With its wide tree-lined avenue and charming old buildings , the city clearly has a Portuguese influence which is fused with the language, food and architecture.

There are a feast of activities and places to see in this city, and after a busy day out relaxing on one of the sandy beaches and enjoying the warm Indian Ocean you will know that this is an African paradise.

Stay at the Southern Sun Maputo

The only on- the- beach front hotel in Maputo, staying here is undoubtably the perfect decision whether its for work or to recharge. With close proximity to top city attractions, this 4 star hotel offers exceptional hospitality. The rich Portuguese heritage is visible in the decor and finer details. My favourite colour is blue, so I can immediately appreciate the blue tiles used in the dinning area as well as the mosaic pattern on the floor of my tasteful Ambassadors Suite. The hotel offers ideal accommodation for both business and leisure travellers. The outdoor terrace which over looks the beachfront as well as the pool is the the ideal spot for sundowners. During the day sitting here and soaking up the sun while watching the fisherman out on their dhows is just as relaxing.
I highly recommend that you work up an appetite, the seafood platter is by far the tastiest and freshest I have had, paired with a bottle of white wine there is no better way to enjoy a hot summers evening.
With 269 rooms and suites, there is something suitable for every guest. Of course the ocean view rooms with a balcony take first prize for me. The Nespresso machine in the room gave me the morning boost I needed to get my day started, climbing out of bed was no easy task in the morning, I dare say its one of the most comfortable hotel beds I have ever slept on.

Personal tips : sit under the 200 year old fig tree and enjoy the sounds of the birds, ocean and resident cats. At breakfast indulge in the delicious Portuguese tarts, you won’t regret it.

www.tsogosun.com

Eat sea food , don’t be shy eat it 2 or 3 or even 4 times

The shellfish like the prawns and crayfish is considered to be the best in the world. Dishes are packed with sizzle and spice, the piri-piri is synonymous with Mozambican cooking and is used to baste almost everything. If you don’t like spicey food remember to mention that to your waiter. The seafood is not only healthy, but fresh and affordable. Its literally finger licking good, getting that last bit of flavour off ones fingers is a sign of contentment and enjoyment – in my opinion.

City tour with Dana Tours

If its vibrant city colours that call your name, this one-stop shop for travel in Mozambique is a number you should keep in your phone. Their professionalism, efficiency and friendly staff complete the experience for any traveler or corporate entity. We were able tot soak in the attractions ranging from colonial splendour to modern street art both from the air conditioned vehicle and walking on foot with our tour guide. Mingling with the locals at the food market and then the arts and crafts market is always a favourite of mine.

www.danatours.com

Best chocolate dessert at the Turkish restaurant

Sugar overload, hot and oozing with chocolate there is no better sweet treat for a chocoholic. Of course the Turkish food on the menu doesn’t go unmentioned, however the dessert had me grinning from ear to ear.

South Beach for sun downers

Great live music and within walking distance from the Southern Sun Hotel. With an extensive menu choosing is not easy. The cozy cabana seating is the best, boasting views of the Indian Ocean while the wind gently blows

https://m.facebook.com/southbeachmaputo/

Drive to Ponte do Oura over the new bridge

Lying on the Mozambique Channel, south of Maputo and on the border of South Africa . The name is Portuguese for “ tip of Gold “. Leaving Maputo we drove on the amazing new suspension bridge , The Maputo – Katembe Bridge. This is Africa’s largest suspension bridge and makes the drive to Ponte do Oura sheer bliss, the newly tarred road took us all the way to the popular destination for divers and surfers. We opted for a chapa back to Maputo and didn’t need to wait long for it to full up. Getting around once there is generally done on foot and we used a quad bike taxi on our final day because of luggage. Its laid back and so much fun here. Two coffee shops we recommend are Love cafe with their bright and spacious setting and Magenta Moon boutique and gifts for their cozy coffee corner and shopping heaven.

Swim with the dolphins

Once settled, besides beautiful walks on the beach, kite surfing and diving a bucket list experience is to swim with the dolphins. Angie from Dolphins Encounters research centre started the organisation in 1996. Working with skipper Mitchel Niemeyer they offer daily sea trips for people to interact in the water with the pods of dolphins. This is weather permitting and no touching of the dolphins is allowed. They do come right up to the swimmers because they are inquisitive by nature. The cherry on top for us was to also see the whales up close as it was migration season for them. You don’t want to leave Ponta without this experience, Angies knowledge and love for the dolphins is evident in her work.

https://www.dolphinencountours.org

Buy fabric at the oldest fabric store in Maputo

Casa Elefante has a rich array of patterns ranging from pretty cottons for children,African batik print capalanas to political prints. The prices are extremely reasonable and I can never leave empty handed when I go here.

Mundos restaurant

Mundos was born on the back of a hamburger stand over fifteen years ago, and through the years has become one of the most vibrant restaurants in Maputo. Right across from the South African Embassy it is easy to find. A pizza place, sports bar and what I would call a taco joint ( because l they are just so good ) I loved their menu lay out which is just like reading a newspaper, it can keep one entertained for quite a while.

Vila Algarve

Once an example of residential colonial architecture,Vila Algarve served as the seat of the secret police, the PIDE/DGS during the Portuguese colonial period.A residential house it is now premaritally closed and nobody may go onto the property. Built in 1934 and later protected as a listed building. Incredible architecture and fabulously detailed blue and white tile murals are visible from the road and still in great condition. A real pity about its ugly past.

Buy a coconut or sugar cane drink from the vendors

On a hot day stop at one of the many street vendors, Maputo has an estimated 4000 street vendors, one of the reasons there is so little begging in the city. These drinks are not only fun to watch being made but they taste incredibly good and are refreshing.

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With its colonial heritage, its vibrant residents, bustling markets and its delicious cuisine there are plenty of tourist attractions in this city. Each time I return I am so happy to see the rapid progress that is being made.

Street art is slowly covering drab, morbid walls of the past and contributing to the city’s new energy.