Excursion Maputo on foot exploration tour at Maputo

Discover the highlights and history of Maputo on-foot during this picturesque sightseeing excursion through the city.

Maputo, Guided Walking Tour

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour of Maputo City. Formerly known as 'Lourenço Marques' and named after the Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544, Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. A bustling port on the Indian Ocean, its economy is centred on the harbour. The country has only been at peace for a relatively short time following a devastating civil war in the '70's and '80's, a period during which most of the city's infrastructure and architecture were destroyed. Since the signing of a peace treaty in 1991, great strides have been made in the 'healing' of this once-affluent Portuguese city, and the city today is slowly recreating some of its former glory.

Railway Station, Bronze Dome, Central Market

Leaving the harbour, walk past the beautiful Railway Station. An architectural highlight of Maputo, the Railway Station was built during 1908-10 and designed by engineer Alfredo Augusto de Lima. The remarkable bronze dome, created especially for this building, was constructed in South Africa and its assembly was an innovation for that time. From the Praça Dos Trabalhadores, walk to the Mercado Central (Central Market). This bustling market abounds with a huge diversity of colours and aromas, and is a great place to observe how the locals barter for a variety of goods and foods.

Café Visit, Pastry and Expresso, Maputo Fort

Leaving the Central Market, continue walking towards a classic and sophisticated café. Upon arrival, taste the famous 'pastéis de nata' served with an expresso coffee. Afterward, head to the Maputo Fort, one of the most-visited attractions in the city. Originally built in 1721, it was destroyed and rebuilt on several subsequent occasions. During your guided visit to the Maputo Fort, relive the past, and hear old stories of corsairs and sailors. At the conclusion of your tour, return to the pier on-foot, enjoying the ambiance of the quayside en route.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Maputo, Guided Walking Tour, Railway Station, Bronze Dome, Praça Dos Trabalhadores, Central Market, Café Visit, Pastry and Expresso, Maputo Fort

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Mozambique is a third-world country and although it offers a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all aspects. Guests are advised that there is no formal guiding qualification required for Mozambique, therefore we support the local community by using local escorts/guides. Most of these escorts/guides have many years of experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships. The coaches are maintained, although basic, and the quality can vary considerably and may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Whilst the roads are tarred, there are many with potholes. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads. Some of the monuments and attractions encountered on this tour fall under the category of "military or state defence objects'. Photography of these monuments and attractions is strictly prohibited, and you may face serious problems by ignoring these rules. Therefore, please ask your tour guides before photographing such sites. Walking at the Markets is at the discretion of each guest. The tour sequence may vary.