Inhambane province is characterised by its extensive coconut palms and
cashew trees. This province has one of the most popular tourist destinations of
the country in the Bazaruto archipelago. This idyllic archipelago consists of
four islands, Bazaruto, Benguera, Magaruque and Santa Carolina. Situated off the
mainland between Vilanculos and Inhassoro, 780 km from Maputo. One of the first
areas to be colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Inhambane is one of the oldest towns in Mozambique dating back to the 10th
century and the Arab traders. In 1534, the Portuguese established a permanent
trading post. The atmosphere and architecture in the town reflects this exciting
and diverse history with the 200-year-old Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception,
the Governor's Palace, the Municipal buildings and the museum.
It is possible to hire a dhow to sail around the bay or up to the Linga Linga
Nature Reserve. This fascinating area used to be a whaling station, but is now
the home to some of the last remaining dugong in Southern Mozambique.