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Top 20 Travel and Vacation Spots in Angola

Twenty Travel and Holiday Locations in Angola

Top 20 Destinations to Explore in Angola

Angola is a country in Southern Africa that’s pretty big and has a lot of people living there. It’s the second-largest country where people speak Portuguese and the seventh-largest country in all of Africa. It’s next to Namibia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and the Atlantic Ocean. Did you know there’s this awesome place in Angola called Cabinda? It’s like its own little province that’s right next to the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The main city where most people live is called Luanda. So, who’s up for exploring some cool spots in Angola?

Well, get ready to be amazed because I’ve got the inside scoop on the best places to visit in this awesome country! From stunning beaches to historic landmarks, Angola has it all. Get your buddies together and get ready for an epic journey you’ll never forget!

20 Best travel and holiday destinations in Angola

Luanda

Luanda serves as the capital and largest city of Angola, functioning as the nation’s primary port and a central hub for industry, culture, and urban life. Situated along Angola’s northern Atlantic coastline, it acts as the administrative center of the country, the principal seaport, and the capital of Luanda Province. Notably, it is the largest city where Portuguese is spoken outside of Brazil and ranks among Africa’s oldest colonial cities. Established in 1576 by the Portuguese explorer Paulista de Novais, Luanda was initially a focal point for the slave trade with Brazil until its prohibition. Following the onset of Angola’s civil war in 1975, a significant number of white Portuguese citizens sought refuge abroad, predominantly in Portugal. Consequently, Luanda experienced a rapid increase in population due to an influx of refugees, which outpaced the city’s infrastructure development. As of 2020, Luanda and its metropolitan area were home to over 8.3 million residents, representing approximately one-third of Angola’s total population.

 

Kissama National Park

Have you heard of Kissama National Park? It’s only a short 70km ride south of Luanda. This park is like a safe haven for lots of cool African animals.

Back in 1938, it started off as a nature reserve and then became a National Park in 1957. Unfortunately, during the Civil War, the park was kind of forgotten about and some bad people were hunting the animals. But now, the buffalo, elephants, and even sea turtles are doing well and thriving in the park. It’s like a little paradise for them!

 

Dilolo Lake (Moxico Lake)

Dilolo Lake, also known as Moxico Lake, is a super cool spot in Angola that lots of people like to visit. It’s the biggest lake in Angola and a big hit with tourists. You can find it right near Cameia Park, where you can see all kinds of cool animals like rare birds and water creatures. The lake is about 7.5 miles long and sits pretty high up at around 3,280 feet.

People love to tell stories about this lake because of the crazy waves that always come from the east side. Some say these waves are like magic and scare people away from fishing there. If you want to go for a swim in the lake, the best time to do it is in September when it’s usually around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. So grab your swimsuit and head on over to Dilolo Lake for a splashing good time!

 

The Tunda Vala Fissure

The Tunda Vala Fissure stands as one of the most stunning natural wonders in Angola. Situated at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level, it lies between the cities of Lubango and Namibe. At this elevation, the panoramic views are nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing some of the finest landscapes in Africa. This remarkable site is frequently visited by adventurous hikers, who are met with a vertiginous drop as they gaze down towards sea level. In addition to its towering rock formations, the Tunda Vala Fissure features areas of savanna, grasslands, and forested regions, contributing to its diverse and stunning scenery.

Maiombe Forest

The Maiombe Forest stands as one of Angola’s most remarkable natural landscapes, encompassing over 400 square kilometers of lush woodland, and is aptly dubbed the “Amazon of Africa.” This forest serves as an exceptional haven for wildlife enthusiasts, housing hundreds of rare species, many of which are endemic to the region. Among the diverse fauna are gorillas, elephants, chimpanzees, and a variety of rare birds and butterflies. The flora within the forest is equally extraordinary, featuring species such as ebony and mahogany. The largest settlement within the reserve, Buco Zau, offers a modest guesthouse equipped with basic amenities for those seeking to fully engage with the natural environment.

Dala Waterfalls

Have you become acquainted with Dala Waterfalls? Located in Angola, these waterfalls are exceptionally impressive. With a height of approximately 60 meters, they produce a captivating mist that enhances their beauty. The gentle flow of water tumbling over the stones beneath fosters a tranquil environment. Visitors can admire the waterfalls from a nearby bridge at the base, or for a more secluded experience, a hotel is conveniently located just 50 meters away. These falls are also referred to as the ‘Chiumbe River Falls’ or ‘Cassengo Falls.’ Should you have the opportunity to travel to Angola, it is highly recommended to visit Dala Waterfalls.

Lobito

It’s a cool town in Benguela that’s super important for exporting stuff and bringing in tourists.

If you’re into fishing, you’ll love Lobito’s port and coastline. People come from all over to try and catch a huge Giant Tarpon that can weigh up to 200lbs!

But if fishing isn’t your thing, don’t worry. One may simply relax on the beach while observing the sunset. Or you can check out some awesome restaurants and old Portuguese buildings in town. It’s a great place to explore for two, or three days.

Benguela

Benguela, the capital of the Benguela province in Angola, ranks among the most populous cities in the country. Historically, the city’s economy was initially centered around mining, later transitioning to the slave trade with Cuba and Brazil. Presently, it remains engaged in the tourism industry, bolstered by the presence of an international railway in close proximity. Benguela’s primary attractions include its scenic coastal setting and remarkable Portuguese architectural heritage. The beaches offer excellent opportunities for relaxation, and the local population is known for their warm hospitality.

