Leaving Maputo: Tunduru Gardens and Independence Place
Today was the day to leave Maputo. While I hadn’t given the city a whole lot of time, it’s another big city, and as Rick suggested, I made sure to see a few things before heading out. I visited the Tunduru Gardens, which is adjacent to Independence Place, and it was a lovely walk to explore the area.
Driving Across the Maputo-Katembe Bridge
On my way through the city, I found the Maputo-Katembe Bridge incredibly impressive. This massive structure connects the south of Mozambique to Maputo, and it was quite a sight to behold. I decided I had to drive over it. Catembe on the other side turned out to be pretty modest — just a few residents and no improved roads beyond the main one. It cost 100 of the local currency each way, so 200 for the round trip. Despite the unimproved roads, it was a fun drive and a great way to extend my southern reach in Mozambique.
Coastal Drive to Xai-Xai
After returning from Catembe, I followed the coast toward Xai-Xai (spelled X-A-I, X-A-I). The distance was very manageable for the day, and the coastal scenery was absolutely breathtaking — truly hard to put into words. Driving along the coast is always one of the most enjoyable parts of any journey.
Exploring Xai-Xai Beach
Xai-Xai has two distinct parts: the inland section and the beach section. I decided to try the beach area. Near the Holly Motel, a local person was eager to show me around and guide me to alternative accommodations. We followed sandy paths and he showed me some rooms that I ultimately passed on. There was also another hotel that was too expensive and fully booked anyway.
Staying at the Holly Hotel
I eventually made it back to the Holly Hotel, which turned out to be a great choice. It had an on-site restaurant, which I always appreciate — no need to go anywhere else after parking the car. The large square in front of the hotel was quiet and peaceful. The beach nearby featured natural barriers creating calm areas where you could easily get into the water without battling the surf.
Sandy Streets and a Memorable Day
Driving beyond the hotel was especially fun. The streets were made entirely of sand but packed hard enough that it posed no problems for the car. Rain wasn’t an issue either. It was another fascinating and exciting day exploring the coast of Mozambique. The beach section of Xai-Xai is definitely worth the visit. Thank you for coming along on another adventure!
