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| Mozambique: What to see | ||
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Maputo Overview Maputo overlooks Maputo Bay and the Indian Ocean and consists of wide, acacia lined avenues and has a surprising number of skyscrapers and high-rise flats. The city is spread out over a large area and boasts a range of styles of architecture. Recovering from suffocating socialism and the effects of 20 years of civil war, this run down African port is still a far cry from the lavish Lourenço Marques of old that was considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In recent years the city has been likened to Rio de Janeiro and is in the process of becoming a vibrant and confident city, and regenerating some of its old charm. History In 1898 the capital was transferred from Mozambique Island (Ilha de Moçambique) to Lourenzo Marques – subsequently the city grew to become an important port serving the South African goldfields, as well as an industrial centre. The establishing of the railway concreted its importance and under Portuguese influence Lourenço Marques became one of Africa's most beautiful and fashionable cities. A great deal changed due to the war of the 70's and 80's, and at the end of the war the city was left in a dreadful state. The infrastructure such as the water and electricity was nonexistent, the city was filthy with litter and human refuse, and thousands of homeless victims of the war had infiltrated the city. The disposition and plight of the people of the city has much improved since the end of the civil war. Attractions The Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceic‹o dates back to 1781 and is the city's oldest historic site. The railway station, known as the C.F.M. (Camhino de Ferro de Moçambique) was designed and built in 1900 by Monsieur Gustav Eiffel (as in the "Eiffel" Tower) and with its massive copper dome is a beacon. It was recently renovated and looks more like a palace. The Casa de Ferro (Iron House) was also designed by M. Gustav Eiffel as a Governors residence and was built from metal plates that have, as expected, not survived tropical conditions very well. The Catholic Cathedral with its impressive tower is a more modern building, and not always open, but nonetheless a Maputo landmark. The Parque Tunduru Botanical Gardens can be found near the City Hall and the Cathedral. The central market in the "Baixa" (downtown area) is called Mercado Municipal and is a colourful and interesting place to visit. The city houses many fascinating museums including the Natural History Museum; the Museum of the Revolution that is basically dedicated to glorifying Frelimo Victories; the Art Museum; the Museum of Geology; and the Museu de Moeda which is a currency museum housed in one of the oldest buildings in Maputo. Inhaca Island is 40 km from Maputo by boat and is considered one of Maputo's major attractions. A wide variety of saloes (side walk cafes) and restaurants provide many dining options and specialties include fresh prawns and peri peri chicken. The beaches worth mentioning that are varying distances from Maputo are: Praia de Macaneta, Ponta do Ouro, Ponta Malongane, and of course those on Inhaca Island. Time Out magazine is published twice yearly in English in Maputo and is full of useful information for travellers. Speaking Portuguese is an invaluable skill since this is the official language of Mozambique and this is very apparent in Maputo when trying to achieve anything bureaucratic. When to go April to September the cooler, drier months. Annual rainfall ranges from 400 – 800 mm, falling mainly November to March. December is the wettest month while August is usually completely dry. Averages temperatures are around 30 C (85F) and it's very humid. Accommodation Since Maputo's return to former glory, several of its main hotels have been refurbished. The most notable ones in Maputo include the Hotel Polana, Hotel Cardoso and the Rovuma Carlton Hotel. How to get there By air The main International Airport of Mozambique is in Maputo and buses and taxis are available to ones' accommodation in the city. Several reputable car hire companies are available. By road Maputo can be reached from South Africa via the Komatipoort/Ressano Garcia border (120 km from Maputo), or from Swaziland crossing the Namaacha border (80 km from Maputo). TOP |
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