Inhambane was founded in the 11th century by Swahili merchants, originally from East Africa. It was regularly visited by Persian and Arab traders, but the Portuguese only arrived in January 1498, when Vasco da Gama's armada landed for supplies. For the friendly reception of the local population, Vasco da Gama nicknamed it Terra da Boa Gente, a nickname that Inhambane keeps until today.
With incredible colonial architecture, Inhambane is located 475 km from Maputo and served by an airport. The city of Maxixe is on the other side of the bay, but the legendary beaches of Barra, Tofo and Tofinho are the main attractions of the region. Local communities can also be visited, making Inhambane one of the most charming and authentic experiences in Mozambique.