This provincial capital town lies on the edge of a tidal lagoon, in the southern part of Mozambique. The bay is sheltered between two sandy headlands. Today the region is popular with tourists looking for unspoiled beaches and safe scuba diving. For me, though, it is the town's history that is most fascinating.
Inhambane's waterfront promenade and mangrove swamp
Inhambane was founded by the Arabs and was at one time the centre of the East African slave and ivory trades. The Portugese gradually wrested control from the Arab traders, using this region as a refuelling stop on the route to India. Their rule only ended in 1975 when the nation of Mozambique attained independence.
The colonial influence is still there, in the crumbling buildings and language, but Mozambique offers so much more, in the diversity of its culture, its people, and its landscapes, and its down to earth nature.
The surprisingly art deco Teatro
Even for those of us who live a stone's throw away, across the border in South Africa, Inhambane is exotic and wonderful. As long as you can stand the heat!
Inside the grand municipal building