Maputo

Vibrant Maputo is the pleasant capital of Mozambique, famed for is excellent seafood. The city sits around a large natural harbour with a mix of fading colonial buildings, bustling cafes, high rise and some bland concrete softened by broad tree-lined avenues.

18th century Portuguese activity was centred on Inhaca Island, trading in ivory and later slaves. The modern city was born with the lucrative railway lifeline to South Africa's Boer Transvaal republic. In 1898, Portuguese colonial administration was moved from Ilha do Mocambique.

The affluent Polana area is home to the grand Hotel Polana, a fine colonial landmark by Sir Herbert Baker, architect of Pretoria's Union Buildings.

Turrets and elaborate plasterwork feature in the elegant Museu de Historia Natural, home to displays of marine, bird and insect life. The collection of elephant foetuses is preserved from an early 20th century agricultural cull.