maputo
48 HOURS
MAPUTO
Mozambique’s capital city is as famed for its culture and architecture as it is for seafood and nightlife. Here’s how to make the most of your stay. By Iga Motylska (@igamotylska) MUST SEE Tie your shoelaces in a double knot and lather yourself with sunscreen as you head out for a walking tour of Maputo’s Top 10 sights with Jane Flood of Maputo a Pé (+258 82 419 0574). This introduction to the city will give you insights into the country’s colonial past, civil war and life in postindependence Mozambique, as well as a peek into its red light district. You’ll explore the famed railway station with its wrought iron dome – named one of the world’s most beautiful by Architectural Review – as well as the Samora Machel statue and City Hall. Then there’s Casa do Ferro, or Iron House, designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the Eiffel), and the Portuguese military fort museum. The intriguing central produce market and Jumma Mosque will add colour to the tour before you end at Feima craft market. Alternatively, immerse yourself in a time gone by during an architectural walking tour with architecture student Walter Tembe, also from Maputo a Pé. You’ll learn about the eclectic and exuberant architectural styles of Pancho Guedes and José Forjaz as you walk with your eyes gazing skywards, admiring the mosaics and
intricate building facades of the city. Highlights include the yellow Smiling Lion building and the San Antonia de la Polana church, dubbed The Squeezer due to its spectacular shape. By the end of the tour, you’ll be able to distinguish between modern, Bauhaus and Art Deco architecture. If it’s sand and sea you’re after, take a short trip along the newly opened road to Macaneta, the closest blue-water beach to Maputo and Johannesburg. Taking the short ferry ride across the Komati River to get to Praia de Peixe is part of the fun. After you arrive, head straight for the beach with a drink in hand – the beach is known for margaritas. Also, climb the dunes for the best panoramic shots of the colourful fishing boats resting along the azure shores.
MUST DO The Maputo Southern Sun is the only hotel in the city that’s located on the beachfront. Take a walk along the beach to the stone pier before bidding farewell to the day with a sundowner. The views as you look out over the infinity pool and palm trees towards the calm waters are second to none. Later, indulge in a seafood feast of succulent crayfish, prawns, calamari, mussels and fish, all prepared in an authentic Mozambican manner, at Evolve Restaurant. If you enjoy more than one meal here, you’ll notice that the decor changes all the time. Maputo is famed for its dance‘till-dawn nightlife, so do as the locals do and party the night away at Coconuts Live. Just don’t expect to get to bed before 4am.
TOP TIP While travelling in Mozambique is affordable, local Phil Baker has some money-saving tips. Maputo is a popular destination for business travel, he says. So as a tourist, head for the city during the weekend, when hotel prices are cheaper, and visit the islands during the week, when prices there are lower. Also, remember to carry your passport wherever you go.
Travel Update | issue 5
9
MAPUTO
Mozambique’s capital city is as famed for its culture and architecture as it is for seafood and nightlife. Here’s how to make the most of your stay. By Iga Motylska (@igamotylska) MUST SEE Tie your shoelaces in a double knot and lather yourself with sunscreen as you head out for a walking tour of Maputo’s Top 10 sights with Jane Flood of Maputo a Pé (+258 82 419 0574). This introduction to the city will give you insights into the country’s colonial past, civil war and life in postindependence Mozambique, as well as a peek into its red light district. You’ll explore the famed railway station with its wrought iron dome – named one of the world’s most beautiful by Architectural Review – as well as the Samora Machel statue and City Hall. Then there’s Casa do Ferro, or Iron House, designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the Eiffel), and the Portuguese military fort museum. The intriguing central produce market and Jumma Mosque will add colour to the tour before you end at Feima craft market. Alternatively, immerse yourself in a time gone by during an architectural walking tour with architecture student Walter Tembe, also from Maputo a Pé. You’ll learn about the eclectic and exuberant architectural styles of Pancho Guedes and José Forjaz as you walk with your eyes gazing skywards, admiring the mosaics and
intricate building facades of the city. Highlights include the yellow Smiling Lion building and the San Antonia de la Polana church, dubbed The Squeezer due to its spectacular shape. By the end of the tour, you’ll be able to distinguish between modern, Bauhaus and Art Deco architecture. If it’s sand and sea you’re after, take a short trip along the newly opened road to Macaneta, the closest blue-water beach to Maputo and Johannesburg. Taking the short ferry ride across the Komati River to get to Praia de Peixe is part of the fun. After you arrive, head straight for the beach with a drink in hand – the beach is known for margaritas. Also, climb the dunes for the best panoramic shots of the colourful fishing boats resting along the azure shores.
MUST DO The Maputo Southern Sun is the only hotel in the city that’s located on the beachfront. Take a walk along the beach to the stone pier before bidding farewell to the day with a sundowner. The views as you look out over the infinity pool and palm trees towards the calm waters are second to none. Later, indulge in a seafood feast of succulent crayfish, prawns, calamari, mussels and fish, all prepared in an authentic Mozambican manner, at Evolve Restaurant. If you enjoy more than one meal here, you’ll notice that the decor changes all the time. Maputo is famed for its dance‘till-dawn nightlife, so do as the locals do and party the night away at Coconuts Live. Just don’t expect to get to bed before 4am.
TOP TIP While travelling in Mozambique is affordable, local Phil Baker has some money-saving tips. Maputo is a popular destination for business travel, he says. So as a tourist, head for the city during the weekend, when hotel prices are cheaper, and visit the islands during the week, when prices there are lower. Also, remember to carry your passport wherever you go.
Travel Update | issue 5
9
