DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
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. The rich and famous are once more hanging out at the five-star Polana Hotel, with its grand view over the harbour, its tea gardens and its old-fashioned Victorian lift.

Your orientation of the city will include the beautiful railway station, built in 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. 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…

We then drive to the Natural History Museum, which amongst other things, plays “host” to the only collection of elephant foetus in the world. The museum can be used for a comfort stop.

We then continue on a scenic drive through the upmarket Polana area, following the coastal route to the Costa do Sol. A brief photo stop will be made – and there will also be the opportunity to browse through the selection of handcrafts which are on sale.

Enjoy a delectable seafood lunch, which will truly delight your tastebuds.  Thereafter, return to the ship.

SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Your city orientation of Maputo includes the beautiful railway station, the local Maputo market, Independence Square and the Natural History Museum.  A scenic drive through the upmarket Polana area concludes at the Southern Sun Maputo Hotel, where you enjoy a delectable seafood lunch and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, lying at the poolside overlooking the beach.

TIMING BREAKDOWN
09h00 – 09h15  Depart the harbour, stopping briefly at the Railway Station en-route to the Central Market
09h15 – 09h45  Time spent at the Central Market
09h45 – 10h00  Continue to Independence Square
10h00 – 10h30  Photo-stop at Independence Square. Buildings and sites include the Catholic Cathedral, the City Hall, the Iron House & the French-Mozambican Cultural Centre
10h30 – 10h45  Continue through the City to the Natural History Museum
10h45 – 11h30  Visit the Natural History Museum
11h30 – 12h00  Drive through the Polana area, before continuing on a scenic drive to Costa do Sol
12h00 – 12h30  Photo stop & possibility to buy local handcrafts
12h30 – 12h45  Drive to the Southern Sun Maputo Hotel
12h45 – 14h45  Enjoy a delectable seafood lunch
14h45 – 16h45  Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, lying at the poolside overlooking the beach
16h45 – 17h00  Return to the ship

OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Mozambique is a “Third World” country, and although a visit to this destination is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all aspects
 - The coaches are well-maintained, but basic – 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 these escorts/guides do have previous experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships
 - Whilst the roads are tarred, there are many with potholes. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully
 - In order to avoid congestion, the order of sites visited will be rotated
 - Warning: Some of the international embassies and government buildings may fall under "military or state defence objects". Visitors are not allowed to take pictures and may run into serious problems ignoring these rules. Please therefore ask your tour guide’s advice first!

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