Inhassoro and the nature of the surrounding area

When looking for a hotel in Inhassoro, it is worth considering the natural areas and protected sites in the surrounding area. Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is part of this regional context, combining an island world with marine activities and a clearly defined conservation purpose. The wider province of Inhambane also offers other distinct landscapes. This lets you distinguish Inhassoro as a search destination from the region’s broader natural features and better define your travel interests.

Bazaruto Archipelago: islands, sea and conservation

The national park extends across more than five islands; those named include Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangué. It covers an area of 1,583 km². The protected area was established in 1971 to protect dugongs and sea turtles. You can snorkel and scuba dive in the park; it is considered one of the best places for these activities in all of Southern Africa. Recreational fishing, hiking and canoeing are also possible. Marine activities and land-based exercise go hand in hand: diving focuses on the underwater world, while hiking adds an activity on land.

In the wider destination of Inhambane, the landscape of Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is shaped by beaches, natural pools of turquoise water and large parabolic dunes of white sand. Flamingos live in its saltwater lagoons. Underwater, you may encounter dugongs, dolphins and sea turtles, although such encounters are not guaranteed. The possibility of encountering dugongs and sea turtles also reflects the park’s conservation purpose.

Inhambane: other landscapes and protected areas

Pomene National Reserve is located in Massinga District in Inhambane Province and was established in 1964. It encompasses terrestrial and marine habitats, including vegetated dunes, savannas, mangroves and swamps. The Mudocha River in the reserve is suitable for canoeing. Pomene National Reserve also contains the ruins of the Hotel de Pomene, built in 1963—a historical feature alongside the area’s natural attractions. The two years refer to different things: 1964 is the year the protected area was established, while 1963 is the year the hotel was built.

These landscape features differ from those of the Bazaruto Archipelago: islands, beaches and natural pools are among the regional natural features there, while Pomene encompasses dunes, savannas, mangroves and swamps.

Another landscape area in Inhambane is Zinave National Park, in the northwest of the province on the Save River. It marks the transition between humid tropical and arid regions. Its main attraction is considered to be the riverine forest along the Save, which is home to a diverse range of trees and large mammals. In comparison with Pomene, the focus here is on the river and riverine forest; Pomene brings together several terrestrial and marine habitats. The protected areas within Inhambane therefore differ both in their landscape types and in their characteristic natural features.

Discover more destinations: Massinga, Tofo Beach, Mabsil

View the wider travel overview: Inhambane.