As we docked this morning in Maputo, Mozambique, I was surprised when I stepped onto our balcony and saw the Maputo–Katembe Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges on the African continent. This bridge was mostly financed by a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China, reflecting China's increasing presence in Africa with its support of major infrastructure projects. This was not the first Chinese-financed infrastructure development that we have seen.
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A View of the Maputo–Katembe Bridge as We Docked in Maputo |
Maputo, known as the “City of Acacias” for its many trees, is the capital of Mozambique. The city was laid out in typical Portuguese fashion in the mid-nineteenth century, with a central plaza surrounded by administrative buildings and a church, and streets in a grid pattern. This city's architectural heritage, a blend of traditional Portuguese and African architectural styles, is still evident in Maputo today, and Tim and I set out to see it.
We had selected the included excursion, “Panoramic Maputo,” described as follows:
Discover the vibrant capital of Mozambique on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Maputo features colonial Portuguese architecture and wide avenues lined with jacaranda and acacia trees. Founded as a port town by the Portuguese, the influence of travelers and traders from Africa, Asia and Europe has made the city a diverse and lively metropolis. You will enjoy a scenic drive past some of Maputo’s most important landmarks, including the domed bronze CFM Railway Station, which dates back to 1910. The remarkable structure was constructed in South Africa, and its assembly was an innovation for that time. After a stop to visit the vendors at the local market and browse for the perfect memento, you will return to your ship.
We set out from the port and drove along the waterfront and through the downtown area, stopping first at an artisan market, known for its array of locally made crafts, including wooden sculptures, traditional masks, jewelry, textiles, and paintings. The vendors were rather aggressive in trying to persuade us to purchase their items, but I left empty handed.
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Artisan Market |
We then passed the Maputo Central Hospital and many colonial-era buildings on our way to Independence Square, an important landmark in the city. The square was constructed by the Portuguese and renamed in 1975 after Mozambique gained its independence.
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Maputo Central Hospital and Colonial-Era Buildings |
Before walking around the square, we visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It is said that the architect was inspired by the Église Notre-Dame du Raincy in Paris, with its simple style and building materials. Completed in 1944, the church features clean lines, large windows, and minimalist aesthetics that contrast with the intricate designs often associated with older cathedrals.
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Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception |
As we walked across the street to the square, we were able to view the Maputo City Hall, a neoclassical style building that stands at the head of Independence Square. The statue of Samora Machel, the first president of Mozambique, dominates the square.
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Independence Square |
We then walked one block south to the Tunduru Botanical Gardens, a public park and garden that was designed in 1885 by British gardener Thomas Honney. This is a popular place where wedding parties often come for photos after the ceremony. We saw several groups in all their finery, and they were much nicer to look at than the fruit bats in the trees.
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Tunduru Botanical Gardens |
On the way back to the bus, we passed a most unusual house – the Iron House. This building is made entirely of prefabricated iron and steel and was designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1892. Eiffel intended the house to be the residence of the governor-general of Mozambique, but the design failed to consider Maputo's tropical climate. The iron structure turned out to be unbearably hot and was never used as a dwelling.
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The Iron House |
We made a quick stop at the Maputo Central Market, a covered market built in 1901 where produce is still sold, and then the Fortress of Maputo, which was built by the Portuguese in the mid-nineteenth century near the site of an earlier fort. I must admit that Tim and I elected to remain on the bus at both stops since it was so hot.
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A Terrible Photo of Maputo Central Market |
I was especially looking forward to our last stop, however, the Maputo Central Railway Station, one of the most iconic buildings in Mozambique. Built between 1908 and 1916, this building is widely recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. This Beaux-Arts style structure features an impressive dome, an ornate facade, and an extended metal platform.
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Maputo Central Railway |
We had time to walk through the station, learn about its history, and visit the Museu dos CFM Maputo, a museum at the station that explores the pivotal role of Mozambique's ports and railways in shaping the nation’s history. Tim and I were both impressed with the quality of the exhibits.
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Maputo Central Railway |
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Museu dos CFM Maputo |
On the way back to the ship, we passed a statue known as the Snake Lady. In 1935, a monument was erected to commemorate the Portuguese and Mozambican soldiers who died during World War I. On top of the monument is a statue of a woman holding a snake in her right hand. According to legend, the snake lived among the acacia trees here and used to bite those who wanted to rest below their shadows. This woman managed to kill the snake, which is why she is known as Senhora da Cobra.
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The Snake Lady |
Despite the heat, I really enjoyed this excursion, and our guide did a great job. We saw all but one of the buildings that I had hoped to see (that one wasn’t on the tour anyway), and I came away with a better understanding of Maputo. Although Mozambique is one of the poorest countries, this poverty was not as evident here as it was in Mombasa. Most likely, that was only because our tour was limited to the downtown and wealthier sections of the city.
After returning to the ship, I had a craving for a good old-fashioned hamburger, so Tim and I split one since they are so large. We took care of a few chores and then watched the port talk for Richards Bay, South Africa, where we’ll be tomorrow. As we sailed from Maputo, I was able to once again see the Maputo–Katembe Bridge, this time illuminated against the early evening sky.
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A View of the Maputo–Katembe Bridge as We Sailed from Maputo |
We ended the day by watching the evening show on Viking TV in our room. Assistant Cruise Director Patricia entertained us with her solo show, “Rock the Boat.” What a fabulous voice she has.
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"Rock the Boat" |