Silversea Luxury Cruises To MAPUTO

Maputo, formerly known as Lourenco Marques, named after a Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544, is the capital of Mozambique. Most of the city's infrastructure (and architecture) was destroyed during the nearly thirty years of war that began with the Portuguese independence movement in 1962 and continued after independence in 1975. A peace treaty was signed in 1992 officially bringing the war to an end. Today the city is slowly recreating some of its former glory.

Upon departing the harbour, you will pass the beautiful Train Station which is definitely an architectural highlight of Maputo. It was built during 1908-10 and designed by engineer Alfredo Augusto de Lima. The remarkable bronze dome, founded specially for the building, was constructed in South Africa and its assembly was an innovation for that time.

Proceed to the Maputo Fort, one of the most visited attractions in the city. It was originally built in 1721 and destroyed and rebuilt by many people, on several different occasions. You will have an opportunity to re-live the past, reviving old stories of corsairs and sailors.

A focal point in the city is the Praca de Independencia or Independence Square. Around it are a statue of the country's first president, Samora Machel, the gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral, the neo-classical City Hall and the French-Mozambican cultural centre, a splendid old colonial building which has been tastefully restored and now presents art exhibitions. You will also have the opportunity to take photos of the weird and wonderful concept of a house made entirely out of iron - very impractical for the hot African summers…

You will then proceed to the local Maputo market for a souvenir shopping.

Transfer to a local hotel's restaurant where a scrumptious feast awaits you for lunch.

Return to the quayside in the afternoon.

Explore the local culture, lifestyles, people, food, and medicine of Mafalala during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Maputo

Depart the pier for the short drive to Mafalala, a central suburb of Maputo City. Formerly known as 'Lourenço Marques' and named after the Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544, Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. A bustling port on the Indian Ocean, its economy is centred on the harbour. The country has only been at peace for a relatively short time following a devastating civil war in the '70s and '80s, a period during which most of the city's infrastructure and architecture were destroyed. Since the signing of a peace treaty in 1991, great strides have been made in the 'healing' of this once-affluent Portuguese city, and the city today is slowly recreating some of its former glory.

Mafalala, Guided Walking Tour

Mafalala has a long and interesting history. Throughout Mozambique's turbulent past, Mafalala has always been an important cultural and political centre. This suburb has produced famous political leaders, writers, musicians and sports heroes. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through Mafalala.

Local People, Culture, Food and Medicine of Mafalala, Feima Market

Along the way, learn about the local ethno-cultural diversity and Mozambican history, thus garnering a unique perspective of the last half-century. As you walk through Mafalala's dusty streets, winding alleys and market, gain a unique insight into its local foods, medicine and lifestyles, and interact with the local people. Leaving Mafalala, re-board your coach and continue on to the Feima Market, where some free time is made available to browse for souvenirs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 273 yards (about 250 metres), at times over bumpy, uneven, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. Walking at the Feima Market is at the discretion of each guest. Although paved, the roads are bumpy and have potholes. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Mozambique is a third-world country and although it offers a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all aspects. Coaches and guides are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Some of the monuments and attractions encountered on this tour fall under the category of "military or state defence objects'. Photography of these monuments and attractions is strictly prohibited, and you may face serious problems by ignoring these rules. Therefore, please ask your tour guides before photographing such sites. The tour sequence may vary.

Maputo, formerly known as Lourenco Marques, named after a Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544, is the capital of Mozambique. Most of the city's infrastructure (and architecture) was destroyed during the nearly thirty years of war that began with the Portuguese independence movement in 1962 and continued after independence in 1975. A peace treaty was signed in 1992 officially bringing the war to an end. Today the city is slowly recreating some of its former glory.

Upon departing the harbour, you will pass the beautiful Train Station which is definitely an architectural highlight of Maputo. It was built during 1908-10 and designed by engineer Alfredo Augusto de Lima. The remarkable bronze dome, founded specially for the building, was constructed in South Africa and its assembly was an innovation for that time.

A focal point in the city is the Praca de Independencia or Independence Square. Around it are a statue of the country's first president, Samora Machel, the gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral, the neo-classical City Hall and the French-Mozambican cultural centre, a splendid old colonial building which has been tastefully restored and now presents art exhibitions. You will also have the opportunity to take photos of the weird and wonderful concept of a house made entirely out of iron - very impractical for the hot African summers…

You will then proceed to the local Maputo market for souvenir shopping.

Continue to the Museum of Natural History where you will stop off and have the opportunity to walk around this museum, famous for housing the most complete elephant fetus in the world amongst a host of other interesting artifacts.

Continue through the city to a local hotel for a sumptuous buffet lunch overlooking the ocean from the hotel restaurant. You will also have the opportunity of enjoying a swim in the hotel's swimming pool.

Return to the quayside in the afternoon.

Departing the harbour, passing the beautiful Train Station which, built in 1910 by Gustav Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame, is definitely an architectural highlight of Maputo. You will then proceed to the local Maputo market for a glimpse of how the locals barter for a variety of goods and foods.

