Maputo, Mozambique

Mozambique

Even though the day was hot, we enjoyed our tour. It was Saturday and people were out and about, some setting up sidewalk stands, others just enjoying the parks. We saw a large group of people at the government building, our guide said it was a religious rally. Saturdays are also “wedding days”. We saw lots of people dressed up, however, I wasn’t sitting on the correct side of the bus to get some photos.

Most tour guides are very diligent about counting the number of people on the tour. When we left the second stop, he said we were missing someone. He went back and forth into the fort at least three times looking for the missing person. Meanwhile, we started counting and decided that the original count must have been off. It took us a few tries to convince our guide that no one was actually missing. Finally, he relaxed and we continued on with the tour. Most of us gave him an extra tip because he cared enough to ensure we were all present and accounted for. Not all tour guides are that conscientious.

He was also very proud of his country. At every stop, his face lit up with a big smile as he explained the significance of what we were seeing. As we traveled to each stop, he told us a little about his family. He has two kids and wants to see them have a better life. Typical proud Dad.

A Few Facts

Mozambique was colonized by the Portuguese who ruled for approximately four centuries. Portuguese and English are the two official languages spoken. In 1975, they gained their independence. Civil war followed. In 1994, the first multiparty elections were held. Today a stable government allows for some development of the tourism industry. Mozambique is still one of the most underdeveloped and poorest countries in the world.

Maputo Central Railway Station

Ranked as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Africa, Maputo Central Railway Station captured our attention with its old-style railroad cars. Unfortunately, the museum was closed that day. Walking around the station, we noticed these black and white photos depicting the station’s history. It was built in 1907 and is still in operation today.

Maputo Fortress

The Fortress was built in 1781 with reddish stone. As you enter the fort, the statue of a man on a horse is the first thing you see. He is Joaquim Augusto Mouzinho de Albuquerque, a Portuguese Calvery officer who served as Governor General of Mozambique. The walls around the fort have a ledge with cannons strategically located around the perimeter.

Maputo Sights