Maputo, the capital of Mozambique has always been a strategic point in the Indian Ocean. Thanks to its excellent sea, travellers can enjoy an unforgettable holiday in one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa. A unique East African city with fun blend of influences and traditions, it is ideal for both short breaks and longer holidays. Maputo has a long tourist tradition which is reflected in the wide range of facilities and services on offer, which welcomes visitors with open arms all year round. Join Dream Africa in exploring Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, here are the top places and attractions to visit in Maputo, Mozambique.
Explore the art and culture
Beyond its coastal, laid-back appeal, Maputo has a fascinating cultural side. Whether you’re interested in learning more about its history and architecture, the best way of exploring this rich aspect of the Mozambique’s capital is to take a cultural tour.
The City Hall
The City Hall building in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is the seat of the local government of the capital of Mozambique. Designed by Portuguese-Brazilian architect Carlos Cesar dos Santos, the building has a neoclassical architecture and was built in 1947. The building has been active since then but visitors are not allowed in, unless on business purposes. The Maputo City Hall was included in the list of cultural monuments of Maputo in 2011.
Museu Nacional de Arte
Although a small museum, it offers a vast array of diverse collections of paintings, depicting both abstract and realism styles and sculptures as well. The museum is located half a block west of Avenida Karl Marx. Works exhibited here includes those of Mozambique’s best contemporary artists like Malangatana, Goncalo Mabunda, Alberto Chissano and a host of others.
Fortress of Maputo
This ancient fort was constructed by the Portuguese at the end of the the 18th century, close to the location of an earlier fort. Surrounded by gardens, the fort is a massive and impressive structure, that will catch the attention of any passerby. The fort also has a small museum inside which houses fragments from the ages of early Portuguese explorations of the area. Although this fort contains a vast array of diverse military, architectural and artistic collections, it is the significant presence of two contrasting figures in Mozambican history that attracts the most attention.
Museu de Historia Natural
The Natural History Museum, located close to Hotel Cardoso, is a nice place to stop by simply to see its grand Manueline architecture and its surrounding garden with a mural by Malangatana. On the insides, there are some taxidermy specimens accompanied by interactive computer terminals, a small ethnography exhibit and an astonishing display of what is very likely the country’s only collection of Elephant embryos.
Contact: www.museus.ulisboa.pt
See the nature in Maputo
With Indian Ocean at its heart, verdant hidden gardens and sprawling beaches, Maputo may be a major capital city, but it is also a surprisingly lush and green place where you are never far from beauties of nature.
Tunduru Botanical Gardens
Stroll through Maputo’s leafy paradise, popular with locals, tourists and newlyweds; explore the idyllic oasis that is the Tunduru Botanical Gardens for calm and green in the city. There is a coffee shop restaurant in the corner. This is a public park and garden in downtown Maputo, is truly a great place to relax.
Maputo Special Reserve
Formerly known as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, the Maputo Special Reserve is an incredible wildlife reserve where visitors can take in the wide range of native flora and fauna. It is such a beautiful safari to experience the nature here – spy crocodiles snoozing in the sun and spot a herd of elephants in the distance. A wild place, full of breathtaking animal and birds – a protected playground for wildebeest, hippos, giraffes, zebras, impalas and some of the most spectacular bird populations in the country. Excellent game park for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you’ll need a professional guide and a 4×4.
Visit the local markets
Mercado de Peixe
Maputo, Mozambique, is rich when it comes to seafood. For a city that’s located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, fresh fish is definitely an essential part of Maputo’s culinary culture. The Mercado de Peixe is Maputo’s fish market, sprawling of shops and fish stalls, that not only have the freshest seafood, but also other delicious goods. You can pick your own fish or seafood mix, and have one of the vendors grill it for you at one of the many restaurants there. Of course, for those who are fond of cooking up their own seafood feast at home, the market has plenty for you to take home.
George Hwariva wire craft sales
The FEIMA market, aka, George Hwariva wire craft sales, is one of the best markets in Maputo happens everyday at the fairground in Maputo, Mozambique. You’ll find various vendors ranging from local artisans to regional-traveling merchants at this market. A flea market and paradise for anyone who enjoys the art of handmade crafts, such as vintage jewelry and other hidden gems. You can be sure to get authentic handicrafts and souvenirs at fair prices.
Beach and accommodation in Maputo
Hotels in Maputo are picturesque destinations that are sandwiched between the mainland and the Indian Ocean, dotted with magical backwaters and pristine beaches, rich art and culture. The Southern Sun Maputo is a dream stay in the city; backwaters are a beautiful and blissful location, with beach and Indian Ocean views framed by tall palms and green lawns.
Contact: Visit website
