After long days, jam packed with beach activities, visitors may want to relax with cocktails or on a sunset cruise, but Maputo’s nightlife is also enticing.

1.Maputo nightlife

 Gil Vicente Café in Maputo

According to Guest Relations Manager at Polana Serena, Crisostomo Sengulane, Maputo’s nightlife is a must. Guests at the hotel can book a Maputo Night Safari, which begins with a seafood dinner in one of the local restaurants. Guests are then taken through the Jazz Cafés of Maputo before heading to the city’s popular dance clubs to dance till sunrise. Regular music jam sessions also take place at Gil Vicente Café, Mafalala Libre, Matola Jazz Bar and Africa Bar, all in Maputo.

“Mozambique´s nightlife is vibrant and exciting and this should definitely be experienced,” says Stephanie Von Allmen, GM at Dana Tours. “Mozambicans tend to start very late at the clubs or bars, so pre drinks at a restaurant or bar are recommended, followed by dancing at about 01h30 or 02h00 at the club where the event is occurring on that specific evening. The party tends to end when the sun rises.”

2.Sunset cruises

Sunset cruises are a firm favourite with the trade. Christi Patterson, Reservations Manager at Villa Santorini in Vilanculos, suggests a sunset cruise. Sunset cruises along the coastline of Vilanculos and river canoeing trips can be booked at the property. “Sunset river canoeing trips on the Guvuro River are a true African experience,” she says. Guests at the Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo can also book a sunset cruise, taking them into the bay with a detour in Maputo Harbour, says Sengulane. Ivana Naidoo, ‎Regional Marketing Communications Manager – Southern Africa at Minor Hotels, recommends dhow sailing.

3.Fine dining

“Apart from the Polana Serena’s exclusive dining choices, Maputo also has the following gastronomic experiences to offer,” says Sengulane. He suggests dinner at the long-established Costa do Sol restaurant or visiting some of the Waterfront seaside restaurants. Other picks include Brazilian Rodízio Real for a touch of elegance, Mundo’s Pub for a relaxed setting, or the trendy Dolce Vita café.