Elephant House

Elephant House is one of the most fascinating places in Maputo. The famous shop is opposite the Central Market, in the heart of Baixa, and its front is shaded by a wide gallery that is immediately striking. 'Capulanas', long skirts worn by women in Maputo, and 'ntuzus', handkerchiefs to cover the women's heads, are sold here. These fabulous cuts of cotton produced in Mozambique crowd the shelves from floor to ceiling. Entering this place is like entering into another world. Mostly because of the heat, the store remains in limbo, although this doesn't soften the fabrics' strident colours. The place is always packed with women.