Mafalala

Mafalala was one of the areas outside the cement city where Mozambicans lived under colonial rule, built of reed and corrugated iron rather than concrete, and a remarkable amount came out of it: marrabenta, the guitar music that became the country's popular sound, the footballer Eusebio, the poet Jose Craveirinha, and several figures of the independence movement. A neighbourhood association runs walking tours led by residents, taking in the houses, the music and the food.

What you actually see

• The guided walk - a tour led by residents through the neighbourhood.
• The marrabenta history - the music that developed here and spread nationally.
• Eusebio's house - the childhood home of the footballer.
• The building types - reed and iron construction from the colonial period.

When to go

May to September is the cooler dry season and the most comfortable for walking. Tours run on arrangement rather than a fixed schedule. Weekends bring music in some venues.

Honest expectations

This is a lived-in neighbourhood, not a heritage district, and wandering it without a local guide is neither welcome nor sensible. Tours must be arranged in advance. Photography of people requires asking.

Nearby

Central Maputo is south, and the Costa do Sol beach is northeast.