on the beach overlooking the ocean. Imagine opening your door and stepping out onto the sand for a morning swim!
Renting a car is tricky, so your best bet of getting around is by taxi. You can arrange with airport staff for a transfer to the city, but be sure to negotiate a fair price before getting into the taxi.
If you are driving from Maputo, a standard car is fine, although if your lodge is on sand dunes, you may need a 4X4. Driving at night is not recommended.
There are convenience stores where you can buy basic groceries and definitely pop in at your local bakery to try the fresh Pau (Portuguese rolls).
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