Maputo Travel Guide

The City of Maputo

Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique with a population of about two million people.
Under portuguese influence, it was known under the name Loureno Marques (LM), a
portuguese trader who explored the area of Delagoa Bay in 1544, and became one of
Africas most beautiful and fashionable cities with a cosmopolitan continental atmosphere,
pavement cafes, and a thriving tourist industry. After the independence on June 25, 1975 it
was named Maputo.

LM around 1910

The civil war in the 1970s and 1980s changed all that. When peace finally came, the once
beautiful Mozambican city was in terrible disrepair. Thousands of immigrants crowded the
buildings and major services including water and electricity were non existent. Signs of the
struggle still show by the bullet holes and marks on the walls of many buildings of the city.

Over the past decades, the city has been rebuilt, with the hope that it can again capture its
attraction and success as a very popular tourist destination. Today, the city is slowly
recreating some of its former glory. It is bustling port city, with great architecture, beautiful
avenues of trees, homely caf houses and vibrant city life.

There is a ferry to serve those tourists or people who wish to cross to Catembe and there are
various means to get to Inhaca Island and to the tourist spots, holiday accommodations and
fishing destinations that are on offer there.

Climate

The climate of Mozambique, influenced by the monsoons of the Indian Ocean and the warm
current of the Mozambique Channel, is generally tropical and wet with two seasons. A dry
season from April to September and a wet season from October to March.
Currency

Mozambique currency is Metical. South African Rand, Sterling Pound, U.S. dollar and euro
are widely accepted. The main debit cards can also be used in Mozambique. ATM machines
are available in major city centres and in some hotels. Travelers Cheques are not as popular,
so it is advisable to have cash or credit/debit card.

Hour

GMT+2 hours

Sightseeing and Entertainment in Maputo

Praa de Independncia

This wide plaza is rimmed on one side by the soaring white spire of the Catedral de Nossa
Senhora da Conceio and on the other by the hulking, neoclassical Conselho Municipal (City
Hall).

Municipal Palace, Casa de Ferro, Fortaleza

Casa de Ferro

Just off the Praa de Independncia is the Casa de Ferro, which was designed by Eiffel in the
late 19th century as the governor's residence, though its metal-plated exterior proved
unsuitable for tropical conditions.

Fortaleza

The old fort was built by the Portuguese in the mid-19th century near the site of an earlier
fort. Inside is a garden and a small museum with remnants from the era of early Portuguese
forays to the area.

Praa dos Heris Moambicanos

The large Praa dos Heris Moambicanos, along Av Acordos de Lusaka near the airport, is
notable for its 95m-long mural commemorating the revolution. The star-shaped white
marble structure in its centre holds the remains of Mozambique's revolutionary and post-
independence heroes, including Eduardo Mondlane and Samora Machel, as well as those of
national poet Jos Craveirinha. Photographs are prohibited. Except on 3 February, when it's
open to the public, you'll need to get permission to visit.

Museu da Revoluo

The Museu da Revoluo documents Mozambique's independence struggle. Exhibits are in

Portuguese, but with many photos, and provide a good feel for events that have shaped the
country's recent history.

Museu Nacional de Arte

The Museu Nacional de Arte, half a block west of Av Karl Marx, has an excellent collection of
paintings and sculptures by Mozambique's finest contemporary artists, including
Malangatana and Chissano.

Casa e Museu Malangatana

It's possible to visit the house and studio of Malangatana, Mozambique's most renowned
painter. It is filled with dozens of his own paintings as well as several sculptures of Alberto
Chissano. Call ahead to arrange an appointment. The house is located several kilometres
outside the city centre; ask directions when arranging the visit.

Ncleo de Arte

This longstanding artists' cooperative is a focal point among Mozambican artistic circles. It
has frequent exhibitions featuring the work of up-and-coming artists (some of which is for
sale), including pieces made in the 'Guns into Art' project (check their website for more).
There's also a pottery area, and a garden where you can talk with the artists and watch them
at work. It's in a dilapidated colonial-era house near the Hospital Central.

Ncleo de Arte, Train Station, Wall painting Malangatana

Train Station

Maputo's imposing Train Station is one of the city's landmark buildings. The dome was
designed by an associate of Alexandre Gustav Eiffel, although Eiffel himself never set foot in
Mozambique. Also impressive are the wrought-iron lattice work, pillars and verandas gracing
the exterior. Inside are some old steam engines, and the Chez Rangel Jazz Caf, one of the
city's best night spots. Although the station is still in use, trains run infrequently and it's
often deserted.
Mercado Municipal

The Mercado Municipal, with its long rows of vendors, tables piled high with produce, fresh
fish and colorful spices, and stalls overflowing with everything from brooms to plastic
buckets, is Maputo's main market, and well worth a stroll. Get there early in the morning
when everything is still fresh, and before the crowds.

Caf Tradition

The caf tradition, left behind in Maputo by the Portuguese, and the city's cafs have
become somewhat of an institution. Most of the older ones have a staid feel to them, and
the faded ambience and worn furnishings that you'd expect from places that have been
around for decades, while the newer ones tend to be young and lively. All serve a selection
of tasty bolos (cakes) and light meals, caf espresso and ch (tea). While walking around in
town, they are good spots to relax.

