Natural History Museum Maputo
Discover Mozambique's natural wonders in a stunning 1911 Portuguese-style hall, featuring unique taxidermy and a rare celacanth.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Natural History Museum Maputo
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Mozambique's natural wonders in a stunning 1911 Portuguese-style hall, featuring unique taxidermy and a rare celacanth.
"A magical place with a beautiful building, offering a unique glimpse into Mozambique's natural heritage."
💰 Reasonable Entrance Fee
Expect an affordable entrance fee, around 100 MZN (approx. R25) as of early 2022. :moneywithwings:
🥵 Be Prepared for Heat
Air conditioning may not be working, so dress lightly and stay hydrated. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Hall
Main exhibition space
Marvel at the stunning 1911 Portuguese-style architecture housing a vast collection of taxidermied animals.
Unique Taxidermy Displays
Various exhibition rooms
Discover a fascinating array of preserved wildlife, including a memorable baby elephant exhibit.
Celacanth Specimen
Special exhibit
See the rare and unique specimen of the 'living fossil' fish, the celacanth.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm of the Past
Prepare for a Warm Welcome
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Reasonable Entrance Fee
Expect an affordable entrance fee, around 100 MZN (approx. R25) as of early 2022. :moneywithwings:
🥵 Be Prepared for Heat
Air conditioning may not be working, so dress lightly and stay hydrated. :droplet:
🚶♀️ Limited Accessibility
The museum has stairs and may not be wheelchair accessible. Plan your visit accordingly. :wheelchair:
📸 Capture the Architecture
The beautiful Portuguese-style building itself is a photo opportunity! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Reasonable Entrance Fee
Expect an affordable entrance fee, around 100 MZN (approx. R25) as of early 2022. :moneywithwings:
🥵 Be Prepared for Heat
Air conditioning may not be working, so dress lightly and stay hydrated. :droplet:
🚶♀️ Limited Accessibility
The museum has stairs and may not be wheelchair accessible. Plan your visit accordingly. :wheelchair:
📸 Capture the Architecture
The beautiful Portuguese-style building itself is a photo opportunity! :camerawithflash:
🐘 Memorable Exhibits
Don't miss the impressive taxidermy, including a surprisingly startling baby elephant. :elephant:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe the Natural History Museum Maputo as a magical place with a beautiful, historic building. While many appreciate the nostalgic feel and the unique taxidermy, some note that exhibits could benefit from better maintenance and that the museum can get quite warm due to a lack of functional air conditioning. Despite these points, it's frequently recommended as a worthwhile attraction for first-time visitors to Maputo.
"I used to come here as a child all the time; it had been a few years since my last visit, and I wasn't dissapointed. Everything was exactly as I remembered it, which isn't really the best thing, as some information was outdated (the evolutionary tree, that sort of thing), but it is a magical place, and truly somewhere one must visit when in Maputo.
The building is beautiful, but sadly, there is no wheelchair accessibility; a flight of stairs inside, too. Some of the taxidermy is a little funny, but a lot of effort and care went into the placement of the animals."
Lari Hallowes-Welman
"The museum is a nice attraction to visit. It's very sad that the exhibits are not being maintained and restored. Many of the taxidermy animals are decaying. The museum is very hot side as there is no aircons that is working. Entrance is 100MZN (R25) pp - February 2022 price. The gardens outside is not being maintained is has lots of rubbish. There are some dinosaur replicas with info plates next to them.
I would recommend for anyone visiting Maputo for the first time."
Nerika Malan-Venter
"The museum is a nice attraction to visit. The baby of elephants was really scare me. I was so shock.
It's very sad it been close, I hope it will re open again."
Gavin Hsiao-Ying Kung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Natural History Museum Maputo is centrally located in Maputo city, making it easily accessible. You can reach it by taxi or local transport. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the city center.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but street parking may be available nearby. It's advisable to check with your taxi driver or local transport provider for the best drop-off point. :car:
Taxis are a common and relatively affordable way to get around Maputo. For a more local experience, consider using shared taxis or 'moto-taxis' if you're comfortable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is quite reasonable. As of February 2022, it was around 100 MZN (approximately R25) per person. It's always a good idea to confirm current prices upon arrival.
Specific opening hours can vary, and it's best to check locally or with your accommodation. Generally, museums operate during standard daytime hours on weekdays and sometimes weekends. :clock1:
Tickets are typically purchased at the museum's entrance upon arrival. Advance booking is usually not required for this attraction. :ticket:
Yes, the museum is often recommended for children. The taxidermy displays, including a notable baby elephant, can be particularly engaging for younger visitors. A guided tour can also make it more informative and entertaining for kids.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases a wide array of taxidermied animals native to Mozambique and other African countries. You'll also find exhibits on local ecosystems, dinosaur replicas, and a section on traditional crafts. A unique highlight is the celacanth specimen.
Unfortunately, the museum can get quite hot as the air conditioning is not always functional. It's advisable to visit during cooler parts of the day and dress in light clothing.
No, the museum is not wheelchair accessible due to the presence of stairs within the building. Visitors with mobility issues should be aware of this limitation.
Guided tours are available and are often recommended, especially for families. They can provide informative and entertaining insights into the exhibits, particularly about Mozambican wildlife.
While the museum holds significant historical and educational value, some reviews mention that exhibits are not always well-maintained and some taxidermy animals are showing signs of decay. However, the effort and care in placement are still appreciated.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always a good practice to check for any specific signage or ask a staff member. Capturing the grand architecture and unique exhibits is highly encouraged. :camerawithflash:
The stunning facade of the building, inspired by Manueline style, is a prime photo opportunity. Inside, the main hall with its impressive taxidermy displays and the unique celacanth specimen are also highly photogenic.
While generally allowed, avoid using flash photography directly on delicate exhibits if it's prohibited. Be mindful of other visitors and respect any designated no-photography zones. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs
Explore the grand halls and imagine the era when it was built. Inside, the collection offers a glimpse into the natural history of Mozambique, complementing the architectural journey through time. It's a place where history is etched not only in the exhibits but also in the very walls of the museum.🌍 Solo Travelers & Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Gem: A Manueline Masterpiece
The architectural grandeur provides a striking contrast to the natural history exhibits within. It’s a testament to the colonial era's influence on Maputo's urban landscape. For photography enthusiasts, the building's intricate details and imposing presence offer numerous opportunities to capture its beauty, especially during the golden hour when Maputo's sunsets cast a warm glow.
A Glimpse into Mozambique's Biodiversity
Beyond just static displays, the museum aims to educate about local ecosystems and the natural world. While some exhibits may be showing their age, the effort to preserve and present this natural heritage is evident. The presence of dinosaur replicas alongside local wildlife also adds an interesting dimension, bridging prehistoric life with contemporary ecosystems.
The Enigmatic Celacanth
Seeing this rare creature up close offers a tangible connection to prehistoric life and highlights the ongoing discoveries in the natural world. The celacanth's presence underscores the importance of the museum as a repository of scientific and natural wonders, even if other parts of the collection require more modern upkeep. It's a testament to the unique natural heritage that Mozambique holds.
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