Inhambane and Barra: Real coconut country
A tale of two cities from times of old, with white sandy beaches and sunsets of gold
Inhambane is the coconut mecca of Mozambique. Palm groves stretch as far as the eye can see, brought here by the early Portuguese traders many ages ago.
Barra is situated on a sandy peninsula between the warm waters of the Mozambique current of the Indian Ocean and the great lagoon forming Inhambane Bay. This is a 30km stretch of water going inland that rises and falls with the tide. Islands are just a dhow trip away, where you are transported back in time, visiting a modern yet traditional Mozambican fishing village to share a meal with them. Snorkelling for sea stars, seahorses and other sea creatures is just one of the water activities you can explore by kayak, wind kite or motorboat. Seafood like fish, crayfish and prawns are on all menus here.
The town of Inhambane is the oldest in southern Africa, representing fascinating colonial architecture dating back many years.
On the other side are the crystal waters of the ocean, allowing for world-class surfing further on at Tofinho Bay as well as excellent deep sea fishing.
Barra Dica: Best of both worlds – lake and ocean
Barra Dica – meaning “the tip of Barra”, is located right on the tip of this “serene finger”. This resort was previously known as Areia Branca, and the new owners, Dries and Herliaan, are keen on bringing progress and development to the area. Barra Dica Resort offers accommodation as self-catering or catered chalets on the estuary’s edge, with the most glorious sunsets.
They also offer protected campsites, each with its own private bathroom facilities – which means “home away from home” to a camper! Plenty of activities to do in and around the resort match the adventurous well as the more quiet spirits.
