Jan
10
Maputo Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Sub Saharan Africa
A trip to Maputo
Maputo has been the capital city of Mozambique since 1907, though it was known as Lourenço Marques until the country gained independence in 1975. The biggest city in Mozambique is less than 50 miles from the South African border and as a consequence has a South African feel to it. Despite Mozambique’s efforts to modernize, you won’t find many tourists in the capital; however, this looks set to change in the coming years.
Flights to Maputo
Most international visitors to Mozambique land at Maputo International Airport. There are two carriers, Air Corridor and LAM, that handle domestic flights within the country and to nearby Johannesburg, South Africa. Johannesburg sees much more international traffic than Maputo. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Maputo try Ebookers. If you don’t mind the drive, flying into Johannesburg and driving the 300 miles to Maputo along the well maintained EN4 motorway can be a good option.
Maputo is also easy to get to by car from Swaziland, though you will need the car’s registration papers to get across the border. Visas are issued here and the trip shouldn’t take more than four hours with border stops included. Getting around the city is best done on foot or by taxi. Be sure to agree on a price with the driver before setting out, or prepare to be fleeced.
Maputo
Sightseeing in Maputo
Mozambique is just beginning to come into its own after war kept tourists away for many years. Tourists can now stroll the Mediterranean style city without fear, though common sense should be used as the city is far from crime-free. The period of Portuguese colonisation is long over, but the beautiful buildings along the harbour still stand, making for a great backdrop for a walk along the pier.
To get a feel for the local culture, the National Art Museum has a modest collection of works by local artists. To bone up on the country’s less pleasant history, the Museum of the Revolution details the people’s struggle to gain independence from Portugal.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Rest assured, your palette will be satisfied in Maputo. The food available in the city consists of a mix of culinary traditions, like Middle Eastern and Indian, Pakistani and Portuguese. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants lining the pleasant streets, and having dinner at one is a great way to segue into an evening spent enjoying the local beer.
The main beer brand comes in both light and dark brews, and a few bottles should fuel your dancing legs for a night out at one of Maputo’s nightspots. Live music is the norm here, with jazz, blues and African rhythms spilling from the clubs into the night air.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
The main commercial area is the port, where you’ll find a lively bunch selling their wares. Everything from textiles to spices and seafood is available in the Mercado Municipal. After you’ve spent a day exploring Maputo proper, a trip along the coast to Avineda Marginal, where local fishermen sell their day’s catch and locals frolic on the sandy strip of beach, is worthwhile.
Daytrips
There are many fine beaches within easy reach of Maputo, including Catembe and Ponta d’Ouro. Both beaches are fun and safe, while Ponto D’Oura and Ponto Malongane have some of the best scuba diving and camping in the region.
Inhaca Island, around 25 miles off the coast of Maputo in the Mozambique Channel, is a popular tourist destination, with its fine beaches and delectable coral reefs. The snorkelling and fishing here is particularly good while a marine biology museum and a historic lighthouse are also on offer.
The Maputo Elephant Reserve (Reserva Especial de Maputo) is one of the highlights of the Mozambique capital. It can be found in Mozambique’s southernmost province, about 50 miles south of Maputo, and is part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area. Elephants, leopards and antelope roam the park along with crocodiles, hippos and jackals.
Must-see attractions
The 18th century Portuguese fortress is the biggest attraction in Maputo, while the Central Railway Station in Mousinho de Albuquerque Square in the centre of town is a slightly more modern landmark. With its large dome, marble pillars and wrought iron work, the 1910 station was brainchild of an architect from the Eiffel school in Paris.
Avenue Julius Nyerere is Maputo’s main thoroughfare and is great for a stroll. Most people tend to start from the Natural History Museum or the Hotel Cardoso and head for the upmarket Polana Hotel. You will go by way of fancy boutiques and restaurants as well as a bunch of street vendors.
The local fish market in Maputo is another must-see, located as it is at the top of Avenue Marginal. Fresh fish and seafood is the order of the day here and you simply get one of the bars or restaurants in the area to cook up your buy. The Feira Popular amusement park is part of a restaurant and a great place for families.
For a spot of respite, Jardim Tunduru is a must-see botanical garden laid out in 1885 by Englishman Thomas Honney. You will find it behind the Statue of Samora Machel.
Best time to go
Anytime between April and September (winter) is the best time to go to Maputo. At this time temperatures are a lot lower than in the stifling summers (December to February) and rainfall and humidity are also lower. The most rain falls between October and March, when temperatures also average in the 30s (°C), making it one of the least preferable times to be in Mozambique.
Rainy day suggestions
The National Art Museum is perfect for a rainy day while in Maputo. Although the collection of art is fairly modest, the museum does have good quality Mozambican art, many pieces of which are by Malangatana. Another museum worth checking out is the Museum of the Revolution, which depicts Mozambique’s independence bid from Portugal.
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