Welcome to Maputo, the bustling capital city of Mozambique! This vibrant city is the perfect destination to explore Mozambican culture, history and cuisine. From the colonial architecture to the colorful markets, you won’t be disappointed by what Maputo has to offer. Enjoy time wandering along the beachfront and marveling at the buildings in colonial styles, or venture deep into the city and get a real taste of local life. Here, you can find a great selection of restaurants, museums, parks, and more. Make sure to move around the various districts to explore the city and enjoy the best that it has to offer.
Getting to Know Maputo
Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique, located in the far south of the East African coast. It has a population of 1.1 million people, making it the largest city in Mozambique. The city is in the Central African Time Zone and is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
The official language of Maputo is Portuguese, but indigenous languages such as Swahili, Xigogo, and Elomu are also spoken in the city. English is not widely spoken, however, certain areas such as restaurants, hotels and tourist sites will have some English-speaking staff.
The currency used in Maputo is the metical (MZN), although US dollars and euros are accepted in some establishments. The exchange rate of the metical is relatively weak compared to other major currencies, making it one of the least valuable currencies in the world.
Climate and Weather
The climate of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is of the tropical savannah type. It is relatively hot throughout the year, with mean temperatures ranging between 15° C in July, the coldest month, to 27° C in the warmest months of October and November.
Rainfall is abundant during the rainy season, from October to March, when temperatures drop a bit. During this period, the average daily rainfall is more than an inch. In the dry season, from April to September, the rains are very irregular.
Humidity, generally high, increases at the height of the rainy season. The sea, which is only a few hundred yards away, helps to keep the air relatively cool throughout the year. Maputo is also sheltered from strong winds, so the city enjoys a relatively pleasant climate, even though it can be very hot in the dry season.
Touring Maputo: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Maputo: Maputo Airport (MPM) and Matlana Airport (MTL). The main airport is Maputo Airport, located approximately 15 km north of the city center. You can get to downtown Maputo from Maputo Airport by taxi or bus. Taxis typically charge between USD 10 - 15 and the ride should take 15 - 20 minutes. Public buses are also available for about USD 0.75 and the ride will take about 30 minutes. Yes, you can change money at Maputo Airport.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Maputo
- Maputo is the largest city in Mozambique and the former Portuguese colony of Moçambique. It is a fascinating blend of traditional African, Portuguese, and South Asian influences, making it a great cultural destination for tourists
- Maputo is renowned for its diverse cuisine, which blends African, Indian, and European influences. Some of the most popular dishes are outa muzu, a spicy combination of mackerel, vegetables, and rice; piri-piri chicken; and xima, a cassava porridge
- The city is home to a number of attractions, including the Museum of Natural History, the Iron House, Fortaleza de Maputo, and the famous Maputo Railway Station, which is now a popular tourist site. Other not-to-miss experiences include a visit to the nearby beaches or exploring the city’s vibrant markets
Dubai
Cape Town
Male
London
Windhoek
Honolulu
Paris
Seoul
Ottawa
Zanzibar
Harare