“Land of the good people” - Inhambane Peninsula, Southern Mozambique.

Idyllic sandy beaches, colourful colonial architecture and the place to go for whale shark and manta ray enthusiasts - the Inhambane Peninsula in Mozambique is one of the best places to dive in the world.

Inhambane is thought to have been the most southerly stop on an ancient trade network that stretched north to Persia, Mesopotamia and China as early as the 11th century. When Vasco de Gamma, on his journey towards the Indies, made his first stopover on the Eastern coast of Africa, he chose to call at Inhambane bay. As he was warmly welcomed by the inhabitants, he named it Terra da boa gente, literal translation, Land of the good people. More than 500 years later, the area still deserves its name.

Inhambane is one of the oldest settlements in Mozambique and the town itself is one of the prettiest with its colonial architecture and colourful buildings. With one of the largest working dhow fleets in East Africa, Inhambane has an ancient, timeless charm. Discover the old statue of the great Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, some say the founder of Mozambique, hidden away behind the Xiphefo Cultural Centre, peer into the many small Mosques, and browse around the Mercado Central and buy colourful capulanas, woven grass mats and reed bags that are strong enough to be used as tool-boxes.

The Inhambane coastline is an unspoilt and untouched destination with a superb selection of beaches. Most visitors head 30kms from Inhambane town to the azure blue waters of Tofo with its idyllic stretch of white sandy beach. It is also home to some of Mozambique's best diving - Tofo offers a unique chance to snorkel or dive alongside whale sharks and manta rays as well as amongst other diverse marine life, corals, and practically pristine reefs. 

The southern coast of Mozambique is the single best place on earth for whale shark sightings. Although these gentle giants can grow up to 65ft, most sharks identified around Tofo Beach, are adolescent males up to 33ft. These massive animals—the biggest fish species in the world—spend most of their day cruising solo just a few feet below the warm ocean surface so you can literally swim alongside them. It is one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable experiences - their size can be intimidating but as vegetarians they pose no danger to humans. The main danger is accidentally spitting out your snorkel in excitement!

The southern coast of Mozambique also has one of the world's largest populations of manta rays. Off the coast of Inhambane the mantas visit “cleaning stations” where small fish nibble at the mantas skin to remove infected and dead cells. Mantas are cousins of sharks with a wingspan that can reach 7 metres wide and have recently been proven to swim 700 miles across the ocean in 60 days. It is absolutely breathtaking to spot such huge creatures moving so gracefully and majestically through the water.

But even without the marine life, with its empty sandy beaches, gorgeous sunsets and stunning warm waters, the Inhambane Peninsula is an off-the-beaten track destination not to be missed.

10 day holiday from £2,099pp including flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast and dinner. Based on two sharing at Barra Lodge, Inhambane Peninsula, staying in a Casita. Contact us for a tailor-made quote.

Diving: from £35pp per dive.
Equipment hire: from £12 per person per day

Whale Sharks & Mantas are most likely to be spotted from October to April.

For more information about visiting the Inhambane Peninsula - for best places to stay, how to combine a visit here with a safari, things to do for non-divers and much more... contact us on 020 7622 5114 or email info@imagineafrica.co.uk.

Stay at:
Barra Lodge
Flamingo Bay Lodge
Baia Sonambula
Pomene Lodge