Mozambique Travel Guide to Maputo and Inhaca

Maputo, Mozambique

The experience:

The vibrant city of Maputo (formerly Lourenco Marques) is the capital of Mozambique and was once all the rage for jetsetters in years gone by. Its exotic Portuguese colonial history and beauty drew many visitors prior to the civil war in the 1970s and 80s.

The war years took a heavy toll but Maputo is back in the spotlight and in the process of rejuvenation. Visitors to this Mozambique city can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage, architecture and customs while enjoying fresh peri peri prawns and great local beer at numerous restaurants and hotels. The city enjoys a reputation for good nightlife with a variety of bars and discos.

The best time to visit the capital of Mozambique is during the dry winter months from April to September when the days are sunny and nights are cool - Maputo tends to be hot, wet and humid in summer from October to April.

Interesting city sites in Maputo:

Central Railway Station building; The House of Iron; The Yellow House; the Cathedral on Independence Square; The Fortress; The Mosque; Council Chambers; Museum of the Revolution; Natural History Museum; Art Museum; Money Museum; Geology Museum.

Inhaca (pronounced “Inyaca”) Island

Access: From Maputo - flight (15 minutes); ferry (3 hours).

Airport: Inhaca Airport.

Highlights: Great diving and snorkelling destination; beaches; Maritime Museum; the Lighthouse; scenery and protected forest; wildlife.

Activities: All kinds of watersports; fishing; boat trips; sunset cruises; picnics

Excursions: Portuguese Island (beautiful beaches and lagoon); dive sites at Santa Maria and The Wall also wreck dives.

The experience:

Inhaca Island in Mozambique is a great escape just off the mainland and easily accessed from Maputo for day trips or longer. This island destination is family friendly and enjoyed by watersport fans. The diving and snorkelling is very good in the Mozambique Channel on the Santa Maria reefs with underwater caves found at The Wall and numerous sunken wrecks.

There are interesting things to do and see on the island and visitors can also stop in at the local village and pick up some mementos. Just off Inhaca Island in Mozambique is Portuguese Island, a beautiful deserted jewel with magnificent beaches and a lagoon which is ideal for windsurfing and the like. Inhaca is a year round Mozambique holiday destination with less humid temperatures April – September in the drier months.