SIGHTSEEING IN INHAMBANE & BARRA AREA

Inhambane is the capitol of the Inhambane Province in Mozambique. The town has a very rich history going back to the 15th Century when Arab traders sailed down the east coast of Africa to trade with the locals. Vasco da Gama sailed around the southern tip of Africa, taking on fresh water at this locality towards the end of the 15th century. He subsequently created a Portuguese trading station at what is now known as Inhambane. In later years Inhambane also became prominent as an exit port for the slave trade until this practice was eventually abolished in the 19th century. Inhambane was dubbed by Vasco da Gama as "Terra da Boa Gente" - the land of the Gentle People!

The little town of Inhambane has a distinct Afro-Portuguese-Arabic flavor about it and has a number of interesting buildings dating back to the era's explained above. The town is very clean and safe and much investment / construction is currently happening to enhance Inhambane as a tourist attraction. Most of the shops are still owned by descendants of those first Arabic traders. 

There town is small enough to see all the attractions in a day, including a quaint but very interesting museum. The local Mercado (Market) offers a vast array of fresh fruit & veg, locally made garments, fabrics, jewellery, paintings & carvings to name but a few. There are also many restaurants and bistro's where you can enjoy the local cuisine. There is also the opportunity to sail across the bay in a Dhow sailing boat, still built according to the ancient Arabic design. You can either hop on a dhow ferrying locals between Inhambane and Maxixe or you can rent one for your own use at very affordable rates. You may even choose to visit a little island for the day.

Part of the Inhambane / Barra experience is also to travel through the coconut palm forests to visit the nearby coastal holiday destinations such as Tofo & the Lighthouse. Establishments in the Barra area also offer activities such as quad bike tours, horse riding and especially the scuba and snorkelling trips to various spectacular reefs around the peninsula. There are also opportunities to swim with the giant Whale Sharks or to dive with enormous Manta Rays. The vast beaches also provide very safe bathing in the warm Indian Ocean. In addition there are also opportunities to discover the local culture and there are many little restaurants offering tasty local and seafood dishes.