Sightseeing in Maputo - what to see. Complete travel guide

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique, a country in Southeast Africa. Despite this status, the city is quite a poor settlement on the African continent. However, people might consider it poor only if they compare it to the richest European capitals. By standards of Africa, this is quite a developed city that can compete with Las Vegas. If you choose to visit Maputo, you will see a big business district with mostly office buildings and a central part that remains active and awake 24/7. This is the best place to visit numerous bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Maputo can be proud of its beautiful beaches that are one of the reasons why tourists from all over the world choose to visit this amazing city.

In 1544, the governor of East Africa sent naval explorer Lourenço Marques to explore the region occupied by the Portuguese that was a part of the governor’s property. The explorer built a fort and trading posts in the area. The new settlement got its name after him later and was called accordingly – Lourenço Marques. The first town was completely destroyed, however, a new town was built later. This event took place in 1850. Over the years, Lourenço Marques became the capital of Portuguese East Africa.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the city turned into a cosmopolitan center. The settlement developed into a modern port with warehouses and cranes that could unload even large ships. When Mozambique finally became an independent country in 1975, many foreign travelers discovered the fabulous city. The capital started slowly turning into a popular resort destination famous for its excellent beach recreation. This is when the city got its current name – Maputo – after a river that flows here. When the Portuguese started leaving the country after the end of the colonial regime, Mozambique became deprived of its high-skilled workers. At the beginning of the 80s of the 20th century, the country had to declare bankruptcy. The country’s economy showed the first signs of recovery only ten years later. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Maputo is rich in attractive tourist areas that are great for recreation purposes. Without a doubt, several gorgeous coastal areas are suitable for recreation in Maputo and its neighborhoods. Inhaca Island is definitely one of these areas. This is a fantastic tropical beach with modern infrastructure that makes this beach comfortable for tourists with small children. As Inhaca Island Beach has a soft sand cover, there is no need to rent sun loungers – a towel is enough. Vacationers can always rent sun umbrellas to make their stay at the beach even more comfortable. Of course, sun loungers are also available for tourists during their stay at the coast of the Indian Ocean. The coastal water is calm and shallow. Parents do not need to worry about their little ones because the ocean bottom is also covered with soft sand and the water is not deep.

When you feel bored of sunbathing, you are welcome to explore different entertaining establishments – there are many of them along the coast. New cafes and restaurants open in the area every year, offering the most delicious national food to locals and guests of the city. Do you like exploring the area with the aqualung? The beach rentals offer diving equipment too. Put on the scuba diving gear and see the incredible underwater world of the ocean. This is a fantastic chance to see the diverse flora and fauna of the Maputo coastal water. Picturesque and colorful coral reefs unleash their beauty here. Every diver tries to see the tremendous natural treasures of this region during their holiday in the capital of Mozambique.

Macaneta Beach is another interesting coastal area that is worth exploring. Are you a fan of high waves? Without a doubt, this is a must-visit area in this case. Surfers from different parts of the world have Macaneta as the first place to visit after they arrive in Maputo because this beach lets them enjoy their most-loved activity. High waves are not rare here, so it is possible to see fans of riding waves almost every day at Macaneta. The beach itself has soft sand, transparent water, and a comfortable swimming area. However, this is not the best choice for vacationers with children because of high waves.

How about a bit of fortune-telling? In Maputo, tourists can combine sunbathing and magic. For this purpose, head to Costa do Sol, which is located in the neighborhood of Maputo. This area is home to local wizards who will gladly tell your future. Local people respectfully call these wizards the wise men. Tourists can find them in local huts. Don’t be scared to enter their dark and small houses. Bravely step inside and listen to a wise man who will tell you more about your destiny and future using shells for fortune-telling. Local wizards also perform love spell rituals. If you decide to order one, be prepared for a series of actions like making different shapes in the air with the body or a dead chicken, whipping with twigs, and pouring a strangle blue liquid to your head.

Not many European countries have a direct air connection to Maputo. The most comfortable route is to travel from Frankfurt or Doha to Johannesburg. The airport of this African city has daily flights to the capital of Mozambique. Having landed in Maputo, tourists can get to the city center by bus. That being said, a taxi is preferable because public transport is usually full of locals.