Iona National Park

Have you been informed about Iona National Park in Angola? It stands as the largest national park in the nation, situated in the southwestern region. Spanning over 15,000 square kilometers, it is quite expansive. Regrettably, during the civil war, numerous animals were subjected to illegal poaching within the park. Currently, initiatives are being implemented to rehabilitate the wildlife population. Notable species such as Springbok, Ostrich, and Cheetah inhabit the area. Additionally, there are Indigenous communities residing within the park, recognized by researchers as some of the most culturally preserved groups in Africa. This is indeed remarkable.

The Arch Lagoon

Situated in the center of the Namib Desert, in proximity to Tombwa, the Arch Lagoon derives its name from the remarkable natural arch rock formations sculpted by nature over time. Visitors not only have the opportunity to witness these stunning formations but can also relish the tranquility and peace that the Arch Lagoon offers. While appreciating the splendor of this oasis, one may also encounter some of the distinctive and rare wildlife that resides in the Arch Lagoon region.

Cangandala National Park

Cangandala National Park, although the smallest national park in Angola, boasts a remarkable array of natural beauty and biodiversity. This area is particularly notable for being the habitat of the extraordinary giant sable antelope, recognized as the rarest antelope species globally and serving as a national emblem for Angola. The park benefits from good road connectivity and the presence of airports within the province, facilitating access for visitors. Nevertheless, like many other parks in Angola, Cangandala encounters considerable difficulties stemming from illegal poaching, which has led to continuous conservation initiatives focused on protecting the park and its indigenous wildlife.

Huambo

Huambo derives its name from the historic kingdom of Wambu, which was one of the fourteen kingdoms located on the central plateau of Angola. The people of Wambu initially migrated from East Africa and founded their principal kingdom, Bailundu, in Angola in the 15th century. Although Wambu was one of the smaller kingdoms, it operated under a hierarchical structure led by a king while maintaining a significant degree of autonomy.

Mupa National Park

Back in 1964, when Mozambique was still under Portuguese rule, the Mupa National Park was created. It was meant to keep a special kind of giraffe safe, but sadly they all died because of old landmines from a war. Now, the park is home to wild dogs, lions, leopards, and hyenas. There are also lots of rare birds there, but people mining for minerals might hurt them.

Cabinda

Cabinda is an African province and exclave of Angola, with its status being a subject of dispute among various political groups in the area. The big city in the province has the same name as the province itself, Cabinda. People also call it Tchiowa or Kiowa. It is one of Angola’s four provinces, alongside Belize and Cabinda-Cacongo. The contemporary Cabinda province was established through the unification of three kingdoms into a single entity known as Cabinda-Zaire. This province is situated within the Central African Republic.

Malanje

In addition to housing the previously mentioned Cangandala National Park, the province of Malanje is also renowned for the Black Stones of Pungo Andongo, an unusual natural rock formation that has developed over millions of years. The region boasts numerous waterfalls, forests, and natural landscapes, providing excellent opportunities for safaris and adventurous activities such as canyoning and bungee jumping.

Cameia National Park

Camera National Park is a prominent national park in Angola, situated in the province of Moxico at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level, encompassing an area of 14,450 square kilometers. The park derives its name from the municipality of Cameia. It is delineated into two sections by the Cameia–Luacano Road, which constitutes the eastern boundary, while the Lumege and Lena Rivers define the southwestern perimeter. The majority of the park consists of seasonally inundated plains that are part of the Zambezi river basin, with the northern section draining into the Chifumage River, which shares its name with the larger river. Additionally, extensive miombo forests are present, akin to those found in the Zambezi basin of western Zambia. This park exemplifies the rich natural diversity of Angola. Lago Cameia, the largest lake within the park, serves as a habitat for a wide array of aquatic bird species.

M’banza-Kongo

Mbânza-Kongo is like the boss city of the northwestern part of Zaire Province in Angola. Founded by the Portuguese prior to their invasion in 1483, it functioned as the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo until its dissolution in 1915, with the exception of a brief period of neglect during the civil wars of the 17th century.

Cidade Alta

Cidade Alta, situated in the Cantagalo District on São Tomé Island, is also referred to as Cantagalo in Portuguese. It is noteworthy that this town is situated across two provinces, namely Cantagalo and São Tomé and Príncipe. As per the 2012 census, the population here stands at 212 individuals, and it is positioned in the northwestern region of Santo Tomé Island. Quite interesting, isn’t it?

Fortaleza de Sao Miguel

The Fort of São Miguel, commonly referred to as the Fort of Saint Michael, was established in the 16th century within Angola’s Ingombota District. During the Dutch colonial era from 1641 to 1648, it was known as Fort Aardenburgh. Back in the day, this place called Salvador was created by a guy named Paolo da Silva de Novais way back in 1576. Then, in 1627, it became the main spot where all the important colony stuff happened. The fort also played a significant role as a key point for the transportation of enslaved individuals to Brazil. For an extended period, it functioned as a self-sufficient settlement, fortified by walls lined with cannons. Inside, one can find exquisite ceramic tiles that narrate the history of Angola from its inceptionIn the courtyard, there are big statues of important people like King Diogo Cão from Portugal, who was the first European to come to Angola, and the famous explorer Vasco de Gama.

Sassa Caves

Sassa Caves, situated in the Kwanza Sul province of Angola, provides a distinctive adventure for both seasoned spelunkers and beginners alike. The triangular opening to this underground realm invites visitors to discover its unspoiled splendor. Regarded as one of the “Seven Wonders of Angola,” this relatively obscure site is celebrated for its abundant flora and remarkable geological features. Although it may not boast grand attractions, Sassa Caves is certain to appeal to a wide range of interests.

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