Archaeological evidence shows that the area around contemporary Inhambane has been inhabited since at least the 11th century. Inhambane itself is one of the oldest cities on Mozambique's Indian Ocean coast.

The city is often referred to as Terra de Boa Gente (Land of Good People). There are numerous beautiful colonial buildings in town, as well as a lively Market.

Inhambane sits on a bay, 355 km northeast of maputo, in the south of Mozambique. On the opposite side of the bay is the city of Maxixe.