Search the site
Inhambane Bay, Mozambique

How to get to Inhambane.

LAM via Maputo. The EN1 by road. The dhow from Maxixe.

Inhambane has its own airport (INH), served by LAM hops from Maputo and Vilanculos — there's no direct international flight, so you connect through Maputo. By road it's ~470 km up the paved EN1 from the capital. The dhow ferry from Maxixe still runs the way it has for centuries.

See all routes Ask about a transfer

Plan the journey

Getting to Inhambane.

From Maputo

~470 km up the EN1, or a quick LAM flight. Inhambane is the regional hub for the Tofo and Barra beach areas.

  • LAM Maputo → Inhambane (INH) ~50 min · from $100 one-way

  • Self-drive on the EN1 ~7 hours · 470 km

    Paved the whole way. Plan a fuel stop at Xai-Xai.

    Rent a car for this drive

  • Long-distance bus (TCO, Nagi) ~8–9 hours · MZN 1,000–1,500

  • Chapa (shared minibus, multi-leg) ~9–10 hours · MZN 800

    Cheapest option. Multiple changes — only if you’re traveling light and have a full day.

  • EKAYA private transfer Private ~7 hours · On request

    Ask about a private transfer

From Johannesburg

There’s no direct flight to Inhambane — connect through Maputo: fly Johannesburg → Maputo, then the LAM hop to Inhambane (INH). Driving via the Lebombo or Kosi Bay border is the other option.

  • Johannesburg → Maputo, then LAM → Inhambane (INH) ~4–5 hours incl. connection · from ~$350 return

  • Self-drive via Lebombo or Kosi Bay border ~12 hours · break overnight

    Most travelers break in Maputo. See our self-drive guide.

From Tofo

Common questions

Before you book.

Where is Inhambane Airport?
Inhambane Airport (IATA: INH) is 7 km southwest of Inhambane city and 22 km west of Tofo. Served only by LAM Mozambique — flights from Maputo (~50 min) and Vilanculos (~30 min), with no direct international service.
How far is Inhambane from Maputo?
About 470 km by road, ~7 hours on the paved EN1. By air, LAM's Maputo → Inhambane flight is just 50 minutes. Long-distance buses (TCO, Nagi) run the route in 8–9 hours for MZN 1,000–1,500.
Are there direct flights from Johannesburg to Inhambane?
No — no airline flies Johannesburg to Inhambane directly. Inhambane Airport (INH) is served only by LAM Mozambique from Maputo and Vilanculos. Fly into Maputo, then connect onto the LAM hop to Inhambane (~50 min).
How do I get from Maputo to Inhambane?
Four options: fly LAM (~50 min, ~$100 one-way), drive the EN1 (~7h), long-distance bus (TCO/Nagi, ~8–9h, MZN 1,000–1,500), or chapa (cheapest, slowest, multiple changes). The bus is the most popular option for travelers without a car.
Is there a bus from Maputo to Inhambane?
Yes — several daily, with TCO and Nagi Investimentos being the main operators. Departures from Junta in Maputo to Inhambane bus terminal. Around 8–9 hours. Tickets MZN 1,000–1,500. Buy at the terminal or through the operator.
How do I get from Inhambane to Tofo?
Tofo is just 22 km east of Inhambane city, ~30 minutes on a paved road. Take a chapa (MZN 25, more with big bags), a taxi, or a private transfer (~$25–40). Lodges at Tofo will often arrange the airport pickup if you flew in.
Can I cross to Maxixe by dhow?
Yes — the dhow ferry across Inhambane Bay to Maxixe takes about 30 minutes under sail and costs MZN 30–50. It runs throughout daylight hours. The most photographed water-crossing in Mozambique, and the route locals have used for centuries.

Last reviewed:

Land at INH. We'll be there.

Tell us your flight number, your hotel, and how many of you are arriving. We'll have someone waiting at Inhambane Airport with your name on a sign — and the bay on the way home.

Message us on WhatsApp

A reply in a few hours · English & Portuguese

Chat with us