Maputo, Mozambique
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Maputo.
The embassy district with luxury hotels and high-end restaurants. Expensive and international rather than local, but the safest area in Maputo.
Polana Cimento has the embassies, luxury hotels, and expensive restaurants. The Polana Serena Hotel is the landmark here, with diplomats and business travelers as the main crowd. Security is better than the rest of Maputo - embassies mean more police patrols and private guards. It's safer in the evening than other areas, though you still shouldn't walk alone after dark. Restaurant staff speak English and eating alone is normal. Everything costs more here and it doesn't feel very Mozambican, but the security difference is real.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
ModerateHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
ModeratePickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
ExcellentSome mistakes you only make once in Maputo. But you shouldn't have to make them at all. This free checklist reveals the 5 safety pitfalls that catch solo women off guard — so you can avoid them before they happen.
"Most expensive area but actually safer than elsewhere"
"Embassy security and police everywhere"
"Hotel and restaurant staff spoke English"
"Walked to dinner in the evening but took taxis at night"
"International bubble, not really Mozambican"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Residential area popular with expats, with cafes and a family-friendly atmosphere. More affordable and less touristy than Polana Cimento, with decent security.
Developing central area with mixed residential and commercial. More local than tourist areas, more affordable, but needs Portuguese and careful safety awareness.
Beachfront area known for seafood, especially the 1938 Restaurante Costa do Sol. Go during busy lunch hours, stay near restaurants, use a car service - beaches aren't policed.
Help other women stay safe in Polana Cimento
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.