Maputo Sights
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Port
Maputo, Mozambique
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$110
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Maputo, formerly known as Lourenço Marques, named after a Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544, is the capital of Mozambique.
Most of the city's infrastructure (and architecture) was destroyed during the nearly thirty years of war that began with the Portuguese independence movement in 1962 and continued after independence in 1975. A peace treaty was signed in 1992 officially bringing the war to an end. Today, the city is slowly recreating some of its former glory.
Departing the harbor, you will pass the beautiful Railway Station—an architectural highlight of Maputo. It was built in 1908-10 and designed by engineer Alfredo Augusto de Lima. The remarkable bronze dome, founded specially for the building, was constructed in South Africa and its assembly was an innovation for that time.
You will then proceed to the local Maputo market for a glimpse of how the locals barter for a variety of goods and foods. A focal point in the city is the Praca de Independencia or Independence Square.
Around it is a statue of the country's first president, Samora Machel, the gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral, the neo-classical City Hall and the French-Mozambican cultural cente. The latter is a splendid old colonial building that has been tastefully restored and now presents art exhibitions.
You will also have the opportunity to take photos of the weird and wonderful concept of a house made entirely out of iron—very impractical for the hot African climate.
Continue to the Museum of Natural History where you will explore this facility that is famous for housing the only elephant fetus in the world, among a host of other interesting artifacts.
Finally, take a scenic drive through the up-market Polana area, following the coastal route to the Costa do Sol. After a photo stop here, return to the ship.
Please note:
The Maputo Market will be closed on holidays. On days when the market is closed, the group will do a drive by of the market. Mozambique is a third-world country and, although this tour is a rewarding experience, please be advised that it differs in all respects from the touring you will experience in South Africa. The coaches are maintained, but are basic and the quality can vary considerably. There is no formal guiding qualification required for Mozambique; the tour operator uses local guides because this contributes to Angola’s economic recovery. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of the your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Please be advised that some of the monuments and attractions that are viewed may fall under the rules pertaining to military or state defense objects. You are not allowed to photograph such sites and ignoring these rules can lead to serious problems. Therefore, please ask your tour guide’s advice before using your camera.