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destination guide
Compiled by Rebecca Johnson, Pic © Nicky Furniss
GO to Maputo
With its tropical heat, laid back
population and copious cocktails,
Maputo is fast garnering a reputation
as the new party capital of Africa.
Add to this some spectacular
architecture, an interesting past
and the convenience of an easy 50
minute flight from Johannesburg on
1time, and you have plenty of reasons
to consider Mozambique’s capital
city for a fun weekend getaway.
44
1
Arresting Architecture
With its interesting mixture of colonial and
African influences, Maputo is a fascinating architectural
smorgasbord. One of the city’s most famous buildings is
the striking peppermint green CFM train station, designed
in 1910 by Gustav Eiffel, the same guy who designed
and leant his name to a certain small landmark in Paris.
Arguably one of the world’s most beautiful train stations,
it also houses a jazz lounge on its platform. Eiffel was less
successful with his other well known Maputo creation, the
Casa de Ferro (Iron House), which as the name suggests,
is made entirely out of iron panels. It obviously sounded
good on paper, but the realities of tropical life ensured that
few could stand to live in its sweltering hot interior!
2
Soak up Some History
Maputo’s Natural History Museum is housed in a
striking Portuguese gothic revival building. Inside, the
exhibits are slightly dusty and moth eaten, but there are
some fascinating displays, including one of a coelacanth
fish, and another of a rather macabre, but rare collection
of elephant foetuses in various stages of their birth cycle.
Maputo’s 18 th century fort – the Fort of Nossa Senhora
de Conceição (Our Lady of Conception) – is also worth
a visit, and houses some impressive reliefs and statues of
influential people from the country’s turbulent past.
www.aboutime.co.za
3
Hit the Beach
Take a trip down the Avenida Marginal, Maputo’s official
coastal highway, which hugs the coastline for more than
10 km through the city and beyond. As well as a pretty
sea view, this is also the best place in the city to sample
some of Maputo’s famous seafood in a host of cafes and
restaurants. Costa do Sol restaurant is a beach front staple,
and has been serving up fish and prawn platters here for
over 70 years. Once you’ve eaten your fill, grab a Dosh-
Em (the local beer) and hit the beach to party with the
locals, because every night is fiesta time in Maputo!
4
Time for Tea
The Polana Serena Hotel is Maputo’s oldest exclusive
accommodation establishment and now, after a major
refurbishment, is looking better than ever. If you are not
lucky enough to wallow in luxury at the Polana for an
overnight stay, make a point of throwing on something
pretty and indulging in a traditional afternoon tea at the
Polana’s Varanda Restaurant. The restaurant’s terrace
overlooks the hotel’s beautiful swimming pool and
gardens and the afternoon tea spread comes complete
with a delicious array of French patisserie. The Polana’s
afternoon tea is available every day from 15h30 to 19h00.
For more information, visit www.serenahotels.com.
For more information on Maputo and Mozambique,
visit www.mozambiquetourism.co.za.