I'm goint to Mozambique soon. I will do some diving from Tofo but also want to explore some places north of there such as Vilanculos and Morrungulo Beach. Since I will fly out of Moz from Inhambane airport I will then come back to Inhambane from the north.
Is there a regular car ferry between Maxixe and Inhambane, or do I have to drive the 50km detour on the EN1 south of Maxixe to get to Inhambane?
In this region, what speed can I assume on average, driving with a car?
There is no car ferry across the port, the road is in pretty good condition so it should take you less than an hour. Its about 60km.
I was in Inhambane a couple of weeks ago and drove right past the jetty for the ferry to Maxixe. Although I didn't look closely, I saw nothing that suggested you could take a car on the ferry. On that basis, you may have to drive round the bay.
That said, the road from the EN1 to Inhambane is absolutely fine so I would expect the drive from Maxixe to take no longer than the speed at which you intend to travel: 50 kms should take no more than 30-40 minutes or so. Watch out for traffic cops on the EN1. They will seize every opportunity to take some cash off you, do don't give them the chance.