Maputo City Information Guide

Maputo is Mozambique’s capital and is in the south of Mozambique only 95km from the border with South Africa. Maputo is a nice compact city with the Indian Ocean on two sides and two main roads in and out of the centre, the EN4 from South Africa and the EN1 north road (that goes to Xai Xai, Inhambane, Vilankulo and beyond. Maputo city has a very African feel with a mixture of old and new buildings dotting the skyline, construction is underway in many areas of Maputo as the country redevelops itself and grows. Maputo International airport is just a few kilometres out of Maputo city centre and there are daily flights from Johannesburg. Inhaca Island lies in Maputo Bay just a short ferry ride or 10 minute flight from Maputo.

Attractions and what to do in the Maputo area

Other Attractions around Maputo CIty

The Statue of Samora Machel
In the Praça da Independência, at the entrance to the Tunduru Garden, you will find the statue of Samora Machel (1933-1986). He was the first president of the People's Republic of Mozambique. The statue is cast in bronze and was erected after his tragic death in a plane crash over South Africa.

The Municipal Council
Completed in 1945, this neo-classical building currently houses the mayoral chambers and city council offices. During colonial times, the words 'Aqui é Portugal' ('This is Portugal') were inscribed on the front of the building but have since been removed. Inside the lobby are models of Maputo and Marracuene as they were in former times. You are permitted to enter the lobby but are not allowed to go further inside the building.

Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre
This attractive building is on Av. Samora Machel, just across the street from the Cathedral. It is worth popping in for a look as many cultural events take place there and there is a small café/bar. There is also a library with a good collection of books about Mozambique and French periodicals. Programmes are issued bi-monthly. Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 08H00-12H00 and 14H00-17H00.

The Tunduru Gardens
This is a pleasant spot to relax during the heat of the day where the canopy of tall trees creates an oasis of shade and calm for workers and tourists alike. It was created in 1885 by the famous English gardener, Thomas Honney, who also designed gardens for the Sultan of Turkey and the King of Greece. For those interested in botany, many of the trees are labelled with information about the species and origin. It is possible to visit the greenhouse but first ask for permission at the office nearby. Within the garden, adjacent to Av. Vladimir Lenine, you will find tennis courts owned by the Mozambique Tennis Federation and a couple of restaurants nearby which serve lunches and snacks, in a pleasant, shady environment. Outside the garden, not far away is the famous Café Continental, on 25 de Setembro where you can choose between the old fashioned interior or the outside esplanada which gives a great view of passing life.

Centre for Brazilian Studies
This charming old building can be found on the junction of Av. Karl Marx and Av. 25 de Setembro. The centre runs courses in the Portuguese language and is equipped with a language laboratory. It has a reference library and also exhibition space. On Friday evenings, there is often live music in the bar of the upstairs courtyard. Hours of opening: Tuesday-Friday, 09H00-13H00 and 15H00-19H00.

The Money Museum
This famous building on Rua Consiglieri Pedroso near the Praça 25 de Junho, the Casa Amarela (Yellow House), owes its name to the fact that it has always been painted yellow. The museum traces the history of currency in Mozambique. Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday 09H00-12H00 and 14H00-16H30; Fridays 09H00-12H00 and Sundays 14H00-17H00.

Arts and Crafts Market
If you happen to be visiting the Praça 25 de Junho on a Saturday before lunchtime, you will come across this market in the middle of the Square. Here you can buy anything from a batik to a painted bird or a carved wooden head. There are also sandalwood products on sale. The market attracts many tourists so be prepared to haggle and bargain for a better deal.

The Fortress
On the other side of the Praça 25 de Junho is the Fortress, one of Maputo's oldest buildings. The style of building greatly resembles other Portuguese forts along the coast of East Africa. Currently it is a military museum and contains many of the relics of Mozambique's colonial past and from time to time hosts visiting exhibitions. Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 07H00-17H00.

Port of Maputo
Destined to play a major role in the future of Mozambique, the Port of Maputo is the nearest access to the sea for land-locked Swaziland and the northern provinces of South Africa. It was built in 1784 but was not fully developed for commercial trade until the Portuguese settled here permanently in 1867.

Praça dos Trabalhadores
From the Port area, continue down the Rua Martires de Inhaminga and you will arrive in the Praça dos Trabalhadores. In the centre of the Praça is a monument dedicated to Mozambican soldiers who fought in World War One. The sculpture portrays a woman who, according to local legend, killed a cobra which had been terrorising local people for some time. The cobra plunged to its death in a pot of boiling porridge, which the woman was carrying on her head at the time. The cobra can be seen rising from the woman's feet.

