Maputo City appears submerged by the Indian Ocean waters. Photo/SARAH OOKO.
What you need to know:
It has this cosy feel of a small hometown where one can unwind and momentarily forget about life’s troubles.
For Kenyans who would like to tour the world, visiting Mozambique is a good place to start. A direct return flight from Nairobi costs about Sh60,000 whereas the travel time is approximately three-and-a-half hours.
As the plane makes its slow descent into Maputo – the nation’s capital city – sparkling blue waters which appear to have submerged the entire town welcome passengers on board. This breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean pulls many tourists from around the world to enjoy the seemingly endless sandy white beaches.
Maputo appears laid-back and free from the hustle and bustle that is a trademark of most burgeoning sub-Saharan Africa cities like Johannesburg, Lagos or even Nairobi. It has this cosy feel of a small hometown where one can unwind and momentarily forget about life’s troubles.
Following a bloody 17-year-civil war that rocked Mozambique soon after it gained independence from Portugal in 1975, the country is slowly rising up from the vestiges of this conflict to develop her economy. Most buildings in the town centre still appear rustic but with an innate beauty spanning many decades, that would appeal to history lovers.
The government seeks to preserve some of these establishments as modern skyscrapers begin to dot the city’s skyline. The street names also reflect Mozambique’s rich history.
The famous Avenida Karl Marx – for instance – is named after the staunch communist scholar thus serving as a stark reminder of the country’s communist past.
At the country’s Independence Square, sits the magnificent statue of Samora Machel – founding father and first president of Mozambique. He spearheaded the country’s struggle for independence and eventually died in a plane crash in 1986.
His widow, Graça, married South African President Nelson Mandela 12 years later, thus making history as the only woman to have been First Lady of two countries.
Forced labour
Judging by the posture of his statue, Samora Machel seems to be addressing the nation, perhaps constantly reminding them of the freedom they now enjoy. These joys are indeed etched in the hearts of Mozambicans who can now attend Mass every Sunday at a famous Catholic Church dubbed the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
This towering white building was once only a preserve of the Portuguese colonialists. Yet, it was built through forced labour with many local Mozambicans (then serving as slaves) losing their lives while at it.
Many people are familiar with the Eiffel Tower in France. However, little is known of the magnificent Iron House in Maputo that was also designed by the renowned French civil engineer and architect Gustave Eiffel.
He incidentally never visited Mozambique as the structure’s steel walls and roofing material were shipped into the country and later assembled. Even though the structure was supposed to serve as the governor’s house, it proved inhabitable due to the high temperatures in Mozambique that average about 28 degrees Celsius.
A few minutes from Maputo is a famous Island known as Catembe which hosts a symbolic restaurant that was a favourite of Samora. He had his last meal there before heading to Tanzania to begin the struggle for independence.
People from around the world are said to flock the place to enjoy the ocean breeze and meditate before embarking on significant life’s journeys.
Cheerful people
Mozambicans are generally cheerful people. You will find them having conversations on streets, watching football from restaurant verandas and selling wares on town pavements. As dark-skinned Africans, Kenyans can easily blend in with the population and go about their activities without anyone noticing that they are foreigners.
Even though their official language is Portuguese, most Mozambicans in urban centres understand English, which comes in handy in case of any inquiries. The currency used is the Mozambican Metical (or meticais in plural) which is hard to come by in Kenya. But with dollars, one can easily get it while in Maputo.
A Visa card will allow visitors to easily withdraw the currency in various city ATMs. A dollar is equivalent to about 30 meticais. And any expense incurred is definitely worth the Mozambican experience!
