Making the most of Inhambane
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships dock in the town centre.
Mozambique appears to have recently altered its Visa conditions, so it seems visas can no longer be obtained on board. How long this will continue is unknown, but most visitors from non Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries may require a visa before travel. Mozambique has consulates in few countries, and where there is one, fees will be expensive and the process demanding. Check with your cruise line before booking.
View the Inhambane cruise schedule.
Northeast of Maputo, Inhambane has the typical sights of a tropical paradise, from swaying palm trees and great beaches to a lively culture and history extending back to the 11th century.
Inhambane, pronounced in-yam-ban, is in Mozambique’s Jangamo District of Inhambane Province. This sleepy historic town sits about 485 km north of Maputo on a bay-overlooking peninsula. Its colonial architecture helps make it one of Mozambique’s prettiest towns for many visitors.
Getting around
Canoeing and Dhow excursions are relaxing activities for everyone to enjoy.
Food and shopping
Visit the central market in the town centre.
Money
Mozambique’s currency is the Metical, with Meticais as the plural, “meta-caysh” as its pronunciation and Mts. as the abbreviation. Spoken prices often omit thousands: Mts 150,000 is said as “one hundred fifty”. Every town has ATMs that accept all major credit-cards.
Staying connected
Portuguese is the official language; most educated Mozambicans also speak English.
Opening Hours and
Most shops and businesses trade Monday 14h00 to 18h00, and on other weekdays and Saturday from 08h30 to 13h00 and 15h00 to 18h30. They close on Sundays.