Activities in Maputo
-
A
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.
reviewed
-
B
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.
reviewed
-
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.
reviewed
-
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.
reviewed
-
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.
reviewed
-
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.
reviewed
-
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.
reviewed
-
C
Parque dos Continuadores
For work-outs, there's a track at Parque dos Continuadores, near Av Julius Nyerere.
reviewed