A focal point in the city is the Praca de Independencia or Independence Square. Around it are a statue of the country's first president, Samora Machel, the gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral, the neo-classical City Hall and the French-Mozambican cultural centre, a splendid old colonial building which has been tastefully restored and now presents art exhibitions. You will also have the opportunity to take photos of the weird and wonderful concept of a house made entirely out of iron - very impractical for the hot African summers.

Continue to the Museum of Natural History where you will have the opportunity to explore the museum famous for housing the only elephant fetus in the world amongst a host of other interesting artifacts.

Next, continue to the Maputo Fort, one of the most visited attractions in the city. It was originally built in 1721 and destroyed and rebuilt by local people. Enjoy a look into the past, reviving old stories of corsairs and sailors.

Re-board your coach for the short ride back to the pier.

Please note: The cost of providing a tour program is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring nations. Unfortunately this is reflected in the prices of the tours. Mozambique is a third world country and although it is a rewarding experience, it differs greatly from South Africa in all aspects. We thank your understanding. Some of the monuments and attractions en-route may fall under "military or state defence objects", therefore we kindly ask you not to take any pictures as this may result in serious problems ignoring these rules. Please ask your tour guides advice first. This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, and is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair and those with limited mobility. We recommend wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. The coaches although basic, are maintained and the quality can vary considerably. There is no formal guiding qualification required for Mozambique, and in order to support the local community we use local escorts/guides, many of them having previous experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships. Whilst the roads are tarred, there are many with potholes and a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. Traffic in the area can affect the overall tour schedule. Maputo is a fast moving developing country and changes to the itinerary may occur or sites may be replaced or changed. Order of sites visited can vary because of local conditions.

Discover the highlights and history of Maputo on-foot during this picturesque sightseeing excursion through the city.

Maputo, Guided Walking Tour

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour of Maputo City. Formerly known as 'Lourenço Marques' and named after the Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544, Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. A bustling port on the Indian Ocean, its economy is centred on the harbour. The country has only been at peace for a relatively short time following a devastating civil war in the '70's and '80's, a period during which most of the city's infrastructure and architecture were destroyed. Since the signing of a peace treaty in 1991, great strides have been made in the 'healing' of this once-affluent Portuguese city, and the city today is slowly recreating some of its former glory.

Railway Station, Bronze Dome, Central Market

Leaving the harbour, walk past the beautiful Railway Station. An architectural highlight of Maputo, the Railway Station was built during 1908-10 and designed by engineer Alfredo Augusto de Lima. The remarkable bronze dome, created especially for this building, was constructed in South Africa and its assembly was an innovation for that time. From the Praça Dos Trabalhadores, walk to the Mercado Central (Central Market). This bustling market abounds with a huge diversity of colours and aromas, and is a great place to observe how the locals barter for a variety of goods and foods.

Café Visit, Pastry and Expresso, Maputo Fort

Leaving the Central Market, continue walking towards a classic and sophisticated café. Upon arrival, taste the famous 'pastéis de nata' served with an expresso coffee. Afterward, head to the Maputo Fort, one of the most-visited attractions in the city. Originally built in 1721, it was destroyed and rebuilt on several subsequent occasions. During your guided visit to the Maputo Fort, relive the past, and hear old stories of corsairs and sailors. At the conclusion of your tour, return to the pier on-foot, enjoying the ambiance of the quayside en route.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate at the sites visited. Walking at the Central Market is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Mozambique is a third-world country and although it offers a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all aspects. Coaches and guides are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Some of the monuments and attractions encountered on this tour fall under the category of "military or state defence objects'. Photography of these monuments and attractions is strictly prohibited, and you may face serious problems by ignoring these rules. Therefore, please ask your tour guides before photographing such sites. The tour sequence may vary.

Upon departing the harbour, you will pass the beautiful Train Station. Built in 1910 by Gustave Eiffel, architect of the Eiffel Tower, this landmark is definitely an architectural highlight of Maputo. You will then proceed past the local Maputo market, where the locals barter for a variety of goods and foods.

Transfer directly to the 5-star Polana Hotel, located in the upmarket Polana area. Here, enjoy a scrumptious high tea which includes a selection of freshly baked items and sandwiches.

Thereafter proceed to the focal point in the city, the Praca de Independencia or Independence Square. Around it are a statue of the country's first president, Samora Machel, the gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral, the neo-classical City Hall and the French-Mozambican cultural centre, a splendid old colonial building which has been tastefully restored and now presents art exhibitions. You will also view the weird and wonderful concept of a house made entirely out of iron - very impractical for the hot African summers.

Continue on past the Tundura Gardens - located off Avenue Samora Machel as you make your way back to the quayside.

Please note: The cost of providing a tour program is proportionately more expensive than in neighboring nations. Unfortunately this is reflected in the prices of the tours, and we request your understanding. This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, and is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair and those with limited mobility. We recommend wearing a sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. Order of sites visited can vary because of local conditions. The quality of transport and guides used are the best for the area. Road conditions can vary and traffic in the area can affect the overall tour schedule.