Mozambique Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Mozambique, MZ, South-East Africa)

Most of Mozambique's major tourist attractions are located within the capital city of Maputo. Even if you only have limited time in the capital before travelling on elsewhere, it's worth taking time to check out at least a few - they offer a fascinating glimpse into Maputo's colonial heritage. The best include the Botanical Gardens or 'Jardim Tunduru', and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

For an increasing number of tourists, it's Mozambique's spectacular 2,500 km / 1,550 miles of coast that proves to be the main attraction. Many of the Mozambique beaches have a certain Robinson Crusoe quality, relatively unspoiled and quite rightly amazing visitors with their remoteness and beauty.

Walking Tour of Maputo

Address: Praca 25 de Junho, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
The best way to fully appreciate what is on offer in Maputo is to take a self-guided walking tour of the city. The recommended route starts and finishes at the Praca 25 de Junho, stretching for approximately 3 km / 2 miles and lasting around two hours, although possibly longer if you linger at the attractions as you explore the city. Expect to pass by sights such as the:

• National Money Museum (Rua Consiglieri Pedroso)
• Jumma Masjid Mosque (Rua da Mesquita)
• National Archives (Rua de Bagamoyo)
• First World War Monument / Train Station (Praca dos Trabalhadores)
• Municipal Market (Avenida 25 de Setembro)
• Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao (Praca de Independencia)
• Bazar de Arte / Centro Cultural Franco Mocambicano (Praca de Independencia)
• National Museum of Art (Avenida Ho Chi Minh)
• Iron House (Avenida Samora Machel)
• Botanical Gardens (Avenida Samora Machel / Rua da Radio / Rua da Imprensa)
• British High Commission (Avenida Patrice Lumumba)
• Surpreme Court (Rua da Imprensa)

Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Maputo Train Tours

Address: Praca dos Trabalhadores, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
Operated by Mozambique City Tours, these tours take place onboard a hop-on hop-off colourful land train (bright yellow and green), which departs from the railway station and encircles the city, passing the top attractions along its route. This journey lasts approximately two hours and features a total of ten designated stops, where you can alight, explore and re-board when the train returns. Of note, tickets remain valid for the entire day, meaning that this can be a useful way to sightsee and travel between chosen places of interest.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Central Market / Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal)

Address: Avenida 25 de Setembro, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
Maputo's Central Market really is the hub of the city. Within the market building are lengthy rows of brightly coloured stalls selling a vast selection of goods, from locally crafted souvenirs to homegrown vegetables, spices, household paraphernalia and a host of everyday items. It is worth arriving at the Mercado Municipal early in the morning, before the crowds of shoppers descend. Next to the Avenida Marginal, the popular Fish Market (Mercado de Peixe) may also be of interest.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Botanical Gardens (Jardim Tunduru)

Address: Avenida Samora Machel / Rua da Radio / Rua da Imprensa, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
This modestly sized botanical garden in Maputo is an ideal spot to chill out in between bouts of sightseeing. Created at the end of the 19th century by English gardener, Thomas Honney, today's visitors can enjoy tree spotting and exploring the garden's greenhouse. There are also several restaurants on and around the site, as well as a number of tennis courts managed by the Mozambican Tennis Federation, where regular tournaments take place.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Praca de Independencia

Address: Praca de Independencia, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
Maputo's Praca de Independencia is central to life in the capital city and is where sightseers will be able to admire the striking white architecture of the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. Standing on the opposite side of the plaza is the majestic City Hall, known locally as the Conselho Municipal and boasting a neoclassical facade. Just a stroll away, the Iron House is well worth a look.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Praca dos Herois Mocambicanos

Address: Praca dos Herois Mocambicanos, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
Another important plaza in Maputo is the Praca dos Herois Mocambicanos, which is to be found on the Avenida Acordos de Lusaka, on the north-westerly side of the city centre and within close proximity to Maputo International Airport. Dominating the plaza's centre is a marble structure in the shape of a star, which contains the remains of some of the country's most famous independence fighters and revolutionary heroes. There is also a particularly lengthy mural here, depicting scenes from the revolution itself.
Open hours: daily - members of the public are only allowed to walk across the plaza in early February
Admission: free

Maputo Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao)

Address: Praca de Independencia, Maputo, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
This relatively modern Roman Catholic building, which dates back to the 1930s, shouldn't be discounted as a tourist attraction for lack of age. Designed and constructed by Portuguese engineers, the building was finally opened to the public in 1944. The cathedral is noted for its architectural beauty, standing out from its surroundings because of its brilliant white colour, angular architecture and towering spire, topped by a cross.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Inhambane Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao)

Address: Inhambane, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
This beautiful 18th-century cathedral is worth a look if you happen to be visiting the small town of Inhambane. Located near the waterfront area and within the Old Quarter of Inhambane, the cathedral was built by Portuguese settlers and harks back to a time when Inhambane was a lively colonial trading post. For some great views across the harbour and townscape, those not afraid of heights may like to climb the ladder to the top of the spire.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Dolphin Tours

Address: Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique, MZ, Africa
The charming beach town of Ponta do Ouro resides in South Mozambique and is a great place to observe wild dolphins playing in their natural surroundings. Although you cannot be guaranteed to see dolphins, there is a good chance if you join an official dolphin excursion (at the Tandje Beach Resort). Boat tours transport passengers to prime observation areas, where you are often able to snorkel with these inquisitive creatures. Whale sharks (harmless plankton eating creatures) are also a common sight around the coastline of Ponta do Ouro, along with migrating Southern Right and Humpback whales.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free