Mozambique and Inhambane
Southern Mozambique - Inhambane is the country’s premier tourist destination. Stretching from Quissico in the South to Nova Mambone in the North it is renowned as the best coast in Africa and rated world wide as the " Manta Coast ". The very warm Indian Ocean holiday destination of choice.
Inhambane has such famous locations as Guinjata Bay, Coconut Bay , Tofo, Barra, Vilankulo, Ilha de Benquerra, and many more.
Scuba diving in Inhambane is amongst the best in the world, with reefs close to every beach, including the world famous Manta Reef and Gallaria. Regular sightings of Giant Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Turtles and other teeming marine life are the norm. There are many professional scuba diving operations throughout the province. Snorkeling is also excellent. Inhambane – glorious beaches, fantastic weather, splendid seafood and friendly locals all make a holiday in Mozambique an unforgettable experience.
Inhambane has one of the oldest settlements on the East Coast of Africa. Dhows traded at the place as early as the 11th century by Muslim and Persian traders.. The Inhambane Bay was discovered by Vasco da Gama in 1498. The Europeans decided to stay on permanently and the Portuguese influence can be seen in the layout and architecture of the city. As the city developed it became well known as a trading centre, especially for slaves and ivory. Today it is the provincial capital, an important port and an important agricultural region.
Tourists to Inhambane are bound to find the colonial architecture quite fascinating. There are many old buildings in the city, including the 200 year old Our Lady of the Conception Catholic Cathedral. Local arts and crafts can be viewed and bought at the charming market, with the woven straw baskets and mats being most notable. Tourists will no doubt catch snatches of the local musical tradition, played percussively on chopi xylophones . The city exudes a relaxed atmosphere and the cobbled streets and interesting buildings make this city a unique cultural experience.
Mozambique is a country of endless pristine palm-fringed beaches and superb, largely untouched dive sites. The exotic Portuguese-influenced culture and warm, friendly people make for a heady mix of culinary cultural experiences, not to mention undiscovered natural wonders just waiting for your visit.
The Republic of Mozambique stretches for 2 504 kilometers along the south-eastern coast of Africa, facing the Indian Ocean and occupies 799 384 square kilometers.
Wildlife - South Africa have agreed to take down fences,between Kruger and Mozambique's Limpopo National Park to create the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park. This unique political innovation is creating a colossal wilderness area which means Mozambique has its own park alongside the Kruger Park of the same size and types of wildlife.
Drive routes There are two routs to Inhambane although you can fly direct from Joburg to Inhambane as well with KLM. One route for the adventure types is through the Kruger Park into Mozambique's Limpopo National Park and on to Inhambane.
This route is a great adventure and shorter but it's easy to get lost and time wise takes much longer.
The gate at the southern end of kruger park is very easy and is the standard drive route. It has instant visa processing for international tourists .From there it's an easy six hour trip up Mozambique.
You will experience true Mozambique .Once you start to see the huge palmed beaches and little villages of palm leaf houses with grand churches in the middle under massive palms you are getting close to the paradise of Inhambane and the idyllic Manta coast.
Directions There is an Airport in Inhambane with flights from South Africa.
From Kruger National Park into Mozambique border post and up to Inhambane. From South Africa follow EN1 till Maputo .Continue on the EN1 in the direction of XAI XAI/BEIRA Take turn off to Inhambane Follow road for 27.5 km turn off at the signboards indicating to Guinjata bay and other resorts. (dirt road) Follow the dirt road for 16 km until you reach a a sign Guiquindo lodge. Turn left here and travel for a further 2 km (4x4 might be necessary) until you see the ocean and Guiquindo lodge in front of you.