Louis Trichardt Memorial
Situated on Av. Josina Machel, this memorial garden is dedicated to the memory of Louis Trichardt, a South African explorer who travelled the distance from South Africa to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo). His journey can be traced on a water mosaic in the memorial grounds, where he is buried

Statue of Eduardo Mondlane
In the middle of the busy traffic junction at the top of Av. Eduardo Mondlane stands the statue of Dr. Eduardo Mondlane (1920-1969), who was asassinated by a letter bomb. He was the first president of FRELIMO and played an influential role in the development of the struggle for independence in Mozambique.

Casa da Cultura
This building can be found on the junction of Av. Albert Luthuli and Av. Ho Chi Minh. It is the home of the renowned Companhia Nacional de Canto e Dança. (National Music and Dance Company).The centre offers dance and music classes and there are some craft items on sale in the entrance hall.

Museum of the Revolution
This museum recounts the history of the Revolution in Mozambique, through various maps and photographs. There are also examples of weapons and uniforms worn at the time. All of the captions and texts are in Portuguese and the museum fills four floors of the building. Opening hours: Weekdays 09H00-12H00 and 14H00-18H00 (except Wednesday), Saturday 14H00-18H00 and Sundays 09H00-12H00 and 15H00-18H00.

Praça dos Heróis
This memorial is situated near the airport, in the middle of a traffic roundabout, on Av. Acordos de Lusaka. The star-shaped monument holds the remains of Mozambique's heroes of the revolution and is open to the public on 3rd February each year, Heroes' Day. Across the road from the monument is a mural depicting the struggle for independence, which was the creation of a group of Mozambique's most influential artists. Please note that you may take photos of the mural (although you may attract the attention of the police) but not of the monument and you are not permitted to walk across the roundabout (you will pay a fine based on the number of metres walked if you do!).

Campo do Desportivo
If you set out from the Cardoso Hotel, it is possible to look down over the Baixa area and the Bay of Maputo. The green terraces on the hill lead down to the sports grounds of Campo Maxaquene and Campo do Desportivo, where musicians such as Hugh Masekela and Kappa Dech have performed. The view is excellent and it helps to put the geography of the city into perspective for the first time visitor. There are steps leading down to Av. 25 de Setembro but there have been muggings on these steps and it is not advisable to use this route to get to the Baixa.

Museum of Natural History
This building is situated on the junction near the Hotel Cardoso. The museum is closed to the public during the process of restoration, and will remain closed until the year 2000 at the earliest, but it is worth taking a look at the outside of the building which was built in the Manueline style of architecture. The museum has a display of stuffed animals and a unique collection of elephant foetuses which represent each stage of the 22 months gestation period of the elephant. Tel: 491145

Nucleo de Arte, R. da Argelia
This is a local artists association, which holds workshops and exhibitions of the works of established and up and coming artists. It is also possible to see some of the artists at work. Open Monday - Friday, 09H00-12H00 & 14H00-18H00 and Saturday mornings.

Geology Museum
Situated on Av. 24 de Julho 355, this building has been renovated over a period of ten years with money raised by the Department of Geology. It contains exhibits of gemstones and minerals excavated in Mozambique and the staff are well-informed and enthusiastic about their subject. Larger groups and schools should phone to arrange a guided tour (Tel: 498053). Open: Tuesday-Friday, 15H00-18H00, Saturday 08H00-12H00 & 15H00-18H00

The Wedding Palace
Situated on Av. Julius Nyerere close to the Avenida Hotel is an ornate white building, with pillars and decorative mouldings. This is where many of Maputo's young couples get married by civil ceremony. Just around the corner is the Greek Orthodox church on Av. A. Sekou Touré.

The President's Official Residence
Beyond the Hotel Polana, as you travel towards the Costa do Sol, is one of the official residences of President Chissano on the right hand side of the road. The grounds of the house are patrolled by armed guards and it is worth noting that it is not permitted to walk along the pavement in front of the house. On the left hand side of the road is the Ungumi Restaurant and the Nautilus Pub. This is one of Maputo's most elegant restaurants, renowned both for its excellent food and extensive collection of Mozambican works of art, which are on display throughout the building. The best way to set off on this journey is from Av. 25 de Setembro in the Baixa. On the way you will pass by the Feira Popular, which is described in the Restaurant section, and the outdoor running track on the right. You will also pass the FACIM, which hosts Mozambique's annual trade fair. Across the roundabout is the Nautical School. Continue along the Marginal, making sure to take the lower road beside the sea. This is a pleasant area for a stroll during the hot weather but it is also attractive to thieves, so be careful.

