Excursion City orientation & lunch with the locals tour at Maputo

Maputo City Orientation

Upon departing the harbour, have a brief visit at the beautiful Train Station which is definitely an architectural highlight of Maputo. It was built during 1908-10 and designed by engineer Alfredo Augusto de Lima. The remarkable bronze dome, founded specially for the building, was constructed in South Africa and its assembly was an innovation for that time.

Proceed to the local Maputo Central Market for a glimpse of how the locals barter for a variety of goods and foods. A focal point in the city is the Praca de Independencia or Independence Square. Around it are a statue of the country's first president, Samora Machel, the gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral, the neo-classical City Hall and the French-Mozambican cultural centre, a splendid old colonial building which has been tastefully restored and now presents art exhibitions. You will also have the opportunity to take photos of the weird and wonderful concept of a house made entirely out of iron - very impractical for the hot African summers.

Lunch at a Local Restaurats with locals

Thereafter, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant among the Maputo locals.

Maputo Forts and Feima Market

Afterwards, continue to the Maputo Fort, one of the most visited attractions in the city. It was originally built in 1721 and destroyed and rebuilt by many people, in several occasions. You will have an opportunity to do a trip to the past, reviving old stories of corsairs and sailors.

Return to the pier, on route stop for a brief visit at FEIMA market.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Maputo City Orientation, The Fort, Photo Stop at Independence Square, City Council, Cathedral, Iron House, Central and Feima Market, Lunch at a Local restaurants with Locals

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 Central Market is at the discretion of each guest. The tour sequence may vary.