A Taste of Mozambique: From City Streets to Tropical Shores
Mozambique is a land of unexpected delights, blending stunning natural beauty with raw urban realities. While destinations like Pemba and its famous beaches are popular, we found a unique mix in Maputo and tranquility on the lesser-talked-about Inhaca Island. From elegant flamingos to cozy markets, here’s our adventure.
Maputo: Where Chaos Meets Charm
Maputo is a city full of surprises—vibrant yet chaotic, refined in parts but raw in others. It’s a place where you’ll find architectural grandeur next to gritty urban life, and culinary gems amid political unrest.
The Good
- Local fruits: Strolling through the streets, we were greeted with tropical fruits like mango, lychee, and coconut everywhere.
- Architectural Highlights: The Maputo-Katembe Bridge, though often overlooked, reminded us of Lisbon’s iconic bridge and offered sweeping views of the city.
- Waterfront Promenade: The promenade was a calm escape compared to what we expected, perfect for sunset walks.
Dining and lunching Highlights in Maputo
- What to Try:
- Cheese Samosa with Honey – A delightful mix of sweet and savory.
- Exotic Salad – A fresh, flavourful option.
- Mojito with Passion Fruit – A creative twist on a classic cocktail.
- Ambiance: Bohemian vibes, perfect for enjoying sunset views.
- Consider Skipping: Shrimp lasagna—it didn’t quite meet our expectations.
- What to Try:
- Crab Ravioli – Rich and indulgent.
- Duck Lasagna – Dominic couldn’t stop raving about it.
- Ambiance: A classy and modern setting with attentive service. Given the political unrest during our visit, we had the restaurant to ourselves—an unexpected but welcome touch of privacy.
- What to Try: Local seafood stew with rice—a comforting, flavorful dish.
- Ambiance: Casual, with oceanfront views. Very good place to chill.
- What to Try: Crab and octopus sushi, and a refreshing pineapple-ginger smoothie.
- Ambiance: Chic decor and serene waterfront views. Friendly staff
- Consider Skipping: The dim sum fell short of expectations.
The Raw Reality
Maputo is not without its challenges:
- Political Tension: During our visit, protests and a citywide strike left the streets eerily quiet. Armed personnel patrolled the streets, and locals shared disturbing accounts of the unrest.
- Dirty Streets: The streets were a bit unkempt, with scattered trash, and the local market had strong smells reminiscent of chicken coops. For me, it brought back a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of markets in Mauritius from my childhood. However, for Dominic, it was a bit overwhelming and quite an unfamiliar experience.
Inhaca Island: A Hidden Treasure
Fresh water shower into the wild
While many flock to Mozambique’s famous beaches, Inhaca Island, just 52 km from Maputo, turned out to be a delightful surprise. With little research on our part, we had low expectations but left utterly charmed.
We traveled with Bússola Azul Excursões and had a great experience. Their services are reliable, and they make exploring easy and enjoyable.
What Surprised Us
- Ample flamingos: The highlight of our private boat ride was spotting of flamingos — completely unexpected and unforgettable. These are the simple unexpected moments that makes me feel immensely happy.
- Snorkeling: The island’s crystal-clear waters revealed a lot of beautiful little fishes.
- Local Life: Home to about 7,000 residents, the island offered a glimpse into a slower, simpler way of life. Tourism and fishing sustain the community, and crime is virtually nonexistent.
Lunching on the Island
- Seafood Dishes: Fresh, locally sourced, and simply prepared – so yummy
- Blazing Heat: Walking barefoot was impossible. Even sandals struggled against the searing sand. It’s most likely the hottest beach sand, I have ever experienced.
- Minimal Amenities: With just three restaurants, a small fruit market, and basic shops, the island is charmingly simple. In a way it must be so refreshing living away from the hassle bustle.
A Mixed Experience in Maputo
The strikes and protests brought an eerie quiet to the city, while some places were chaotic, offering an unusual perspective. Zambi Restaurant provided a much-needed escape before our flight.
Tips for Mozambique Travelers
- Download Yango: This taxi app saves money and hassle.
- Embrace the Heat: Bring plenty of sunscreen and hats.
- Be Prepared for Contrasts: Mozambique is equal parts raw and refined—expect surprises.
Final Thoughts: Mozambique’s Contrasts
Mozambique surprised us with its mix of city life and serene island escapes. From the unique flavors of The Dhow to the elegance of flamingos on Inhaca Island, the trip was full of memorable moments.
