Inhaca Island Lodge, Inhaca Island, Maputo Bay, Mozambique

Inhaca Island is an easy to reach getaway for a few days relaxation in the warm translucent waters of the Indian Ocean. The tranquil island of Inhaca is situated on the fringe of the Tropics and is famous for its tropical vegetation, bushy colonies of coconut trees, diverse marine life and 300 species of birds.

The diverse and easily accessible marine life and mangrove swamps have made Inhaca Island an important research station. The biological research station on Inhaca Island was set up in 1974 and the museum is open daily (you will need to arrange transport from the lodge or take a long but leisurely walk.)

Activities on the island are provided by “Gone Fishin”, a water sports centre located at Inhaca Island Lodge. The activities available at Gone Fishin' on and around Inhaca Island include:

The snorkelling at Santa Maria is at a channel seperating the mainland from Inhaca island and so is in a fast current, so all you have to do is drift along with the current along a coral wall and over sandy shallows with colourful starfish, sea cucumbers and razor clams. Amongst the colourful fish you can expect to see Moorish Idols, Parrot and Trumpet fish.

Pestana Inhaca Island Lodge

Inhaca Island Lodge is a picturesque island resort set in a lanscaped tropical garden with magnificent coconut palms. There is a total of fourty thatched chalets at the resort divided into double bed, twin bed and family rooms. A laundry service is provided by Inhaca Lodge.

The salt water swimming pool at Inhaca Island Lodge overlooks the palm-fringed beach, or if you prefer the warm Indian Ocean for your swimming you can take a walk along the white sand to find your own secluded beach. There are also regular trips provided by the Gone Fishin' Watersports centre to beaches at the old Inhaca Lighthouse or nearby Portuguese Island.

For those who don't want to spend their days swimming, fishing and snorkelling other facilities at the lodge include a games room with Table tennis & billiard table, a TV & video room, Children’s play room, Conference room and Internet facilities.

All chalets at Inhaca Lodge have DSTV (satellite) television, air-conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities, mosquito nets and en-suite toilet and shower room. During the course of 2006 lodge upgrades have been in progress giving the lodge a new look more in keeping with the tropical environment surrounding it.

Inhaca Island Food & Drink

Half board (dinner & breakfast) is included for all guests staying at Inhaca Island Lodge, while lodge guests can choose to eat from the lunch menu or sample the local sea-food restaurants in the village for a delicious prawn, crab or fish platter.

At Inhaca Lodge there is restaurant seating indoors, however meals and beverages are generally served buffet style outside on the terrace under the stars or in the dining boma. Inhaca Lodge also has a cocktail bar for exotic sundowners by the pool or overlooking the beach.

Getting to Inhaca Island

Inhaca Island can be reached by plane with daily flights from Maputo (just a 15 minute flight), and is also a popular stopover for yachts, sailboats and cruises. Visitors spending a few days in Maputo can also take a day trip by boat to Inhaca Island, departing at 8am and returning in the late afternoon.