Hundreds of backpackers go via Maputo, the capital metropolis of Mozambique, annually. It’s worthwhile spending at the least 3 days in Maputo earlier than travelling inland to the standard backpacker locations of Xai-xai and Tofo. Mozambique’s historical past of colonisation by the Portuguese has left a vibrant and eclectic legacy in Maputo, the place the fusion of Portuguese and African cultures offers backpackers the chance to take pleasure in distinctive cultural and culinary experiences.
Maputo has two main backpackers that accommodate travellers, Fatima’s Place and The Base. Each of them provide dorm beds, single rooms and doubles at cheap charges. Fatima’s Place is mostly busier and louder than The Base, generally making it troublesome to get evening’s sleep. The lodging amenities at The Base are cleaner and extra snug than at Fatima’s Place, and The Base’s location is extra central as it’s nearer to the bus cease utilized by the main bus traces that transport passengers to and from Nelspruit and Johannesburg.
Essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction in Maputo is the fish market at Costa do Sol. It’s comparatively straightforward to get to the fish market through the use of one of many chapas, or native minibus taxis. The fish market sells freshly caught fish, and upon strolling in, one is greeted with a visible spectacle of seafood. When strolling via the fish market, one can see reside clams in massive buckets, countless heaps of prawns, massive lobsters and crayfish and dozens of native fish species. Fish and different seafood are offered by weight, and clients are anticipated to barter relating to the worth. Retailer-owners will typically initially quote inflated costs which they’re prepared to scale back via negotiations.
In a bit adjoining the fish market, there are numerous eating places the place patrons can sit down and eat the seafood bought within the fish market. These eating places expertly clear, spice, cook dinner and serve the seafood to their patrons. Buying contemporary seafood from the market and instantly having fun with it as a scrumptious meal is a memorable expertise.
Mozambique is well-known as a producer of cashew nuts, and guests to Maputo should purchase freshly roasted cashew nuts, in addition to uncooked cashew nuts which can be offered by the kilogram. Cashew nuts are additionally used within the manufacturing of a neighborhood alcohol, Cajoe, which shouldn’t be indulged in by the faint-hearted as it’s identified to be very robust.
Maputo additionally has a full of life nightlife, and there are a selection of reside music venues in direction of the south and east of town. There are additionally plenty of widespread nightclubs, essentially the most well-known being Coconuts and Navau, each of that are frequented by locals and travellers alike.
Catembe Island, a small island positioned throughout the stretch of water in entrance of the Maputo Harbour, can also be a worthwhile attraction for backpackers. There’s a ferry that transports passengers between the harbour and the island, and the journey takes roughly 20 minutes. Guests can discover the island, take pleasure in a meal at a neighborhood eatery, and drink a neighborhood beer at one of many many bars on the island.
Maputo is a metropolis with a singular cultural heritage. Backpackers utilizing Maputo as their level of entry into Mozambique ought to spend a number of days exploring the sights and having fun with all that town has to supply.