How to Find Luxury Hotels in Maputo, Mozambique

The capital of Mozambique, Maputo is located on the Indian Ocean. Founded in the late 18th century, the city boasts Mozambique's first university and a museum of fascinating Mozambique history. In recent years it has become a melting pot of diverse cultures. Read on to learn how to find luxury accommodations in Maputo, Mozambique.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Plan Activities

1. Visit the beaches, such as Catembe and Ponta d'Ouro.

2. Shop for African fabrics and weaves along the Avenida de Guerra.

3. Enjoy the nuts. The second most popular export of the country, cashews come in many varieties.

4. Buy local crafts such as wood carvings, boxes and picture frames from curio vendors.

5. Stroll up Avenida Julius Nyerere and check out the boutiques, restaurants, curio vendors and other shops.

Getting There and Around

6. Fly into Maputo airport. Two of the local airlines are LAM and Air Corridor.

7. Drive into Maputo via highway from Johannesburg.

8. Take a taxi from Manzini, Swaziland. The four-hour cab ride is very cheap by Western standards.

9. Take advantage of the metered cabs once in Maputo. These vehicles are identifiable by their yellow roofs. If riding in an unmetered taxi, be sure to agree on the fare beforehand.

Find Luxury Accommodations

10. Choose a high-end hotel. There are a number to choose from, both recognizable chains and locals. Contact Mozambique Tourism by calling 011 ([phone] or by visiting the link below.

11. Book a room at the Catembe Gallery Hotel. This is luxury at its finest, with rooms individually decorated by local artists.

12. Check out the Cardoso Hotel. It's across from the Natural History Museum and is highly recommended by travelers to Maputo. An added bonus is the staff's fluency in English.

13. Stay at the Mozaic Guest House. This is a clean, comfortable and affordable option for travelers who want a more local experience.

14. Save money and book a room at the Base Backpackers. Some rooms have balconies that look over the sea. Plus there are communal computers with access to the Internet, as well as a TV and kitchen facilities.

15. Be sure to visit the Hotel Polana, even if you stay elsewhere. Considered one of Maputo's best hotels, this colonial era masterpiece was designed by a famed South African architect. It's a great place to have a drink--plus, there's a small casino. See the Resources section below for a link to this property.

Tips & Warnings

• Regardless of which way you enter the country, a visa at the border will cost you an additional fee.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Even though you may be staying in luxury accommodations in Maputo, it is important to remember to do your best to stay safe. If you must venture out at night, take a taxi. Travel in a group whenever possible.