A tropical city stopover

Called the 'Havana of Africa' Maputo is considered to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in Africa

Maputo City

Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, sits along the southern coastline of the Indian Ocean. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in Africa, with its Mediterranean-style architecture and trees lined with cafes under vibrant red flame trees. The locals create a beautiful mosaic of men in pure white djellabas and women draped in folds of colourful fabrics. Lively markets are crowded with vendors hawking fresh seafood, fragrant spices, and sweet, ripe bananas piled high on carts. There are endless museums, shops and galleries that give visitors a wonderful taste of the history and culture that make Mozambique such a great country to explore.

Sit down at a sidewalk cafe and sample the delectable cuisine that intertwines the best of fresh local ingredients with strong Portuguese influences. Freshly caught seafood seasoned with spicy piri piri sauce, followed by a cup of expertly roasted coffee, is the perfect Maputo meal. After indulging in a delicious meal, head out on the town to listen to a live music performance that blends Portuguese and African influences to create a fun, upbeat sound.

Maputo National Park

Just a short drive south of the city, Maputo National Park offers a completely different side to Mozambique as it grows into an eco-tourism star. Spanning almost 1,700km² of coastal dunes, savannah, wetlands and marine reserves, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for both wildlife and marine life. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025 for its rich mix of marine and land habitats, the park is a triumph of restoration and conservation.

Here, elephants roam freely, hippos wallow in quiet lagoons, and rare birds flit between mangroves. Offshore, dolphins and humpback whales pass through pristine waters, while protected beaches provide vital nesting grounds for loggerhead and leatherback turtles. Exploring the park is a true adventure. You might set off on a game drive in search of giraffes and zebra, kayak along tranquil waterways, or snorkel over vibrant coral reefs. From October to March, there’s the unforgettable sight of turtles hauling themselves ashore to lay their eggs.

Combining a stay in Maputo with a visit to Maputo National Park gives you the best of both worlds: the city’s culture, cuisine and rhythm, and the wild, unspoilt landscapes that make Mozambique so special.