Maputo is formerly known as Lourenco Marques after a Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544.It is the capital of Mozambique since 1898 located in the south-west part of the country. Maputo is the largest city in Mozambique and its harbour is the most important in the country. The harbour is situated at the mouth of the Santo River in the south 90 km from the border of South Africa.
In the city centre it feels small and concentrated with wide avenues and old trees. Maputo is full of life and the people like to party and listen to music. There are lots of street vendors and markets with a little begging from people of the streets.
Getting there
From Maputo airport you can find most international flights. A number of domestic
flights to Maputo can be found as well.
If you are driving the highway from Johannesburg to Maputo is good. From Johannesburg, take N4 towards Nelspruit (about 400km). From Nelspruit, continue following the N4 to Komatipoort, the last town on the South African side (about 100km). After Komatipoort is the Komatipoort/Ressano Garcia border post. NB: current car registration papers are required to get a car past the border. In Mozambique follow the EN4 for 100km then you reach Maputo.
From Manzini in Swaziland it is around 186km. If you catch the taxi or bus it takes about 4 hours and it will cost you about USD 8.time. Visa is USD 25.
From Durban via Golele Maputo is 600kms away.
In Maputo you have to walk around the city during the day. Metered taxi’s are around town on an agreed rate. A very cheap way to get around Maputo is the mini bus or chapa. Just ask the locals on which chapa to take depending on where you want to go. Chapa’s are very safe and locals are very friendly.
Accommodation in Maputo
The city provides a range of hotels like Polana. Cardoso and Holiday Inn and Mosaic guest house. There are two backpacker lodges. In the city centre there is the Base.
The Holiday Inn is on the beach and 5minute drive from town.
Polana Hotel– stunning view over Maputo Bay
The Pestana Rovuma is in the city centre
Hotel Cardoso – Overlooks the bay and has good seafood
Several other hotels are found in Maputo. You will definitely not get hungry in Maputo. There are places that suit your budget. At the market several bars and restaurants will cook food that you buy at a small fee. You can get a plentiful of pap and stew. At the local fish market. At dusk local fisherman bring their catch into the market.
The local cuisine is a mixture of Middle Eastern, African, Indian/Pakistani/ Portuguese, Hispanic, and African. All these different cuisines are served at various areas in the city. Fruits from the streets are usually fine.
Maputo Attractions
Buildings in the city range from High rise to old colonial palaces.
The Railway Station on Praca dos Trabalhadores.
The National Art Museum.
The Jardim Tunduru is a very pretty botanical garden.
The Museum of the Revolution shows Mozambique's fight for independence from Portuguese colonialism.
The Mercado Central in the Baixa district has fresh fish, crabs, calamari, fruits and vegetables, and many household staples.
Walk up Avenida Julius Nyerere.
Praça dos Trabalhadores is a building built by Gustave Eiffel.
Visit beaches, such as Catembe and Ponta d'Ouro.
African wax and woven fabrics along the Avenida de Guerra Popular.
Cashews all over the place, roasted, salted plain.
Wood carvings, boxes, picture frames from curio vendors.
Batik cloth ranging from the tacky animal stuff to glorious works of art.
Travel Advice
Violent crime during the day is not a problem. There is however, occasional pick pocketing on busy streets. Do not walk around alone at night. Malarial prophylaxis is essential in all parts of Mozambique. Tap water is not advised to drink.
Maputo is wet, humid and hot during the summer months from October to April with temperatures averaging 88ºF (31ºC). The cooler, drier months are between April and September is the best time for a
Maputo Holiday, with warm and sunny days and cool nights.
