Inhambane is a province of Mozambique and it's the gateway to southern Mozambique, with miles of unspoiled shores and turquoise and warm waters. Inhambane has several of the finest beaches in Mozambique, as well as excellent scuba diving. You can spot manta rays, turtles and various other reef fish. Chances of whale shark sightings are also particularly good in this area. This area is also one of the few in southern Mozambique where the last remaining Dugong can be seen. The most popular resorts and dive sites are around Tofo and Vilanculos.
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Inhambane Peninsula - Tofo
Dive sites around Tofo range in depth from 10 meters to 37 meters, catering for all experience levels. The sea conditions can vary from very calm to quite choppy.
Generally the visibility is between 10 and 30 metres with an average of 20 metres. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean varies from 29 to 23 C.
Summer months are October to April. Winter months are May to September. Windy months are usually February (high chance of cyclones) and August, although, again this is not always the case. When winds are strong, the sea can become rough but diving is still possible.
Tofo's biggest attractions are the abundance of Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. October to March is the best time to see Whale Sharks, even if it is possible to spot a Whale Shark most of the year. During the winter months, large numbers of Humpback Whales migrate along the coastline and come very close to shore in the Tofo area, and large pods of Dolphins can be seen all year round. The reefs are teeming with other life including a huge diversity of fish species, nudibranchs, octopus, eels, turtles and much more.
Vilanculos – Bazaruto Archipelago
Vilanculos
Vilanculos bay has calm and shallow waters which are ideal for watersports. Just beyond the bay is the magnificent Bazaruto Archipelago, a chain of islands in a marine national park. The town is a few kilometres inland from the bay where visitors will find restaurants and bars, banks, fuel, markets and basic supplies. The local airport in Vilanculos is busy with daily local and international flights.
It offers an incredible variety of dive sites and diving options which will suit everyone from the beginner to the most experienced diver and also the snorkelers.
In the bay dolphins are frequently encountered and for the luckier it is also possible to see a dugong (the very rare sea cow or manatee).
The variety of marine life is outstanding: rays, sharks, turtles, giant groupers, massive morays and the nasty black cheek morays, big shoals of surgeon fish, fusiliers and all the reef fish you can imagine, nudibranchs. Whether you like them small or big, colourful or funny shaped, you'll find them here.
Water temperatures are generally between 22°C in winter and 27°C in summer. A 3mm-5mm wetsuit is more than adequate. Visibility is from 25 - 40 metres.
The best times to go is from June to September and it is also the time to see migrating humpback whales. Whale sharks can be seen during most of the year but the best time to see them is from October to March.
Bazaruto Archipelago
The idyllic islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique are known for their unspoiled beauty and diverse ecologies. There are actually 6 islands within the Bazaruto Archipelago. From north to south, these islands are: Bazaruto, Santa Carolina Known as Paradise Island, Benguerra, Margaruque and Bangue. Beautiful accommodation can be found on Bazaruto with eco lodge options and activities for children also available.
The islands are reached by boat or light aircraft from the mainland town of Vilanculos
Visibility is excellent in these crystal clear waters. Beginners can also get into the swing of things at the dive school while more experienced divers explore depths of up to 30 metres.
There are a number of dive sites around the islands, generally on the seaward side. Other dive sites are located on the seaward side of San Sebastian (south of the islands on the mainland peninsular).
The coral reefs of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique are known for being incredibly varied and are home to more than 2000 fish species. The dive sites are not c
HOW TO GET THERE
FLYING TO VILANKULO
Both Federal Air & LAM fly daily from Johannesburg International airport (OR Tambo) to Vilankulo International Airport. Direct flying time is 2 hours.
Four days a week, the Federal Air flights collect passengers from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport at Nelspruit, with an onward flying time of just 1 hour.
There are also regular flights on LAM from Lanseria and Maputo, and a couple of times a week from Inhambane.
Visas - are required & are available on arrival (currently US$85 but subject to frequent change). US Dollars, South African Rand and Meticals are the accepted currencies.
How to get to Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa: on arrival at Vilanculos, you will be met by a representative from Indigo Bay, who will assist you with clearing customs & immigration prior to boarding the air shuttle, operated by CFA Air Charters. Transfer time to Indigo Bay from Vilanculos Airport is approximately 15 minutes.
GETTING TO INHAMBANE
Getting there can either be a short flight directly from Johannesburg, or a bumpy adventure ride through local villages and coconut forests.
Flights to Inhambane
Flights to Inhambane Mozambique can be taken directly from O.R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg.
These flights operate throughout the week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. If you are opting for the convenience, our sales team can book the best flight at the best price for you.
Driving to Inhambane
Once in Maputo, you have the option of driving the 485km stretch to Inhambane. The drive can't be too cowboy, speed limits are enforced, there are old section roads to cross, and some potholes to dodge.
There are numerous towns and villages en-route and the main road often passes directly through these villages. It is advised to not drive at night.
The drive from Maputo to Inhambane can take anything between 6 – 8 hours. From the historical city of Inhambane it is only a 30 minute drive to Flamingo Bay. The last stretch of your adventure road trip is sensory scenic. The road winds through upbeat local villages and continues into thick groves of tropical coconut trees.