Activities in Mozambique
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Sail Away
The recommended Sail Away is the best contact for island dhow safaris, with various day and overnight sails in the archipelago (check out their website for a sampling).
Prices are very reasonable: a day trip including snorkelling around the islands of Magaruque or Benguera, a good lunch, refreshments, park entry fees and snorkelling equipment costs around US$47, with discounts sometimes available for walk-ins. Overnight safaris range from two to four days and cost from around US$70 per person per day, with everything that the day trip includes, plus full board and accommodation. All boats have extra motors, safety and first-aid equipment and communication on board. Sail…
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Train Station
Maputo's imposing Train Station is one of the city's landmark buildings. The dome was designed by an associate of Alexandre Gustav Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), although Eiffel himself never set foot in Mozambique. Also impressive are the wrought-iron lattice work, pillars and verandas gracing the exterior. Inside are some old steam engines, and the Chez Rangel Jazz Café (see Drinking), one of the city's best night spots.
Although the station is still in use, trains run infrequently and it's often deserted.
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Instituto das Línguas
Instituto das Línguas offers Portuguese language classes.
The main African languages spoken in Maputo are Shangana and the closely related Ronga. There's no formal instruction, but tutors can be easily arranged; ask around for reliable teachers at the language schools, at your embassy, or at local businesses and offices.
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CI Divers
There's rewarding diving around Pemba. CI Divers is the main operator, offering PADI open-water certification, equipment rental and boat charters. They can also help you arrange excursions to Archipélago das Quirimbas and rental of jet skis, fishing boats, sailboards, windsurfing equipment and bicycles.
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Tennis
There are frequent tournaments at the courts at the botanical gardens (Jardim Tunduru, corner Rua da Imprensa and Rua da Rádio), where short- and long-term memberships can be arranged. Clube Naval has courts open to its members, and several of the top-end hotels have courts for their guests.
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City Tours
The best way to see the sights is to charter a laranjinha or habana. The Mozambique Adviser desk at Hotel Polana arranges reasonably-priced half- and full-day city tours, pub crawls ('Maputo by Night') and other excursions.
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Pemba Dive
Pemba Dive offers equipment hire and dives (though no instruction). They can also help you arrange excursions to Archipélago das Quirimbas and rental of jet skis, fishing boats, sailboards, windsurfing equipment and bicycles.
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Sailing
Kaskazini and Pemba Beach Hotel offer an upscale sunset cruise for around US$50 per person, including drinks.
Pemba Beach Hotel's private luxury yacht, the MY Fantastique, can be chartered for sails.
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Running
Maputo hosts numerous road races, including a half-marathon and a mini-triathlon; watch ads in Notícias and on embassy bulletin boards. There's a local and a local Hash House Harriers.
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Swimming
For lap swimming, try the 25m pool at Clube Naval. Swimming at the beach along Av Marginal is possible though inadvisable due to considerations of cleanliness and occasional rumours of sharks.
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Boating
The best contact for boat rentals and fishing charters is Clube Naval, which is also the best place to launch a boat if you bring your own.
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Clube Náutico
A colonial-era social club with a swimming pool. On Saturday afternoons, there are all-comers-welcome rugby matches on the sand in front.
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Big Blue Adventures
For fishing charters, boat hire, snorkelling and other water sports, contact Big Blue Adventures, based at Aguia Negra Lodge.
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Day Trips Around Baía De Pemba
Kaskazini can arrange day trips around Baía de Pemba and overnight Dhow Safaris to Archipélago das Quirimbas.
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Parque dos Continuadores
For work-outs, there's a track at Parque dos Continuadores, near Av Julius Nyerere.
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Vilanculos Dive Charters
A long-standing outfit offering PADI instruction and dive-accommodation deals.
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Golf Course
There's a Golf Course in the southern part of town.
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Odyssea Diving
Dive operator offering PADI instruction.
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