The capital of Mozambique, Maputo, offers visitors much to do in the way of historic, cultural and scenic attractions, and caters for every traveller’s budget, from grand old hotels to budget-conscious establishments. There are some stunning turn-of-the-century buildings, and both a military and natural history museum, among other cultural and architectural attractions.

Maputo offers a number of nearby beaches to explore, working up an appetite for delicious seafood dishes and Portuguese wines. Thirty kilometres/19 miles north of Maputo is the village of Marracuene and the Incomati River. There is a scenic 20-minute boat trip from the Complexo Turistico Macaneta down the Incomati River to Macaneta beach.

The Maputo Elephant Reserve is famous for its natural beauty. Flocks of flamingoes can also be seen on the large inland lakes near the ocean. For the intrepid traveller, it is situated on the road to Ponta do Ouro via the ferry to Catembe, or 112km/70 miles south from Maputo via the Boane road.