Air Travel: Inhambane

Airport Overview

Major Airports & Airlines

Understand the main airports and carriers for Inhambane.

Access Points

Inhambane Airport (INH): Local domestic airport, limited facilities.
Maputo International Airport (MPM): Main international gateway to Mozambique.
Vilankulo Airport (VNX): Alternative international entry (e.g., from Johannesburg).

Flight Routes & Services

airlines and common flight paths.

Airline Insights

LAM Mozambique Airlines: National carrier for domestic flights between Maputo (MPM) and Inhambane (INH).
Airlink: Operates international flights to Maputo (MPM) and Vilanculos (VNX) from Johannesburg (JNB).
No direct international flights to INH; connections via Maputo (MPM) or land transfer from Vilanculos (VNX).

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Prices are higher during peak dry season (June-September) and major holidays (December-January). Advance booking for better rates.

Airport Facilities

INH offers basic facilities. MPM is larger with ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free, and car rental desks.

Airport Transfers

From INH: Taxis or pre-arranged lodge transfers. From MPM: Taxis, domestic flight, or long-distance bus (chapa).

Flight Search Resources

Flight Deal Services

Dollar Flight Club for discounted flight alerts.
Skyscanner for comparing flight prices.
AirHelp assists with flight compensation.
Check airline websites directly for special promotions.

Car Rental Options

DiscoverCars.com for comparing car rental deals.
Limited international car rental presence in Inhambane directly.
Easier to arrange car rentals from Maputo or Vilanculos.
A 4x4 vehicle is a good choice if exploring beyond paved roads.

Connecting Flights to Inhambane

Maputo as Hub

Most international travelers arrive at Maputo International Airport (MPM), then connect to Inhambane (INH) via a domestic flight.

Vilankulo Alternative

Vilankulo Airport (VNX) is another option, with a 4-5 hour road connection to Inhambane. Some travelers combine trips.

Land Transportation

Bus & Border Crossings

Land transportation offers a different perspective and is often more budget-friendly.

Border & Bus Insights

Border Crossings: Valid visa or approved eVisa prior to arrival for land entry.
Chapas (minibuses): Most common, affordable long-distance public transport. Connects Maputo to Inhambane, and Inhambane to Maxixe/Vilanculos.
Larger Buses: Companies like "Nagi" offer slightly more comfort on some routes; booking tickets in advance is a good idea.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

details for those planning to drive.

Driving Information

Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) and national driver's license. Valid vehicle insurance.
Road Conditions: Vary significantly. Main highways may have potholes. Roads to Tofo/Barra are unpaved sand tracks; 4x4 vehicle recommended.
Safety: Night driving is not advisable due to hazards. Be aware of pedestrians/animals.

Road Safety Measures

Important precautions for driving in Mozambique.

Driving Safety Tips

Corruption: Roadside police checks common. Stay polite, do not offer bribes; ask for written fine.
Vehicle Prep: Ensure vehicle is mechanically sound. Carry spare tires, basic tools, first-aid kit.
Fuel Stops: Sparse in rural areas; plan carefully.

Sea & River Arrivals

Sea and river transport support local movement but are not typically used for international arrivals.

Water Travel

Ferry Services: Regular passenger ferry connects Inhambane town to Maxixe across the bay.
Cruise Ports: Inhambane does not serve as a major cruise ship port.
River Transport: Tourist-oriented river transport is limited. Local dhows are used for bay crossings and short excursions.

Important Land Travel Notes

No passenger train services connect major cities to Inhambane directly.
Ensure all vehicle documents (registration, insurance, IDP) are in order for roadside checks.
Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on roads, especially in rural areas.

Driving on the left side of the road.
Main N1 highway can have significant potholes, especially after the wet season.
Informal parking; be aware of unofficial 'parking attendants'.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure to ensure a smooth exit.

Departure Guidelines

Exit Fees: Departure tax for international flights from Maputo (MPM) is typically included in airfare. Domestic flights from Inhambane Airport (INH) also generally include tax. Confirm with your airline.
Timing: For domestic flights from INH, arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before departure. For international flights from MPM, arrive 2 to 3 hours before departure.
Confirm domestic flight times from Inhambane (INH) the day before departure, as schedules can change.

Airport Facilities for Departures

What to expect at the airports upon departure.

Airport Amenities

Inhambane Airport (INH): Very limited facilities for departing travelers, mainly a small waiting area. Do not expect extensive shops, restaurants, or lounges.
Maputo International Airport (MPM): Provides more amenities, including basic shops, cafes, and duty-free options. Still a relatively modest international airport.
Check-in procedures are generally quick at INH due to its small size.

Confirm Domestic Flights

Always confirm your domestic flight times from Inhambane (INH) the day before your departure. Local flight schedules can occasionally change.

Departure Tax Included

Departure tax for both international and domestic flights is typically included in your airfare. Verify this at booking.

Allow Sufficient Time

Allow ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures, especially for international departures from Maputo.

Air Travel