Mozambique’s capital Maputo is situated in the Maputo Province, it is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city; formerly named Lourenço Marques, is located in the far southern end of Mozambique, situated on Delagoa Bay (Baía do Espírito Santo).

Attracted by rumours of pearls in the 1700s, the Portuguese established Lourenco Marques. 
It became one of the most stylish cities in Africa, with broad avenues lined with jacaranda and acacia trees, sidewalks paved with mosaics, tall buildings and a unique Mediterranean/African atmosphere that attracted a wealthy cosmopolitan crowd. 

During the war of the 1970s and 80s, the proud city fell into a dismal state of disrepair, however Maputo has worked hard to recreate some of its former glory and today the bustling capital reveals many restored Portuguese-style colonial buildings, and offers culture and old world charm, along with numerous places to enjoy Mozambique's famous peri-peri prawns.

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GETTING TO MAPUTO: 

Maputo can be reached from South Africa via the Komatipoort / Ressano Garcia border (120 km from Maputo), or from Swaziland crossing the Namaacha border (80 km from Maputo). There are daily flights from Johannesburg and others direct from Europe (Lisbon).

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

Cathedral - The Catholic Cathedral is an imposing white building with a beautiful tower.

Municipal council - Built in 1945, this neoclassic style building is located in the Praça da Independência. 

Tunduro Park - Designed in 1885, it is home to a collection of cycads and other indigenous and exotic plants.

Railway Station - Built in 1910, this green and white building has a metal dome located on the Praça dos Trabalhadores. 

The Fort was built in 1781 by the Portuguese; it is a military museum with relics from Mozambique’s colonial era

The Museum of Natural History has a unique display showing the gestation of the elephant, a wonderful insect collection and a wildlife tableau with roaring lions and other sound effects. 

The Museum of the Revolution tells the story of the struggle against Portuguese colonialism. 

The Art Museum shows exhibitions of the best of Mozambican paintings and sculptures and there is a Money Museum where you can see coins and banknotes from other eras. There is also a Museum of Geology.

In Maputo's Lhanguene cemetery one can find the gravestones of South African liberation personalities, killed in Maputo by apartheid shock troops, prisoners and senders of letter bombs.
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BEACHES:

Macaneta beach - An open beach with good waves and white sand. Access by ferry from Maputo or by road from Marracuene

Ponto do Ouro - The 117 km road to Ponta de Ouro from Maputo requires a 4WD vehicle. From the South African side, the Ponta do Ouro border post can be reached by taking the road to Kosi Bay and turning left at the fork after the Manguzi Spar. 

Ponta Malongane - 5 km to the north of Ponta de Ouro, there is a beautiful beach with white sand and a blue-green sea. 

Inhaca Island - 34 km from Maputo in the bay, this island is accessible by both boat and plane. Organized tours to various parts of the island such as Ponta de Santa Maria or to Portuguese Island are possible. 
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MOUNTAINS AND COUNTRYSIDE:

Marracuene & Incomati River - 30 km to the north of Maputo is located the village of Marracuene, which overlooks the Incomati river. It is possible to cross the river by ferry and then to drive for 8 km along a sandy/muddy road to the beach.

Pequenos Limbombos Dam - 40km from Maputo. The reservoir is a tranquil spot for bathing and sundowners.

Namaacha - The town of Namaacha is located on the border with Swaziland, 80 km west of Maputo and at an altitude of 600m. It is surrounded by pine and eucalyptus forests and there is a crystalline and fresh waterfall 3 km from the town. 

FLORA AND FAUNA:

Maputo Elephant Reserve is situated 79 km south of Maputo on the road to Ponta do Ouro via the ferry to Catembe, or 112 km from Maputo via the Boane road. The Maputo Reserve is famous for its elephant herds. Flamingos can also be seen on the large inland lakes near the sea.

This reserve is currently part of the IDEL/SDI – Libombos Spacial Development Initiative, an integrated development scheme that involves the regions of Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa that are covered by the Libombos range.

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