Hostels in Inhambane, Mozambique

Inhambane, Mozambique, is a town located in a sheltered bay on the coast of Mozambique just under five hundred kilometers northeast of the capital Maputo. It's easiest to access -- particularly if coming from the north -- from the town of Maxixe on highway one. There are regular ferries across the bay. You choose whether to take the rather overcrowded private small boats or wait for the larger and more stable government boat.

Inhambane is one of the oldest settlements on Mozambique's east coast, with Persian traders here as early as the eleventh century arriving by dhow. It was initially known for its cotton, but later became a center for ivory and slave trading in the eighteenth century.

Inhambane is the gateway town to the much-visited Tofo and Barra beaches, and most travelers pass straight through Inhambane on their way to these beaches. That's a shame, because Inhambane is a very interesting and amazingly quiet town to wander. The architecture is interesting and varied from the Cathedral do Nossa Senhora de Conceicao, built in the eighteenth century, to the art deco cinema. There is also a small, old mosque built in the mid-nineteenth century on the waterfront road. Other examples of Arabic-, Indian-, and Portuguese-influenced architecture abound around the town; it's such a pleasant town in which to just wander aimlessly along its tree-lined streets.

A walk along the waterfront road will also reveal sightings of many water birds in the muddy bay; flamingos are commonly seen here.

There isn't too much in the way of accommodation in the town, though. If you are looking for hostels in Inhambane, Mozambique, you'll need to go to Tofo, where there are a few options. The Inhambane, Mozambique hostels that existed in the town in the past have been replaced by ones in the more tourist-friendly Tofo. It's a very easy, short journey by minibus between the two, so a stay at one of the Tofo hostels is equally as convenient to Inhambane town.