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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Africa
- Mozambique
- Maputo
Maputo
The sprawling capital of Mozambique was, under Portuguese
influence in the 18th century, one of the most beautiful and
fashionable cities on the African continent, with a sophisticated
multi-national atmosphere, elegant buildings and wide, shaded
avenues.
Following the cynical process of decolonisation inflicted on
Mozambique by her colonial masters, the 17-year civil war that
raged during the 1970s and 80s had a devastating affect on Maputo,
reducing the proud city to a state of grubby disrepair, with
thousands of immigrants taking over from where the wealthy
socialites left off. The city has worked hard to recreate some of
its former grandeur, with the five-star Polana Hotel once again
abuzz with the gossip of the rich and famous, and restaurants
serving up their famous peri-peri prawns. Today the city is a
lively mix of people, with lots of markets and street vendors, a
vibey café culture, buzzing nightclubs and live music venues, and a
relaxed pace of life.
Maputo, or Lourenzo Marques as it was known before independence,
became the capital of Mozambique in 1898 and the city became
established as a major trade and industry centre, boasting the
country's most important harbour. Today the economy of the city
still relies heavily on the sea, and its port has significant
potential for international trading, being the closest deepwater
port in southern Africa to Asian markets. Most visitors to Maputo
will pass through the harbour on the way to Inhaca Island situated
just off the coast, a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.
Maputo is also the gateway to many splendid beaches and resorts
to the north and south of the city, as well as the Maputo Elephant
Reserve, which has growing numbers of game and beautiful coastal
areas. Ponta de Ouro is the southernmost resort on the Mozambique
coast, famed for its white sand beaches and as one of the best
diving locations with rich coral reefs and a variety of marine
life. To the north of Maputo are the beautiful inland lakes at
Bilene and the famous beaches of Xai-Xai, popular tourist
destinations that offer fishing, water sports and plenty of
relaxation in beautiful surrounds.
Information & Facts
Climate
Maputo is wet, humid and hot during the summer months from
October to April with temperatures averaging 88ºF (31ºC). The
cooler, drier months between April and September are the best time
to travel to Maputo, with warm and sunny days and cool nights.
Language
Portuguese is the official language, and there are 13
main national languages spoken. English is taught in secondary
schools, but is only spoken in the southern tourist
regions.
Money
The official currency is the New Metical (MZN), which is divided
into 100 centavos. In the southern parts of the country, South
African Rand, US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are also accepted to
pay for accommodation. Credit cards are accepted in some upmarket
hotels in Maputo, but facilities throughout the rest of the country
are limited; it is advisable to carry cash or travellers cheques.
ATMs are limited and tend to be unreliable, but local banks have
branches in most cities.