Chris and I did a Top Ten Attractions Walking Tour of Mapuo with Jane Flood’s tour. Jane Flood’s Walking Tour in Maputo A two hour walk around the old downtown of Maputo, also known as the Baixa, was fantastic. Featured, but not limited to, was Gustave Eiffel’s “Iron House”and the botanical gardens (filled with wedding parties taking photos and singing as they sauntered the gardens. We were even asked to pose with the wedding party.) We managed to visit Samora Machel’s very tall bronze statue in the square (a gift from the South Korean government to the people of Mozambique), the Catherdral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception (which housed a beautiful bronze baptismal font and an homage to Pope John Paul II as the Roman Catholic Church helped with the peace talks during independence), the Maputo Railway Station (made famous for being one of the most beautiful in the world as well as taking a role in the 2006 movie Blood Diamond staring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, and Jennifer Connelly.)
The Franco Mozambican Cultural Centre was a lovely excursion. It is the site of many cultural and artistic events. Many permanent exhibits as well as showcased local artists makes this a lovely place to attend concerts or just have lunch on the outdoor cafe. There is a tribute concert to Cesária Évora on December 15th that caught our eye.
We walked through the central market. It was an amazing sight to see the multitude of local vendors selling everything from fruit, vegetables, and sea food to spices and crafts. It was like a farmers market so I felt very much at home. We were warned on several occasion about the pick pockets in the market. They are typically homeless children walking around the market trying to survive.
Our tour guide, Eddie, ended the tour with the old fort. It houses the remains of the last tribal leader, the last African King of Mozambique, Chief Gungunyane. The last African King to rule in Mozambique put up quite a fight and is a legend to the Mozambican people. I wouldn’t know if he is as popular of Samora Machel as I’m not that familiar with how history is taught here. His remains were returned to Mozambique after independence as Chief Gungunyane died in the Azores after his defeat and capture by the Portuguese. Unfortunately there was an event going on at the fort so we could not see the attractions inside the fort nor Chief Gungunyane’s tomb. Instead we enjoyed the lively music, vendors, and entertainment that was provided inside the old fort by the sponsor, a life insurance company of some kind. I have the flyer somewhere but I just can’t get my hands on it.
My overall impression is there are more points interest regarding Art Deco architecture in Maputo than I have ever seen before in my life. We didn’t really spend time on the Art Deco but it’s just everywhere. The cathedral itself is an aging masterpiece. Maputo has a rich history that is complex and rich. The Top Ten Walking Tour itself was well worth the time and Jane and her team make a wonderful addition to the local tourism. Everyone should do this tour when in Maputo as it really opens the history of the city. Jane also has an Art Deco Architectural walking tour and, of course, it is the next one we will take. As always, I recommend wearing very comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, water, a hat, SPF a million cream, and mosquito spray. It isn’t necessary but I would also bring a little money with you too. Trying the local fruit or buying a few tchotchkes isn’t necessarily a bad idea. The strategy for negotiating prices here is easy, firm, and polite.
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