Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique, a beautiful nation on the southeastern coast of Africa. Located near Africa's warm Indian Ocean heart, Maputo is a vibrant and exciting city rich in history and culture. From its colonial-era architecture to its diverse nightlife and culinary offerings, Maputo is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore a unique and fascinating metropolis. Discover all that Maputo has to offer, from its breathtaking national parks and open-air markets, to its vibrant music and art scenes. Get ready to be swept away and explore the wonders of Maputo!
Getting to Know Maputo
Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and is the largest city in the country. It is located on the Indian Ocean coast and its population is estimated to be 1.6 million. Maputo is in the Central Africa Timezone (UTC+02:00). People in Maputo primarily speak Portuguese, but other languages such as Macua, Swahili, Makhuwa, Xitsonga and Chiswailu are also widely spoken. The official currency in Maputo is the Mozambican metical (MZN).
Climate and Weather
The climate of Maputo is subtropical, with warm wet summers and mild dry winters. Average temperatures range from 19°C in winter to 28°C in summer. The city experiences high levels of humidity, particularly during the wet season with an average annual humidity of 80%. Rainfall is generally low with most of it occurring between October and March. Rainfall levels in Maputo are also highly erratic, for example the summer of 2008/2009 was particularly dry and the summer of 2012/2013 extremely wet. The highest recorded temperature in Maputo was 41.6°C in December 2008 and the lowest 5.8°C in July 1970.
Touring Maputo: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Maputo: Maputo International Airport (MPM) and the Namaacha Domestic Airport (NAM). You can get from Maputo International Airport to downtown Maputo by taxi. Prices vary due to the season and the time of day, with fares ranging from 400 to 800 Meticais (around 5 to 10 USD). You can change money at the airport using ATMs or currency exchange counters.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Maputo
- Maputo is the largest city in Mozambique, with roots in the centuries-old Swahili trading outpost of Lourenço Marques. This area of Southeast Africa is heavily influenced by colonialism and its history is recorded in its colonial-style buildings from the Portuguese era
- Maputo has a vibrant culture and is home to festivals and cultural happenings throughout the year such as Nhaca Festival, Inhambane Festival, Festival Mabote, and many more
- The cuisine of Maputo is also unique, drawing from Portuguese, Indian, and African influences. Some unique dishes include Piri-piri chicken, Xigãngas, Matapa, and Mozambican flag rice