As Mozambique continues to establish itself on the
global travel map, exciting new tourist regions are springing up.
One of these areas is Inhambane, a small city on the southeast
coast about 290 miles (470km) north of Maputo and easily accessed
by a tarred road.
Previously, tourists merely passed through Inhambane
on their way to the beaches of Tofo, Cocos, and Barra. These days,
more and more are stopping over to savour the historic city, with
its sleepy atmosphere and faded colonial architecture.
Tourist attractions in Inhambane include the Church
of our Lady of Conception. It's a 175-year-old building that
features a ladder stretching up to its topmost spire, offering
panoramic views of the old quarter and harbour.
The Mercado Central is a market where colourful
arrays of fresh produce are for sale. Adventurous travellers can
strike out for more remote areas of the province, where picturesque
villages and mangrove swamps lie in wait.
Most tourist activities like diving, snorkelling, and
whale-spotting take place at the beaches located about 14 miles
(22km) up the coast. But tourists should enjoy a traditional dhow
ride to the historic trading port Maxixe, a larger city across the
bay.
Of particular interest to those planning a tour
around southern Africa is the fact that Inhambane is a direct
flight away from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport.