Maputo

Strategically located on the west side of Maputo Bay, at the mouth of the Tembe River Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and the country's largest city. After a long and somewhat turbulent history Maputo is, today, a vibrant African city.

Founded in 1544 it was named after the Portuguese navigator, Lurenco Marques. The city was renamed, in honour of Maputa, a legendary chief who once ruled the region, when Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

A cultural melting pot, Maputo reflects a strong Bantu and Portuguese cultural heritage, which incorporates strong South African, Arabian, Indian and Chinese influences. These days' gracious old buildings in elegant tree lined avenues are home to embassies, government departments and luxury hotels.

Friendly and vibrant Maputo is famous for its excellent sea-food restaurants, pavement cafés, busy fish market and pulsating nightlife. No visit to Maputo is complete without an excursion to Mercado Municipal Market to do some people watching or an outing to Inhaca Island for those who want to experience coral reefs and exotic marine life.