Maputo Holidays

When you visit Maputo, the biggest problem you’ll have is choosing between the attractions of a cosmopolitan city, diving into the Indian Ocean from its beaches and islands, or embracing the natural wilderness of its nearby national park. Stroll along the palm-lined promenades of a Portuguese-style port grazing local dishes from vibrant markets. Browse museums and galleries or wander forts and cathedrals.

Sail across the bay to spot whales or turtles at the ocean’s edge, or drive through the Central Reserve to find elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more. Dive, snorkel, or sit in the sand and watch the sunset. Most of all, embrace the energy of a city which always has an excuse to party. There’s more to Mozambique than you might think, and there’s no better place to see it than the capital.

Maputo is a walkable city filled with colonial architecture, museums, markets, and more. Stroll downtown to find the beautiful century-old Maputo Central Railway Station surrounded by the stalls of Mercado Central and the attached Museu dos CFM. Tour the 18th-century Portuguese Fortress, see the prefabricated and moveable Iron House of Gustave Eiffel, and find the Neoclassical City Hall at Independence Square.

Speak with local artists and buy their work at Núcleo De Arte, browse the craft, flower, and food fair of Feima, or take a break in the peaceful atmosphere of Tunduru Botanical Gardens. Peek at the taxidermy in the Museu de História Natural and grab a photo at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Stick around after sunset to see downtown Maputo come alive with festivities to be found wherever you turn.

Across the bay from Mozambique’s largest city are Inhaca Island, the Machangulo Peninsula, and Maputo Special Reserve. Leave the bustle of the capital behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with attractions from lazy beach days to diving or safari. Snorkel or scuba among tropical fish and sunken wrecks. Cast a line into the shallows from the shore or deep into the sea from a fishing boat.

Enjoy a picnic on the sand while the kids explore rock pools. See flamingos and seabirds grazing in the estuary. Take a game drive through Maputo Elephant Reserve. Board a whale-watching cruise, try stand-up paddle-boarding, kayak beside a deserted island, or hike through the dunes. Feel a million miles away in the heart of a vibrant marine and island ecosystem just a short drive or sail from the city.

With warm weather and plenty of sun all year, there is no bad time to visit Maputo. Many visitors prefer the dry season from May to September when low rainfall and temperatures between 20°C and 25°C create the perfect conditions for outdoor activities, days at the beach, or strolling around the historic city centre.

Whales arrive along the coast in June and stay until November, making the end of the dry season a great time for wildlife experiences, with game viewing in the national park also excellent at this time. Hot days and regular rain can restrict some activities between December and April but also bring a beautiful lushness to the gardens and parks.