A Walk-through Maputo
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Port
Maputo, Mozambique
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$70
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
2½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Maputo, formerly known as Lourenco Marques, was named after the Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544 and is the capital of Mozambique. Most of the city's infrastructure (and architecture) was destroyed during the nearly thirty years of war that began with the Portuguese independence movement in 1962 and continued after independence in 1975. A peace treaty was signed in 1992 officially bringing the war to an end. Today, the city is slowly recreating some of its former glory.
Heading away from the harbor, you will visit the beautiful railroad station -- an architectural highlight of Maputo. It was built in 1910 and designed by engineer Alfredo Augusto de Lima. The remarkable bronze dome, crafted especially for the building, was constructed in South Africa and its assembly was an innovation for that time.Upon arrival, a local café inside the station welcomes you to sit down, relax over an espresso coffee and enjoy a taste of the famous pastéis de nata. This is a classic Portuguese tart featuring delicious, buttery pastry with a hint of cinnamon and lemon in the custard filling -- it is every bit as decadent and delicious as it sounds.
Leave the Dos Trabalhadores Square and walk to the Central Market -- a place that is abuzz with an immense diversity of colors and scents. Catch a glimpse of how the locals barter for a variety of goods and food staples.
Justify your snack by walking to Maputo Fort -- one of the most-visited attractions in the city. It was originally built in 1721, but later destroyed and rebuilt many times over. It is an insight into a time when corsairs and sailors set off in search of a brave new world.
Return to the ship on foot, enjoying the ambience of the Maputo quayside.
Notes:
Central Market will be closed on holidays. On days when the market is closed, the group will do an exterior walk of the market. Mozambique is a third-world country and, although visiting this country is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all aspects. Although basic, the coaches are maintained, but the quality can vary considerably. There is no formal guiding qualification required for Mozambique, and in order to support the local community, the tour operator uses local guides. Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. Government authorities reserve the right to limit access to museums and other points of interest. Road conditions are weather dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Delays are to be expected. Please be advised that some of the monuments and attractions that are viewed may fall under the rules pertaining to military or state defense objects. You are not allowed to photograph such sites and ignoring these rules can lead to serious problems with the local authorities; please ask your tour guide's advice before using your camera at all. There are no restroom facilities available during the tour. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions. Because Mozambique is a developing country and things change rapidly, the tour operator also reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes.