I made my first visit to Mozambique in 2017. It was the 4th African country I had been to and was surprised by how few people spoke English. Please excuse my ignorance, at the time. This country was previously colonised by the Portuguese and therefore apart from the different local languages, most people speak Portuguese. Mozambique is a coastal country and is well known for being the entry point for various goods and services from other continents. Maputo has the most important harbour in the country. 

The country has a unique blend of vintage Portuguese culture and Mozambique’s own indigenous flavour. Many of the colonial structures are visible in Maputo including the oldest railway station in Africa, Estacao Central dos Caminhos de Ferro which was constructed between 1908 and 1916. The country gained its independence in 1975, and its first president was the iconic Samora Machel. 

Maputo has a vibrant party scene and the people are generally quite friendly and helpful which is quite handy for the non-Portuguese speakers. Just be mindful and keep your wits about you with officials as there are some individuals who act to taint the image of the country by trying to exploit people who may not be in the know. One of the sounds you will hear as you walk around is marrabenta, which has influences from Latin salsa, calypso and Angolan merengue. Locals love to dance and they have amazing rhythm to boot. For a brief interactive cultural experience as well as context around the history of Mozambique, the Mafalala Walking Tour is an absolute must do. During the tour you will visit the former home of Samora Machel, and other notable individuals in Mozambique’s history. 

Seafood is a staple in Mozambique, so the fish market in Maputo is highly recommended. It is just off the seaside and therefore the seafood is as fresh as could be. You handpick whichever seafood you like, and they will cook it all for you. Some you might be familiar with (hake, oysters, prawns), but some you’ll have to take a risk and hope for the best. The adventurous spirits are usually pleasantly rewarded, so not to worry.

Mozambique’s subtropical climate and lovely beaches make for a fantastic getaway for water lovers. The  breathtaking islands of Inhaca, Benguerra, Vilanculos and Medjumbe are local and international tourist favourites.