Inhambane Province Background

16 June Inhambane City Day

Area: 68,615sq.km
Borders: Sofala & Manica to the north, Gaza to the west, Indian Ocean to the south and east.
The most represented ethnic groups are the Tsua (Tsonga) and the Chope.
Population Density: 19inhabitants/sq.km
Main products: cashew, coconut and tangerines.
Traditions: The "Timbila" is both a name of a percussion instrument and the name of a dance. The instrument, the "marimba chope" is similar to xylophone, and has keys, made out of "muenje" wood. They are hollow calabashes of varying sizes under the keys, which serve as a sound box.

The second oldest city of Mozambique where the Portuguese anchored a few centuries ago.

To not visit Inhambane City is unforgivable. This city has a different mystic that you can only feel when wondering around thestreets. Go and try to discover new sites, discover the old monument's from the Portuguese time, throw away behind some building…have a look at the Mosque, and do not miss the central market where one can browse for curious, like the colourful capulanas, the woven grass mats and bags as well as wood carvings and fresh cashew nuts, fresh fruit, vegetables and various seafood. All the official buildings are at least a century old, like the Governor Building, City Council Building, Marine Building, Hospital, the Meteorology, and others. Always ask permission to take photos, since sometimes the security police on duty, do not allow you. Has usual, when buying something you most barge until you think the price is right. Most of the Indians shops have leaves hanging at the door, is to call the clients and that they are coming in to cause trouble. If it happen to be in town of trading hours, don't worry, just knock at the door, and someone will come to help you with your order. Siesta is very important, but like they said, be friendly and welcome visitors is even more important.

Inhambane is also kneed for it's great variety of habitats. It's home to over 40 different butterfly species and more of 500 species of birds. The area around the Inhambane Bay in particularly with is various mud flats and the extensive mangrove swamps, is popular with bird watchers. There is a population of 250 greater flamingos, and on the outgoing tide whimbrels, turnstones and many other waders work the mud flats. The mangrove near Barra is home to egrets, purple-banded sunbirds and mangrove kingfishers. The stretches of dune forest that remain along the coast harbour the lilac-breasted roller, Burchell's coucal and grey and olive sunbirds..

Nearby Tofo is a seaside paradise, for both scuba divers and those who seek the idillic beach - miles of unspolit sand! A short bus ride from Inhambane, Tofo is the perfect destination, whether you want to dive the world famous manta reef, or would like to spend some time relaxing within the seaside village.