Restaurante Costa do Sol

A Maputo institution, this large, breezy place just in from the beach draws the crowds on
weekend afternoons. There's seating on the large beach-facing porch or indoors, an array of
fresh seafood dishes and grills. It's located 5km north of the centre at the northern end of Av
Marginal.

Dock's

At Clube Naval, with good seafood grills and burgers, and breezy, waterside seating. There's
live music on most Thursday (jazz, advance reservations required) and Friday evenings, and a
late-night bar. The compound entry is deducted from your meal bill.

Caf Continental

The grande dame of the city was undoubtedly once grander than it is now - with a down-at-
the-heel feel and the original furnishings long since gone - but it makes a good spot to watch
the passing scene.

Piri-Piri Chicken

A Maputo classic, with grilled chicken - with or without piri-piri (spicy chilli sauce) - to take
away or eat here.
Teatro Avenida

Teatro Avenida is home to Maputo's best-known theatre group, Mutumbela Gogo. Plays are
in Portuguese. Also watch for M'Beu, a theatre group for highschool students formed under
the auspices of Mutumbela Gogo.

Henning Mankell was invited to run the Teatro Avenida in the capital of Mozambique,
Maputo. Since his arrival in 1986 he has spent at least half the year in Maputo working with
the theatre and writing.

Feira Popular

A Maputo institution, where you can mix and mingle with the crowds as you wander amid
dozens of small bars and restaurants set inside a large, walled compound. Taxis wait outside
until the early hours.

Chez Rangel Jazz Caf

This jazz caf at the train station is one of Maputo's best night spots, with intimate
surroundings and the atmospheric architecture of the train station as a backdrop. There's
live music on Saturdays, and otherwise your choice of a large collection of old jazz
gramophone records. An ideal spot to sip a caipirinha while taking in afro-jazz beats.

(Information from lonelyplanet.com)

Travel Information
Getting around

Maputos Mavalane International Airport is 6km northwest of the city centre (US$8 to US$10
in a taxi). However, there will be a shuttle service from the hotel

Chapas go everywhere (US$ 0.20). Some have name boards, otherwise listen to the
destination called out by the conductor.

There are taxi ranks at Hotel Polana and at the Municipal Market, otherwise you can call the
taxi company or ask in any hotel and restaurant that will call a taxi for you.

The ferry (per person about US$ 0.20) and boats to Catembe run from dawn to about 11pm
from the dock near the Ministry of Finances. The trip takes about 20 minutes.

What to wear

For most of the year light clothing is a must. However, during the winter (June-August), it
can get chilly in the evenings so pack a sweater or jacket. In restaurants smart casual is the
norm: short-sleeved shirts and slacks for men, blouses and skirts or informal dresses for
women.

When visiting game reserves neutral colours are preferred, but not white, because bright
hues may unsettle the animals. Shorts and safari shirts in brown, beige, dark green or khaki
are the best. Wear sensible walking shoes and take a hat for protection from the sun.

In the evening is a good idea to wear long sleeved shirts and slacks, so as little skin possible
is exposed to mosquitoes.

Health and Safety

Mozambique has private and public medical facilities, mainly spread in Maputo city. A course
of anti-malaria tablets is strongly advised (e.g. Malerone, Lariam). If camping, mosquito nets
and repellents are recommended after sundown. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio
tetanus and typhoid are also recommended. A yellow fever certificate is required for those
arriving from infected areas. Also, please have a look at the website of the Auswrtiges
Amt Lnderinformation.

Walking around central Maputo during daytime hours is generally safe. However, violent
crime does occur. Be vigilant when out and about, avoid isolating situations and avoid the
areas between Ave Patrice Lumumba and Ave 25 de Setembro, between Ave Friedrich
Engels and Ave Marginal, and Ave Marginal between Praa Robert Mugabe and the Holiday
Inn.
It is advisable not to carry large sums of money, items of value or important documents such
as passports on your person. Most hotels offer facilities for safeguarding these. Similarly, do
not take these to the beach or leave them in your hired vehicle or on display in your hotel
room.

If you walk through the city, plan your route beforehand. It is better to explore in groups and
stick to well-lit busy streets. Avoid drawing attention to you by wearing lots of jewelry and
showy displays of cameras and other valuables. Keep your handbag and cellular phone with
you and do not leave them unattended. Always keep an eye on what's going on around you.
Avoid going out alone after hours. If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism
info office can recommend a reliable service.

Portuguese Vocabulary
Hello Ol

Goodbye Adeus

Yes Sim

No No

Good morning Bom dia

Good afternoon Boa tarde

Good evening/night Boa noite

Please Por Favor

Thank You Obrigado/a (male/female)

You're welcome De nada

I'm sorry Desculpe

Pardon me, Sir/ Madam Com lienca, Senhor/ Senhora

Do you speak English/German? Fala ingles/ alemo?

Where is? Onde que ?, Onde fica...? Onde ...?

Today Hoje

Tomorrow Amanha

How much is it? Quanto custa?

One Um(a)

Two Dois(Duas)

Three Tres

Four Quatro

Five Cinco

Where is the bathroom? Onde fica a casa de banho?

How are you doing? Como esta?, Como vai?, Tudo bem?

The bill please A conta por favor.

At mais!