Mozambique's capital, Maputo, is known for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture. With its beautiful art deco architecture and its exceptional setting on a hill overlooking the glittering Maputo Bay, the city of Maputo once sparkled as the 'Riviera' of Southern Africa. Previously called Lourenco Marques, Maputo is Mozambique's largest city and home to the country's most famous harbour. It is well-equipped with a wide selection of hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene and open-air sidewalk cafes lining the streets. Visitors can stroll down the jacaranda-lined streets of the Baixa neighbourhood in the Old Town, explore the Praca da Independencia square, discover the Neoclassical City Hall and view the unique bronze-domed Maputo Railway Station. Other popular activities include visiting Catembe and Ponta d'Oura's beautiful beaches as well as snorkelling and scuba diving in the warm Mozambican waters.
Resting in the warm Indian Ocean just off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique, the Bazaruto Archipelago forms part of a protected marine park and consists of five idyllic islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue. These small, sandy and exquisitely beautiful islands feature some of Africa’s best beaches as well as a number of large dunes and freshwater lakes, providing ideal nesting habitats for black-winged flamingos. Just offshore visitors can explore a kaleidoscope of colourful corals teeming with exotic marine life - whale sharks, dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Active types can try their hand at scuba diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing and sailing, while history lovers and culture enthusiasts will delight in the picturesque lighthouse and Vilankulo Ruins, built in the Great Zimbabwe tradition.
