Maputo

Maputo Province surrounds Maputo City and extends south to the border with South Africa and the Indian Ocean. It encompasses the Maputo National Park (formerly Maputo Special Reserve), the diving destination of Ponta do Ouro, and the industrial city of Matola. The province's landscape ranges from the coastal dunes and wetlands of the Ponta do Ouro–Kosi Bay coastal area to the inland savannas and the Lebombo Mountains on the border with Eswatini. Maputo Province offers a mix of wildlife tourism, beach holidays, and cultural experiences, all within easy reach of the capital.

The dry season (May–October) is the most comfortable time. The wet season (November–April) is hot and humid but the landscape is greener. Diving conditions at Ponta do Ouro are good year-round.

The EN1 and EN2 highways connect Maputo Province's main towns. Chapas (minibus taxis) run between Maputo City, Matola, and Boane. A 4x4 is recommended for reaching Ponta do Ouro and Maputo National Park.

• Matola — The industrial and commercial hub of the province, just west of Maputo City.
• Boane — A growing commuter town near the border with Eswatini.
• Namaacha — A historic mountain town on the Eswatini border.
• Manhica — A town on the Incomati River, known for its research centre.
• Marracuene — A lakeside settlement popular for weekend getaways.
• Moamba — A town on the edge of the Maputo National Park.
• Magude — A rural district centre in the north of the province.
• Ponta do Ouro — A premier diving and snorkelling destination on the South African border.
• Maputo National Park — A coastal wildlife reserve with elephants, rhinos, and antelope.

Maputo Province is rich in seafood, particularly prawns, crab, and fish. The Ponta do Ouro restaurants serve excellent fresh seafood with Mozambican and South African influences.

The province has a mix of Shangaan and Ronga cultures. The Ponta do Ouro area has a lively beach-town atmosphere.

• Maputo National Park safari — Game drives and walking safaris in a coastal wilderness.
• Ponta do Ouro diving — World-class diving with whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles.
• Namaacha mountain retreat — A historic colonial hill station with views into Eswatini.
• Marracuene beach weekends — Lakeside and beach accommodation a short drive from Maputo.
• Turtle watching — The Ponta do Ouro coastline is a nesting site for loggerhead and leatherback turtles (October–March).