Maputo cruise port guide

Located in the South African country of Mozambique, Maputo is one of Africa’s most beautiful and fashionable cities. A large, lively port town, Maputo’s former Portuguese colonial heritage is married with vibrant African culture, creating an exciting cosmopolitan mix. Portuguese colonial rule only ended in 1975 when the city’s name was changed from Lourenco Marques to Maputo. A wonderful stop-over point along your South African cruise vacation, in this pretty city elegant Portuguese villas jostle with modern urban architecture. The impressive towering skyline is one of the first sights passengers will see from aboard the luxury MSC cruise liner. Choose from a range of great excursion packages for your day away from ship and be sure to take advantage of our best deals on outings. These include a fun city tour and a visit to Maputo’s bustling lively markets, afternoon tea at the glamorous 5-star Polano hotel or, for the more adventurous, a jeep excursion to secluded beaches outside the city where you can soak up the sun and experience a slower pace. Why not experience local life and take a stroll round the colourful ‘Mercado’ or covered market, with stalls piled high with exotic fruit and vegetables, carvings and traditional leather goods and shop for a holiday souvenir. Take a well-earned break for lunch and sample the Maputo speciality of ‘peri-peri’ prawns – a local dish of spicy, fresh Mozambique shrimp.