population: 1.08 million

extension: 270.76 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Matola and interested in museums, I suggest visiting the National Art Museum of Mozambique, located in Maputo which is approximately 13 kilometers away from Matola. The museum features a collection of contemporary art, including works by Mozambican artists.

Alternatively, you can also visit the Natural History Museum of Maputo, which is also located in Maputo and features exhibits on the natural history of Mozambique, including displays on the country's geology, botany, and zoology.

Food

Some of the most recommended and typical dishes to eat in Matola, Mozambique according to locals include:

1. Matapa: a dish made with cassava leaves cooked in a peanut sauce, often served with rice or maize porridge.

2. Galinha à Zambeziana: a spicy chicken stew made with coconut milk, garlic, onions, and chili peppers.

3. Prego Rolls: grilled beef or chicken sandwiched between bread rolls, usually topped with a spicy sauce.

4. Frango Grelhado: charcoal-grilled chicken marinated in spices and served with vegetables and rice.

5. Chamuças: similar to samosas, these are crispy pastry triangles filled with spicy meat or vegetable fillings.

6. Feijoada: a hearty bean and meat stew usually made with pork, sausage, and bacon, and served with rice.

7. Caril de Camarão: a mild curry dish made with shrimp, coconut milk, and spices.

8. Bolo Polana: a rich chocolate cake made with ground almonds and flavored with rum or brandy.

9. Xima: a thick porridge made from maize flour and water, often served as a side dish.

10. Cerveja 2M: the local beer of Mozambique, brewed in Maputo, and enjoyed by many in Matola.

Activities

Certainly! Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Matola:

1. Visit the Umbeluzi River: This river is located near Matola and offers a great opportunity for swimming, fishing, and camping.

2. Explore the Mangrove Swamps: Matola is home to some of the largest mangrove swamps in Africa, which can be explored by boat or kayak.

3. Attend a Mozambican Traditional Dance Performance: The Mozambican culture is rich with dance and music, and there are often traditional dance performances held in Matola.

4. Visit the Botanical Gardens: The Jardim dos Bonsai botanical gardens in Matola offer a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

5. Go Shopping at FEIMA: FEIMA is a popular open-air market in Maputo where locals go to buy everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

6. Try Local Cuisine: Sample delicious Mozambican cuisine such as peri-peri chicken, grilled prawns, and matapa (a traditional dish made with cassava leaves) at local restaurants and food stalls.