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Maputo-Katembe Bridge

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Landmark
—°10
Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)

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The Maputo-Katembe Bridge is a masterpiece of modern engineering and the longest suspension bridge on the African continent. Inaugurated in November 2018, it spans the Maputo Bay, connecting the city center with the Katembe district on the opposite shore. The bridge has a total length of approximately 3 kilometers, featuring a main span of 680 meters that rises high above the shipping lanes. The project was constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation at a cost of around $785 million, replacing the unreliable ferry services that previously existed. This infrastructure is a strategic link for the economic development of southern Mozambique, as it significantly shortens the drive to the South African border. The bridge has become a prominent landmark of the capital's skyline, offering spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and symbolizing the nation's progress in infrastructure and regional connectivity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626242220192123242526
Rain mm15399956421181614285198123

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Maputo-Katembe Bridge is open to vehicular traffic, and you can drive across it to experience its impressive span. Pedestrian access is not allowed on the bridge itself, but there are designated viewpoints at each end where you can safely admire the structure and the bay.
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Typical hours
As a major road bridge, it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no restricted hours for using the bridge, though the viewpoints may have limited lighting at night. Best visited during daylight for clear views.
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Photography
Photography is excellent from both ends of the bridge, especially at sunset. You can capture the long suspension cables and the wide Maputo Bay. Drones may require special permits, but handheld cameras are unrestricted.
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Time needed
A drive across the bridge takes just a few minutes, but stopping at the viewpoints can add 15-30 minutes. If you take time to photograph and enjoy the scenery, plan for about 30 minutes to an hour.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a trip to the Maputo Botanical Garden or the Natural History Museum on the city side. On the Katembe side, you can explore the fishing villages or take a ferry back to Maputo.
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Getting there
The bridge connects Maputo city with the Katembe district. It is easily reached by car or taxi from central Maputo. Public buses also cross the bridge regularly. Toll fees apply for vehicles, but the viewpoints are free.
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Insider tip
For the best photos, arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to see the colors change. The bridge is less crowded on weekday mornings. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full span.

Geography

Coordinates
-25.97580, 32.56210

Facts

  • The bridge was officially opened on November 10, 2018.
  • It features the longest suspension span in Africa at 680 meters.
  • The total construction cost was approximately $785 million.
  • It was built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
  • The bridge connects Maputo to the border with South Africa.
  • The clearance below the bridge is 60 meters for ship passage.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of MaputoPort of Maputo<1 km · NEExplore →
National Library of MozambiqueNational Library of Mozambique2 km · NExplore →
Praça dos Heróis MoçambicanosPraça dos Heróis Moçambicanos3 km · NEExplore →
CatembeCatembe3 km · WExplore →
Xipamanine MarketXipamanine Market3 km · EExplore →
FEIMA Art MarketFEIMA Art Market4 km · NExplore →
Monument to the Mozambican WomanMonument to the Mozambican Woman5 km · NEExplore →
Matola Cement FactoryMatola Cement Factory9 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Maputo-Katembe Bridge (10)

Museu dos CFM🏛 museum

Railway museum in Maputo, displaying locomotives and historic carriages.

Museu da Pesca🏛 museum

Museum in Maputo, focusing on fishing and marine life.

Mesquita da Baixa

Mosque in Maputo, Mozambique, located in the downtown Baixa area.

Praça 25 de Junho🌳 park

Square in Maputo, surrounded by trees and historic buildings.

🕒 24/7

Balcão do turista

Tourist information point in Maputo, providing assistance to visitors.

Museu da Moeda🏛 museum

Museum in Maputo, exhibiting coins and banknotes.

Fortaleza de Maputo

Fortress in Maputo, Mozambique, dating from the 18th century.

Fortaleza

Monument in Maputo, commemorating the colonial fortification.

Prédio Pott

Ruins of a historic building in Maputo, once a residential and commercial property.

Teatro Avenida

Theatre in Maputo, venue for plays and cultural events.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the bridge?
An impressive suspension bridge connecting Maputo with Katembe.
Can a tourist drive across?
Yes, there is a toll for the crossing.
What is on the other side?
Katembe features beaches and good seafood restaurants.
Can I walk across?
No, it is for vehicles only.
When is the best view?
At sunset from the city shore.
Maputo-Katembe Bridge: where is it located?
Maputo-Katembe Bridge is located in Mozambique.
Maputo-Katembe Bridge: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museu dos CFM, Museu da Pesca, Mesquita da Baixa.
Maputo-Katembe Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Maputo-Katembe Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Maputo-Katembe Bridge is a masterpiece of modern engineering and the longest suspension bridge on the African continent.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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Maputo City Hall
A striking neoclassical building located in the heart of the capital.
Fortaleza de Maputo — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Fortaleza de Maputo
A historic Portuguese fortress located on the Maputo Bay.
Central Market Maputo — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Central Market Maputo
A bustling historic market featuring beautiful iron architecture from the colonial era.
Bank of Mozambique Headquarters — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Bank of Mozambique Headquarters
A striking modern skyscraper and the central financial institution of the country.
Tunduru Botanical Gardens Gates — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Tunduru Botanical Gardens Gates
The striking entrance gate and historic pavilion of the central botanical garden in Maputo.
Samora Machel Statue — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Samora Machel Statue
A monumental bronze statue of the first president of independent Mozambique.
Iron House — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Iron House
A building constructed entirely of iron plates, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel.
Gil Vicente Theatre — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Gil Vicente Theatre
A historic theatre and cinema with Art Deco influences in the center of Maputo.

More places

Port of Maputo — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Port of Maputo
One of the largest deep-water ports in East Africa, serving as a vital trade hub.
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Maputo Railway Station
A magnificent historic railway station, often considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Monument to the Great War — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Monument to the Great War
An impressive monument in Maputo commemorating the First World War.
Maputo Fortress — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Maputo Fortress
A historic Portuguese fortress in the center of the capital.
Maputo Cathedral — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Maputo Cathedral
A striking white Art Deco building from the colonial era.
Iron House (Casa de Ferro) — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Iron House (Casa de Ferro)
A building constructed entirely of iron from the late 19th century.
Vila Algarve — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Vila Algarve
A historic building in Maputo with a dark past as the PIDE headquarters.
Church of Santo António da Polana — Maputo-Katembe Bridge (Mozambique)
Church of Santo António da Polana
Unique modernist church in the shape of a lemon squeezer.