Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, has always had its fair share of business travel but many travellers, some of whom have visited for work, are returning to experience the destination from a leisure perspective.

Commenting on the city’s leisure offering, Bruce Chapman, GM of the Southern Sun Maputo, “Increasingly, operators are including Maputo as a leg on a ‘beach and bush’ travel itinerary. It is only 90km from the Kruger Park gates, and visa simplification has enabled cross-border packages to become increasingly popular.”

Karin Sieberhagen, Sales and Marketing Manager for Serena Hotels in South Africa, agrees and says she has seen that some clients like to break their journey and spend a night in Maputo.

More packages

“Increased investment in infrastructure has made nearby resorts and leisure activities much more accessible from Maputo, with Macaneta Beach now only 20 minutes away, and with the new Maputo-Katembe bridge opening next month, Ponta do Ouro and Machangulo will also be accessible within a 90-minute drive,” Chapman adds.

History and culture

“With over four centuries of recorded history, Maputo is crammed with architecture, arts and culture,” says Chapman. “The city is crammed with architecture, arts and culture that differentiate it from any other African capital. Guided walking tours are perennially popular, as well as visit to the many markets and art and craft centres across the city.”

Sieberhagen agrees that the history of the city and nightlife are both major drawcards, as well as its food offering. “Maputo has become a cosmopolitan city with sidewalk cafés and quaint little restaurants where one can sit, relax and watch the world go by. From Mpumalanga, you can easily visit Maputo for a day, take the two-hour drive, have prawns for lunch at the Polana Serena Hotel, a massage, play in the pool, have high tea and then drive back.”