The best way to set off on this journey is from Av. 25 de Setembro in the Baixa. On the way you will pass by the Feira Popular, which is described in the Restaurant section, and the outdoor running track on the right. You will also pass the FACIM, which hosts Mozambique's annual trade fair. Across the roundabout is the Nautical School. Continue along the Marginal, making sure to take the lower road beside the sea. This is a pleasant area for a stroll during the hot weather but it is also attractive to thieves, so be careful.

The Marginal
The Clube Naval, which was built in 1913, is one of the first buildings that you will see along the Marginal. It has a swimming pool, tennis courts and boat launching facilities. The club is open to members only. About 2km further along the road is the Artedif Crafts Shop, which has an excellent selection of articles made locally in Mozambique. They have a good range of leather bags and sandals and they also repair leather items. The project is run by people with disabilities and is open every day from 09H00 until 15H00. Further along the way are roadside vendors selling reed furniture and ceramic pots. Nearby is the Parque de Campismo, which is being extensively renovated from May 1999, and a small, new shopping complex. Further beyond the Parc Campismo are the Kaya Kwanga and the Mini Golf Complex, which are ideal for families with children. The Club Marítimo has the distinction of being the only restaurant along the Marginal with tables right beside the sea. This is a pleasant spot to be when the weather gets really hot and you can watch the windsurfers and boats while you eat.

The Fish Market
If you take the road to the left at the Club Marítimo, you will find the Fish Market on your right hand side. It is the destination of much of the fresh fish caught around Maputo. It is an open market, which has on sale every kind of edible marine life from prawns and clams to kingfish and even shark. There are little bars and restaurants there too, some of which will cook and serve the fish you have bought yourself, as long as you are prepared to 'lose' a little along the way.

Bairro Triunfo
As you continue your journey along the coast you will drive through Bairro Triunfo, which is becoming very developed as the demand for housing in Maputo increases. There are several small restaurants and bars in this area. If you enjoyed your visit to Artedif, you may like to have a look at Shanty Craft, which also sells craft items and is open every day except Monday.

Bairro Costa do Sol
Once this marked the end of the road and the boundary of the city of Maputo. The Costa do Sol restaurant is a charming art deco style building with original features and specialises in seafood and Greek cuisine. Accommodation is available above the restaurant and in the new chalets adjacent to the restaurant. There are plenty of crafts on sale at the roadside here and when the tide is out, there is a broad expanse of beach on which to walk or paddle.

Bairro dos Pescadores
The road continues on over the bridge from the Costa do Sol and winds through the Bairro dos Pescadores. Along the coast on both sides are areas of mangrove trees, which attract many species of birds. The shore is dotted with small fishing boats and the fishermen sell their catch on the beach. About 3km from Costa do Sol is the Villa dos Pescadores, a pleasant restaurant with a pool, live music at the weekends and conference facilities.

Cooperativa de Arte Makonde
This crafts workshop specialises in the carvings of the Makonde people. It is situated in Av. Marianne N'gouabi 798 and is open all day from Monday to Saturday.

Mercado Janete
This busy little market is situated between Av. Mao Tse Tung and Av. Paulo Samuel Kankhomba. Most household goods are available here as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, clothing and plastic goods. There are also a number of shoe repair services and a public telephone booth.

Mercado Xipamanine
This is the largest market in Mozambique and one of the most infamous. It is renowned for its selection of capulanas (traditional cloth) and has an extensive traditional medicine section, including animal claws and tails - not for the faint of heart! This market is notorious so you need to be extra careful with your wallet and your purchases.

Chissano Museum
You can find this museum by travelling out to Matola, down Av. 24 de Julho and continuing on in the direction of the border with South Africa. It is situated in Rua Torre do Vale, Bairro Sial, Matola. The museum contains the works of sculptor Alberto Chissano and other Mozambican artists. The restaurant in the museum specialises in local cuisine such as chicken, matapa and xima/uswa. There is a set menu costing 130,000MT per person for which advance booking is essential (Tel: 780705). Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 09H00-12H00 and 15H00-17H00.