NEW! Viking World Journeys

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  • 121 Days
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  • 53 Guided Tours
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  • 25 Countries

Maputo, Mozambique

Though the Portuguese landed here in 1544, they did not fortify the nascent town until 1787. One hundred years later, as neighboring South Africa grew in economic prominence and gold was discovered nearby, the need to deepen the harbor for shipping increased. A rail link into the port from inland reaches further bolstered the city’s prosperity, and by the mid-20th century, South Africans and Rhodesians (today’s Zimbabweans) were vacationing in Maputo for its fine hotels, restaurants and beaches.