Backpacking in Maputo, Mozambique

1000’s of backpackers go by way of Maputo, the capital metropolis of Mozambique, every year. It’s worthwhile spending no less than 3 days in Maputo earlier than travelling inland to the normal 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 provides 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 usually busier and louder than The Base, typically making it tough to get a great 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.

Probably the most well-known vacationer attraction in Maputo is the fish market at Costa do Sol. It’s comparatively simple 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 by way of the fish market, one can see stay clams in giant buckets, countless heaps of prawns, giant lobsters and crayfish and dozens of native fish species. Fish and different seafood are bought by weight, and prospects are anticipated to barter concerning the worth. Retailer-owners will usually initially quote inflated costs which they’re prepared to scale back by way of negotiations.

In a piece 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, prepare 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 are bought 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 vigorous nightlife, and there are a selection of stay music venues in direction of the south and east of the town. There are additionally a lot 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 just a few days exploring the sights and having fun with all that the town has to supply.