What To Do In Maputo

There are some cities which are instantly familiar even if you have never visited them before and they are in far away and exotic locations. If you are Eurocentric or travelled around the Mediterranean basin or the South American coastline, you would immediately feel at home in Maputo.

The Portuguese created a home from home and a flagship city for their colonial empire. Wide sweeping boulevards and gracious civic and domestic architecture abound. Interestingly enough, they kept on developing the city right until they departed in 1975 and consequently there are many examples of the 1950s, 60s and 70s buildings. Mozambique then embarked on a destructive civil war which finally ended with a lasting peace in the mid-1990s.

The city today is a vital, bustling metropolis. The economic boom is pumping money and development into Maputo as never before. Twenty years ago, it could have been mistaken as a copy of Havana with decaying and collapsing buildings everywhere you look. No longer. The gracious buildings remain of course. Gustav Eifel of Tower fame designed the rather beautiful central railway station and a rather peculiar building, an all steel residence built for the governor. Whether Eifel ever visited this tropical city I do not know but I presume he hadn't otherwise he would not have designed a heat trap of monumental proportions. The governor never moved in but the building survives, a monument to man's ingenuity and stupidity.

The central market exists and vibrates in its original colonial structure. The spices, nuts, fish and meat of Africa are on offer mixed in with the pleasant and not so pleasant odours. Groundnuts, especially cashews are extremely cheap and I always grab a kilo or two when I have time. In Portuguese days, the hotel to be seen was the Polana. It remains to this day a grand example of colonial architecture and was visited by every head of state and VIP. It's recent revamp has made it slightly blander, in an international Hilton style, but still well worth the visit even if it's just to enjoy a drink on the terrace.

During the days you can wander the streets and savour the atmosphere. At night, the city comes alive. In the Brazilian tradition, there is an ease with which cultures have fused together and people mix. The cultural mix best expresses itself in a sort of Afro-jazz. If you enjoy this type of music, head to Chez Rangel at the railway station and lose yourself in the moment.

Maputo is a success story. Sure, there is poverty but the legacy of its architectural history and the kindness of its people ensure that this is a city which you will return to.

What to do in Maputo

Travel To Mozambique Now
Mozambique Lodge Map
Popular Mozambique Lodges

  • Vamizi Island Lodge

    Vamizi Island Lodge on a private island in the Quirimbas Archipelago of Northern Mozambique offers exclusivity like no other, this is the lodge that you look at when you want to escape the modern world.

  • Polana Hotel

    Situated in the heart of Maputo on one of the city's most desirable avenues, the justly famous Polana is a cool and gracious haven that recalls the elegance and splendour of colonial times, one of Maputo's best-loved hotels.

  • Ibo Island Lodge

    Ibo Island Lodge in the far northern region of Mozambique located within the magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago offers a luxurious private Island experience surrounded by year round warm weather and waters, a life change experience awaits.

  • Azura Benguerra Lodge

    Azura Benguerra boutique retreat offers one a private Island feel with surround whites sand, warm turquoise waters and star studded nights all wrapped up in what can only be described as your own private sanctuary.

  • Pestana Rovuma Hotel

    This Maputo hotel is situated in the centre of Maputo opposite the Cathedral and 10 minutes away from the main points of interest in the City, such as the historic Railway Station, the Market, the Fort and the main business zone.

  • Pestana Bazaruto Lodge

    Bazaruto Lodge set within a hop, skip and a jump from the warm waters of the Mozambique channel provides one with an Island style holiday second to none, snorkelling, fishing, and relaxing are just a few of the activities on offer here.

  • Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

    Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort and Spa can be found on the Bazaruto Island itself, offering up luxurious accommodation and world class facilities including the best scuba diving all surrounded by the unspoilt beauty.

  • andBeyond Benguerra Lodge

    An African island paradise awaits for all that visit the small and intimate andBeyond Benguerra Lodge, with the Indian Ocean's turquoise waters lapping at your feet there is simply no better destination to unwind and relax.