MAPUTO MOZAMBIQUE

Maputo is an Old Portuguese town, the capital city of Mozambique located south of the country where trees queue along the streets, tall modern buildings lies in harmony with old Portuguese architectural work

Although no fighting occurred in Maputo, Mozambique’s long civil war hit the economic, political and cultural capital very hard. Before the war, Maputo had graceful, tree-lined streets, cafes, a good variety of restaurants, some nightlife and the colorful Central Market. Today, the city remains decayed and filled with refugees although there has been some progress in rebuilding and there is a growing restaurant scene and a wealth of tourist options. The local’s passion for life can be seen on every corner of this bustling city, in the colorful markets and in the pulsating nightlife.

Maputo city tours

Maputo has a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere not found anywhere else in Southern Africa and one of its more distinctive characteristics is a remarkable wealth of architecture ranging from the classical to colonial style.  The Maputo Express is and open tourist train car that is used for sightseeing tours in Maputo and is the best bay to experience the city as the guide give you details and the history of each place you visit.

Maputo day tours start at the Maputo railways station built in front of the Worker’s Square built in 1908. The worker’s square and Snake Lady Monument are part of Mozambique’s interesting history. Visit the Independence war memorial that remains standing from the colonial times.

Sights include the cathedral, the Alvaro Castro Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the Revolution, the National Arts Museum and several interesting markets. The cathedral erects the sky with spectacular white color built in form of a crucifix.

Maputo Municipal Market building is one of the oldest buildings in Maputo city down town near Baixa. The market building is shaped in an anglo-saxon architecture with iron roofing. The market sells everything you can think of; foods, curios and souvenirs, fish, meat, herbs and spices among other things. The down town Saturday Bazaar is held in Workers square every Saturday, buy several Mozambique tour souvenirs at cheap prices-you have to trust your bargaining power with the sellers!

The Polana, the city’s old colonial hotel, has been returned to its former glory and — if you can’t afford to stay there – it is worth a visit just to take in the atmosphere. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição fort located near Maputo fishing port is another interesting place to visit with history stemming from 1730 Dutch settlers to the Portuguese colonial era. Today, the Cultural heritage Fort houses several items like distinctive painting of Ngungunhane and his coffin, statues of colonialists Mouzinho de Albuquerque and António Enes.

The better beaches are north of the city. Excursions can be made to Inhaca Island, visible from the mainland, to see its beaches, marine biology museum and nature reserve. The island is proud of its big game fish catches, exclusive dive sites and beautiful coral reefs. There is only one hotel on the island, but camping is permitted in some places. The island is home to traditional Portuguese cooking and dinning with emphasis on sea foods like crayfish and prawns.

 

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