Mozambique Shopping and Districts

(Mozambique, MZ, South-East Africa)

A visit to Mozambique just has to include a shopping trip to one of its markets to buy souvenirs. Handcrafted masks, batik printed fabric, African jewellery and sculptures are all specialities of Mozambican craftsmen. Maputo is home to several good markets, as are many of Mozambique's other large towns and cities.

During the week, most Mozambican shops tend to open from 08:00 to 12:30 in the morning, and then from 14:00 to 17:30 in the afternoon. At weekends, shops open on Saturday only, usually from 08:00 to 18:00.

Where to Shop

Maputo's markets give visitors an opportunity to find a bargain or two. The most popular is the Central Market (Mercado Municipal). Housed within a building that dates back a hundred years, this bustling market sells pretty much everything, from chillies to cashew nuts and cloth.

Maputo also has a lively Arts and Craft Market, which is well worth fitting into your itinerary if at all possible. Situated on the Praca 25 de Junho, this market is open for business on Saturday mornings. Look out for items made from recycled plastic bags and metal cans.

The Mercado de Peixe, situated on the northern side of Maputo, sells a variety of locally caught fish. Visitors can also sample the market's wares at a number of open-air restaurants there. The Mercado de Xipamanine, near the Avenida Eduardo Mondlane, is an enormous market selling a host of everyday objects rather than the usual souvenirs.

Maputo has a choice of supermarkets, grocery stores and shopping centres, including the Polana Shopping Centre, situated on the corner of the Avenida Julius Nyerere and the Avenida 24 de Julho, and selling most of the big name brands. Supermarkets include Shoprite and the well-stocked Super Mares. Whilst the prices in these sorts of shops are usually a little on the high side, it's possible to find most of the items you need here.