|
Attractions |
|
|
|
Bazaruto Island |
|
Bazaruto Island largest island in the
archipelago, is about 23 miles long and four miles wide.
The island is bordered by superb stretches of white
sand. Huge sand dunes include the eastern strip, while
the interior contains big freshwater lakes frequented by
a wide selection of water birds such as flamingos and is
home to crocodiles.
Located on the northern tip of the island is a
lighthouse constructed by the Portuguese over 100 years
ago, which signals the large number of ships traveling
the historical Mozambique Channel, and affords striking
views. World famous for its large game fishing, Bazaruto
is also well known as a popular diving destination, with
a rich variety of marine life surrounding the island.
Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive
resorts are geared towards luxury tourism. |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Benguerra Island |
Benguerra is the second largest island, south of
Bazaruto and like its neighbor has eye-catching beaches,
large sand dunes and freshwater lakes. Its forest and
wetland areas attract a diversity of birds and animals.
The surrounding reefs offer some of the best diving and
snorkeling in the archipelago. Two-Mile Reef to the east
of Benguerra, and its protected pool and is an
underwater paradise with stunning corals and an
abundance of tropical fish, frequented by both divers
and snorkelers.
On the nearby sandbanks to the north of the island is
where the famous Pansy shells can be found. The majority
visitors come to Benguerra for the big game fishing, as
its deep waters abound with the likes of marlin and
barracuda, and the area is world renowned as a fishing
destination. Luxury tourist facilities, upmarket lodges
and exclusive resorts are aimed towards ultimate island
experience. |
 |
|
|
|
Railway Station |
|
Designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1910, the railway station
is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the
world, with marble pillars, wrought iron work and a
large central dome. The grand building is one of
Maputo's most impressive structures, and is well worth a
visit, even if not arriving or departing by train. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Central Market |
|
The Central Market spills out of the shabby, yet
beautiful building in which it is housed and is a hub of
activity selling all kinds of goods, from handicrafts,
basketware and carvings, to fruit and vegetables, a
variety of seafood and many household items needed for
everyday use. The market is a haven for pickpockets and
thieves, though, and visitors should ensure that all
valuables are concealed from view. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Hotel Polana |
|
The grand dame of Maputo, Hotel Polana is one of the
city's most desirable addresses, overlooking the bay.
The historic hotel is a majestic building, evoking the
style and sophistication of colonial times, with its
gardens, Victorian lift and five-star luxury. A sunset
drink in one of its cocktail bars is a must for passing
visitors not tempted to splash out on an extravagant
stay. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Museum of the Revolution |
|
The museum relates the fascinating history of the
revolution in Mozambique, detailing the violent struggle
against Portuguese colonialism. Mozambique gained
independence in 1975, and various maps, photographs and
displays of weapons chronicle the fight. All captions
and text are in Portuguese. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ihaca Island |
Located almost 40km off the coast of Maputo and is a
popular destination boasting stunning beaches, some of
the Mozambique Channel's best coral reefs, a historic
lighthouse, marine biology museum and large areas of
protected forest. Easily accessible from the capital, it
is a favorite with snorkelers and divers who usually
head for the reefs at Santa Maria and off the
lighthouse, or the surrounding sunken wrecks.
The Santa Maria reef has a strong drift current that
runs parallel to the shore and is fantastic for
snorkeling, while the Wall is a rocky ledge that drops
20m to the bottom and harbors several caves and ledges
filled with a variety of marine life. Game fishing is
also popular. Portuguese Island an isolated island just
northwest of Inhaca across a narrow strait, which also
has magnificent beaches and a lagoon. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
