Mozambique: Colonial Charm & Raw African Energy Country #121 | 23–26 July 2025
Mozambique left me with mixed feelings. A country full of Portuguese colonial history and warm people, but also visibly marked by poverty and slow development.
Stay in Maputo
I based myself in the capital, Maputo, and stayed at the Hotel Avenida, a solid 5-star hotel (around 150 USD per night). While it’s one of the better options in the city, it’s a bit dated. Still, it provided a comfortable and safe base after my long journey.
On the first day, I crossed the border for a quick visit to neighboring Eswatini. The following day I did a 3-hour private city tour of Maputo.
Exploring Maputo
Maputo has a strong Portuguese influence — you’ll hear Portuguese everywhere and can enjoy classic dishes like Pastel de Nata. The highlight of the city tour was seeing the many colonial-era buildings from the Portuguese period. Some are beautifully preserved and still in use, while others show their age.
Unfortunately, the city feels quite run-down in many areas. There aren’t many modern cafés, trendy restaurants, or new developments. As one of the very few tourists around during my visit in July 2025, I stood out a lot, which attracted persistent street sellers. While I never felt in real danger, some areas felt uncomfortable, and the poverty is very visible — with people searching through trash and occasional drunks on the streets.
Final Thoughts
Maputo offers an authentic, unpolished look at urban Mozambique, but it’s not a classic tourist city. The colonial architecture and Portuguese vibe are interesting, yet the lack of nice cafés, restaurants, and overall infrastructure makes it less relaxing than neighboring destinations.
I believe the real beauty of Mozambique lies outside the capital — in its famous beaches, islands, and countryside. If I return, I would definitely explore beyond Maputo.
Would I recommend Mozambique? For now, only if you’re curious about raw, off-the-beaten-path African cities and Portuguese colonial history. It’s better suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind rough edges. Beach and nature lovers should head straight to the coast or islands instead.