From Xai-Xai to Maxixe: General Information

Location: Northern part of Gaza Province (between Limpopo and Changane Rivers) and southern part of Inhambane Province
Main Localities: Xai-Xai, Chidenguelle, Quisico, Závora, Inhambane, Barra Peninsula, Tofo & Tofinho Beach and Maxixe

Xai-Xai, Gaza Province

Capital of Gaza Province, located 224km North of Maputo, just above the Limpopo River mouth. The town is located on the EN1 and it is the commercial and political centre for the Province, therefore very busy and lively

Services: All the main banks can be found including ATM machines
Well supplied pharmacy, ample shopping and a large market
Petrol stations and car repair services are available (see roads and services for this sector)

Xai-Xai has a few restaurants, bars and two places for overnight accommodation (see accommodation for this sector)

Communication: TDM +258 (0) 282 26440

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: +258 (0) 282 25111 (Gaza Provincial Hospital)
• Police: +258 (0) 282 25364

Chidenquele, Gaza Province

This is a small village with few shops and very basic supplies, it is on the way to the seaside lodges (see accommodation for this sector)

Quisico, Inahmbane Province

Capital of Zavala District, home of the Chopi People. They are famous for playing the Timbila, a musical instrument made of a special kind of wood called Nwenje (sneeze wood), it produces beautiful sounds accompanied by great singers and dancers

Quisico overlooks a series of lagoons, separating the town from the ocean

Services: There are no banks or ATM machines here. Many basic shops and large market with fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies are available. There are a couple of stopovers, restaurants and bars (see accommodation for this sector and eating and drinking for this sector)

Communication: Good cell phone reception. No Internet

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: +258 (0) 282 25111 (Gaza Provincial Hospital is the nearest)
• Police: +258 (0) 282 25364

Závora Beach, Inhambane Province

This whole area has numerous lakes; it is definitely worth a stop to appreciate the views

There is a fishing Lodge and camping with fully equipped bar and restaurant (see accommodation for this sector)

Services: No banks or ATM machines. The nearest shops and market are found in Quisico

Communication: No cell phone reception or land line. No internet access

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: +258 (0) 293 197 (Inhambane Hospital emergency line)
• Police: +258 (0) 293 199

Inhambane, Capital of Inhambane Province

Here, some of the urban structures date from the 18th century. There is an old cathedral 1854/1862, and old Mosque. The city architecture is a mixture of styles and traditions with influences bought over by India and Portugal

From Inhambane it is a short drive to the popular Barra Peninsula and Tofo (see roads and services for this sector), where, a chain of Lodges, backpackers and all kinds of entertainment, activities and services are widely available to the tourist. Deep sea fishing and Scuba diving are the main sports practiced in this area

Services: All main National Banks and ATM machines are available (mainly at Independencia Av., the main avenue across town)
Many supermarkets scattered around town and a large central market - Mercado Central - where you can find local arts and crafts as well as seasonal fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs. Inhambane is a lovely town, full of history, architecture and cultural activities

There is a college for Hotel and Tourism www.uem.mz where most local staff receive their training

The bus station is located behind the Central Market, most accommodation establishments can organise a pick-up from the station otherwise there are Chapas (public mini-bus) from Inhambane to Tofo stopping at bar Babalaza if your destination is Barra Beach

Trips to Inhambane are also available through most Lodges

There is a nice Backpacker in town (see accommodation for this sector), many restaurants, bars and discos (see eating and drinking for this sector)

Communication: Excellent cell phone reception, TDM +258 (0) 293 20240
Internet: EPCI +258 (0) 293 21138 (fax, e mail, photocopy, printing and scanning) open from 08h00 to 20h00

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: +258 (0) 293 197
• Health clinic: +258 (0) 293 20348
• Pharmacy Estatal: +258 (0) 293 20234
• Police: +258 (0) 293 199

Tofo & Tofinho Beach, Inhambane Province

This is a very popular destination for divers and water sports enthusiasts and it can be packed with tourists during South African school Holidays

Tofo is located in the bay south of the Barra Peninsula about 23km from Inhambane and Tofinho is just around the corner within walking distance

Tofo Bay is beautiful (apart from the ugly concrete developments close to the beach, which will hopefully be claimed by the sea) and popular with surfers. In season it is a great place to observe the Hump Back whales. The diving here is spectacular and the parties roll 'til the wee hours, during busy season

Services: There are no banking facilities available. Inhambane is the nearest place
The main market sells beautiful arts and crafts, but don't buy those made of shells, see our piece - The Marine Life. A few small shops sell seasonal fruits and vegetables and basic supplies. Dino's Bar has a nice little shop that sells locally made clothes and other souvenirs.
There is a choice of places to eat, drink and party (see eating and drinking for this sector).

Communication: Good cell phone reception and TDM office in town.
Internet service: Tofo Online Internet café & snacks (08h00 to 20h00, closed from 12h00 to 14h00, closed Wednesdays), +258 23 29022 (Pat), tofoonline@teledata.mz
TDM telephone calls: open from 07h30 to 17h00 next to the market +258 (0) 23 29001 / 29014

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: The nearest hospital is in Inhambane +258 (0) 293 20345
• Police: Entering Tofo the police station is on the left

Ponta da Barra, Inhambane Province

Stunning mangrove estuary to the West linked to the Indian ocean to the East influence the Peninsula of Ponta da Barra. A long beach that extends from the old light house to the Inhambane estuary mouth is an ideal place to watch the sunset. The beach itself (Praia da Barra) is made of soft, white sand, where most lodges are located. A large range of water sports and in-land activities are on offer for guests and walkins (see accommodation for this sector)

Diving is particularly good here - Whale Sharks are plentiful, as well as, Humpback whales (see dive operators for this sector)

At the end of the Peninsula, on the North side is Linga-Linga (which once had an old whaling station)

Services: Lodges are spread along the Barra Beach, some have shops with arts and crafts mini market.
Most Lodges have restaurant and bar, accessible by all, some will also offer transportation to Inhambane or Tofo where there are some very good restaurants

Communication: Cell phone reception is good in high open areas.
Internet: Some of the Lodges have slow internet connection available to guests

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital: Not available. Nearest Hospital is Inhambane +258 (0) 293197. Most dive operations have a good emergency rescue plan and medic first aid kits
• Police: +258 (0) 293 199

Maxixe, Inhambane Province

Maxixe is on the EN1. It is the ideal stop over for the traveler coming to/ from the north (see accommodation for this sector). Maxixe is on the west bank of Inhambane Bay, overlooking the estuary and the provincial capital

Dhows and small motor boats operate throughout the day from Maxixe to Inhambane. Dhow crossing is wind dependent, motor boats will take about 20 minutes

Services: All main National Banks and ATM machines are available
Many supermarkets scattered around town and a large open market selling a bit of everything! Many fuel stations and vehicle repairs (see roads and services for this sector)
Fresh bread can be found daily at padaria Gomes (+258 (0) 293 30488)

Communication: Very good cell phone reception
Mcell shop: +258 (0) 293 30391/2, TDM shop
Internet: Not available. Take the ferry to Inhambane, 20 min. There are 2 Internet places, one is a short walk across towards the Hospital, the other one is just before the central market

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital / Doctor: +258 (0) 293 30148
• Farmacy Ussaca: +258 (0) 23 30804
• Police: +258 (0) 293 199 or +258 (0) 293 30017
• Immigration Office: +258 (0) 293 30117