Once known as Loureni Marques, Maputo is a popular tourist destination in South Africa, especially for those from regions like Gauteng that don’t see the sea. Calm views of Maputo Bay can be found at beachside hotels like the famous Polana and the Cardoso.
In addition to offering visitors the chance to see countless examples of historical, cultural, and scenic splendor, Maputo boasts first-rate hotels, dining options, nightclubs, and even a casino. The neo-classical City of Council Chambers and the Cathedral on Independence Square are especially striking.
Maputo Activities & Attractions
Natural History Museum
In the heart of Maputo, at the intersection of Rua dos Lusiadas and Rua Matues Sansao Muthemba Roads, stands the stunning white structure known as the Museu de História Natural (Natural History Museum). Built in 1911, the Portuguese Neo-Gothic and colonial decorative arts building was first intended to house a school. However, in 1933, it was transformed into the Museum of Natural History. The structure has since undergone restoration to maintain its original condition, and it is currently one of Maputo’s most visited tourist destinations.
A sizable interactive exhibit of nearly life-size animal models can be found inside the Museum of Natural History. Cabinet displays also tell stories and present a variety of fascinating historical artifacts, such as insect models, fossils, artifacts, snake species, bizarre objects like elephant fetuses, and an ethnography room that features fascinating facts and portraits of ethnography in Mozambique.
Maputo City Hall
Any political fan will be fascinated by the scenes that have long been performed in Maputo City Hall. To find out more about how the government operates here, schedule a visit.
Why not visit Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo Central Market, and Fish Market after spending some time at this Central C old government building? They are a popular destination for many tourists and are conveniently located near Maputo City Hall.
The Central Railway Station in Maputo
It sounds like a palace with its marble pillars, wrought iron accents, exquisite details, and enormous central dome, doesn’t it? It is, in fact, the former Central Railway Station. Eiffel created yet another amazing architectural masterpiece! Visit and take in another of Eiffel’s works!
Xefina Island
Another option is to go to Xefina Island by boat, which is located off the coast of Maputo’s Costa do Sol. A boat ride to Xefina is strongly advised since, although though it is possible to walk across the shallow waters to the island during low tide, it is still extremely dangerous because it is quite easy to underestimate the speed of the approaching tide. Massive guns that were used to defend the Maputo harbor from invaders during World War II may be climbed on top of the fascinating Xefina island, which was once a jail during the colonial era. On Xefina Island, lodging is also available.
Maputo Special Reserve
The Maputo Special Reserve, sometimes called the “Maputo Special Reserve” or “Reserva Especial de Maputo” in Portuguese, is located 79 kilometers south of Maputo. The reserve, which is only accessible by 4×4 vehicle, is a part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area, a project that connects regions in South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique. Elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, crocodiles, antelope, flamingos, and a vast range of birds can all be seen in this pristine reserve, despite it not being a “Big 5” game reserve. Efforts are also being made to replenish the fauna.
The Iron House in Maputo
This mansion is made of iron, much like the Jardim Tunduru! This iron-bolted structure was intended by Eiffel to serve as the governor’s residence. Gustave was unaware that, given the extremely hot and muggy environment of Mozambique, this was by far the worst kind of house to construct. That being said, the Governor never lived at the residence. It is currently the Museums Department’s office.
Maputo Catholic Cathedral
Portuguese civil engineer Marcial Simões de Freitas e Costa, who was a railway director at the time, created the cathedral’s design. He created it for the Archdiocese of Lourenço Marques on a pro gratis basis. The straightforward design and materials used in churches at the time in Europe served as inspiration for Freitas. Ultimately, it was constructed using cement and concrete. Buildings like Auguste Perret’s Notre-Dame du Raincy at Le Raincy (1921–1923) and Pardal Monteiro’s Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Fátima (1934–1938) in Lisbon served as inspiration for him. The period’s financial difficulties were the reason for the minimalism and the selection of novel materials.
Jardim Tunduru in Maputo
This mansion is made of iron, much like the Jardim Tunduru! This iron-bolted structure was intended by Eiffel to serve as the governor’s residence. Gustave was unaware that, given the extremely hot and muggy environment of Mozambique, this was by far the worst kind of house to construct. That being said, the Governor never lived at the residence. It is currently the Museums Department’s office.