Fun things to do in Mozambique

Standing in absolute contrast to the Communist Themed avenues and statues to great Mozambique leaders is the Louis Tregardt Trek memorial garden. A commemorative plaque in memory of the Voortrekker leader Louis Tregardt was unveiled on 12 October 1968 when South African Navy ships SAS Simon van der Stel, Kimberley and Mosselbaai visited Lourenço Marques (now Maputo).

Tregardt was a pioneer in the Boer ‘Great Trek’ movement. The Boers felt that the continued influx of British settlers and the emancipation of slaves in 1833 they need to leave for greener pastures. He formed a group of 9 families who set out for the Portuguese Colony of Delagoa Bay (Maputo) to establish trade links and find new lands. He is the acknowledged leader of the Voorste Mense (The Great Trek's `people in front'). He found Delagoa Bay in 1838, but he and many in his party died from Malaria.

More information can be found at:
Map of the treks of Louis Tregardt and J. Van Rensburg

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Beautiful trip to the Magaruque island of the Bazaruto archipel where you can spend most of the day snorkeling on the coral reefs, lay on the sun and have a magnificent seafood meal, cooked on the boat just for you!

The old fort was built by the Portuguese in the mid - 19th century near the site of an earlier fort.
Inside is a garden and a small museum with remnanats from the era of early Portuguese forys to the era.

Casa e Museu Malangatana;

It's possible to visit the house and studio of Malangatana, Moz's most renowned painter.
It is filled with dozens of his own paintings as well as several sculptures of Alberto Chissano. Call ahead to arrange an appointment.

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This massive market has it all. Outside the entrance you can find men selling watches and sunglasses. Unfortunately you can also find your pocket picked by the many thieves that stare at you as you walk by. Inside is an explosion of colourful fruits and vegetables (mostly from South Africa). As you walk towards the interior you find the fish and meat stalls. Be careful, many of the workers do not like to have their picture taken. Go just a bit farther and you come upon the nut stand full of fresh roasted cashews and other tropical nuts. After that you will find the necessities of life like pots, soap and beauty products. Tucked just at the rear are the souvenir stands. Everything is available and every price is negotiable. Walking around is an experience itself even if you are not there to buy anything.

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Want to go to Mozambique from South Africa? The High Commission in Nelspruit is the closest Consulate Moz has to the border. If you come from a Portuguese speaking country, you may not need a visa. Every other nationality is welcome – as long as you pay. They do it in about 1 hour. The office is now at 32 Bell Street - upstairs.

Most guidebooks and websites have them at their old address. They are on a side road behind a petrol garage. I have pictures to guide you there. Want to drive to Moz? You need paperwork from your car rental company.

Don’t rely on email and they have no website. In fact their attitude sucks. Welcome to Moz.

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The French-Mozambican Cultural Centre is housed in a large, mostly wrought iron, building across from the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. The large structure was a colonial hotel built in 1896. It was opened at the Cultural Centre on 13 July 1995. You can wonder in for free and see various art works and dsipalys. There is also a large concert area. Check out the website or the Time Out Magazine for up coming shows and exhibits.

Do not worry about the crocodile in the fountain area. He is a work of art as well!

Located at:

Av, Samora Machel, 468 Maputo , Mozambique

tel : (+258) (1) 21 31 45 90 / 21 31 45 99 / 21 32 07 87

email info@ccfmoz.com

Openings -> Mon : 14h - 18h, Tues-Fri : 9h - 18h, Sat : 9h - 12h

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Maputo's most evocative landmark is the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceiao (Our Lady of Conception). This Portuguese fort (or Fortaleza) was built in the mid-18th century on top of earlier fortifications. Its striking architecture, battlements and cannons have a dominant position over the main harbour area.

Inside are several striking reliefs commemorating the defeat of Gungunhana (1850-1906), the king of Gaza (an area to the South of Maputo). He was aligned with the Portuguese King, but then rebelled against the colonial authorities. Loyal forces lead by Joaquim Mouzinho de Albuquerque put down the uprising and captured Gungunhana at Chaimite . The former King of Gaza later coverted to Catholicism and lived in exile in the Azores until his death.

A commanding equestrian statue of Joaquim Mouzinho de Albuquerque lies in the small well kept gardens. The question is who is buried inside the gardens? I have read that it is Gungunhana, but he died in the Azores. Joaquim Mouzinho de Albuquerque failed as an Administrator and committed suicide in Lisbon. So who is buried with a Royal looking crest on their tombstone?