Things to Do in Inhambane

Inhambane sits along Mozambique's coast like a well preserved colonial daydream, where dhows still sail into the harbor and Portuguese architecture crumbles gracefully under African sun. The city feels more like a large town - you can walk most places, and there's this unhurried quality that makes you wonder if clocks run differently here. What makes Inhambane special isn't just its obvious beauty, though the setting is genuinely impressive. It's become the gateway to some of southern Africa's best diving and marine life, particularly around nearby Tofo Beach, while maintaining an authentic character that many coastal destinations have lost to development.

Inhambane's food scene centers around incredibly fresh seafood - prawns, crab, and fish grilled with piri-piri sauce or coconut curry. You'll find good restaurants along the waterfront serving Portuguese-influenced dishes alongside Mozambican specialties like matapa (cassava leaves with coconut) and xima (maize porridge). Street food includes grilled prawns, samosas, and fresh fruit. Many places are casual - plastic chairs on sand floors - but the food quality can be exceptional. That said, stick to busy places where turnover is high, and be cautious with tap water and ice.

The dry season from May to November offers the most comfortable weather - warm days, cool evenings, and minimal rain. This coincides with peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds, particularly around Tofo Beach. December through April brings hot, humid weather and occasional cyclones, but also fewer tourists and lush, green landscapes. For whale shark encounters, October through March provides the best chances, though sightings happen year-round. The shoulder months of May and September might offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices.