INHAMBANE CITY

One of the earliest European settlements in Southern Africa, Inhambane (pronounced In-yaam-baan) is situated on the eastern shore of a large, sheltered bay, 33km from the Lindela turn off. Looking more like a town than a city, the wide tree-lined streets and elegant Portuguese architecture are reminders of a once prosperous past, based originally on the proceeds of gold, ivory and then slavery. The faded buildings indicate previous decline when, in the mid 1960s, the economic focus shifted southwards to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo). The city has grown old gracefully and is slowly recovering by becoming a service hub for the many nearby tourist resorts as well as a destination of cultural and historical significance. It has a once busy little harbour and ships of up to 10 000 tons can still enter the bay, but seldom do. Set amongst myriad palms, its leisurely pace is reflected in the graceful dhows that ply its shores.

This charming city has many places of general and historical interest with a visit to the harbour a must. Opposite the jetty stands the lovely Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception which is more than two hundred years old. This old church has a fine clock tower and has been renovated recently with plans underway to transform it into a centre for arts and culture. A beautiful ornate old mosque, built in 1840, is situated at the junction of Avenida de Vigilancia and the Marginal. Visitors are invited to view the amazing 380 year-old Koran which is housed there.

The museum of Inhambane, easily recognised by the unusual metal sculpture in the garden, is also on the Avenida de Vigilancia. It has a full range of artefacts, including musical instruments and farming implements from local rural life, and some amazing old black and white photographs from the colonial period. A dhow, just like those that sail the waters of the bay, is also displayed. The supervisor has an album with more photos from the Portuguese era, which he will gladly show you on request.