Inhambane Old Town

About this place

Inhambane is a calm city on the bay that shares its name in southern Mozambique, 470 km north-east of Maputo and the capital of its province. It is also called the «Land of the Good People», with about 80,000 residents in the 2017 census. It is one of the oldest settlements on the eastern coast and makes a quiet stop before Tofo Beach. The city owes its existence to a deep inlet fed by the small Mutamba River and sheltered by two sandy headlands. As a coastal town it came in turn under the Kilwa Sultanate, the Gaza Empire and Portuguese rule. Across the bay lies its sister town, Maxixe, and a ferry still links the two as a part of daily life. The main buildings are the yellow cathedral with its tall tower, seen from outside, the elegant white municipal hall and the white railway station with its simple lines. The waterfront has a red and white railing and a low wall, from which you see grey water and sailing dhows moving slowly past. The streets have old houses with tile roofs and shady trees. It is about 17 km from Tofo Beach in a straight line. The ferry to Maxixe is a short trip worth taking, so ask about the last return. The centre is small and flat and easy on foot. Ask before photographing official buildings. Late afternoon is the best time for the waterfront, when the heat eases.