Angola is not a country that many people travel to. However, it is a fantastic destination if you are looking for true off the beaten path places and a real cultural immersion in an off the grid spot. In this post we have created the perfect Angola Itinerary for 3 days, 5 days or 10 days of travel.
In addition, we will be sharing logistics information regarding best and safe black market money exchanges, SIM cards that work at the best price, guide information as well as reliable transportation. Furthermore, if you are looking at getting additional country visas, Luanda is a great place to get them as many embassies are in this capital and we were able to get 3 difficult visas within a 4 day stretch.
3 Day Angola Itinerary – Luanda and Surroundings
Angola is a large country that is difficult to navigate. Therefore, 3 days will be the shortest period of time that we recommend spending here. An Angola Itinerary for 3 days will include the capital, Luanda and everything that it has to offer as well as the Viewpoint of the Moon and a boat ride on the Kwanza River with a lunch at a floating restaurant.
Day 1 – Arrival in Luanda
Arrival to Luanda and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 – Luanda’s Top Sights
The day starts early at 7:00 am, after breakfast. Make sure to pack a lunch (there will be no time to stop), bring snacks and water.
- Independence Avenue, Largo 1st of May
- Avenue of Heroines: Statue of women who perished in the fight for Angola’s independence
- Mausoleum of the 1st President of Angola Dr. Agostinho Neto
- Museum of Coins: Museum which showcases Angola’s banknotes and coins pre and post the independence of the country
- A walk along the promenade with pictures of the Luanda sign on the boardwalk as well as the National Bank (which is a gorgeous pink building).
- Fortaleza de São Miguel: The Portuguese fort built in 1576 now is a museum
- Drive to Viewpoint of the Moon (see description below)
- On the way back from Viewpoint of the Moon, stop at Benfica Market of Art and Local Handicrafts
- Visit the National Slavery Museum (next door to Benfica Market)
- Visit the beautiful island spit called Ilha de Luanda which has some of the best beaches in Angola
- Have dinner at Kintal Tia Guida 1 or 2 (2 locations on the spit). Not a fancy place, but good for local fresh caught seafood at fair local prices.
- Take a walk on the Ilha de Luanda to catch the sunset.
- Drive back to your hotel
About: Viewpoint of the Moon
Just outside Luanda, lies a strangely beautiful landscape sculpted by nature over millions of years. About an hour drive from the capital (62 km or 38 miles), erosion from wind and rain has transformed weathered rock into a moonscape of canyons and ridges, visible right off the main road. Miradouro da Lua, which translates to “Viewpoint of the Moon” in Portuguese, offers a stunning panorama showcasing colorful rock layers.
Standing at the cliffside, these unusual rock formations look like they are shrinking towards the ocean – a hallmark of a karst landscape, shaped by the slowly dissolving limestone and it’s other rocks. While this unique topography stretches for a few miles along the cliffs separating the road and the beach, Miradouro da Lua provides the best viewpoint to appreciate the full grandness and beauty of this lunar-like terrain.
The dramatic ravines and the landscape itself are especially breathtaking at sunset, when fading sunlight bathes the rocks in a vibrant red glow. The beauty of Miradouro da Lua was even captured in the final scene of a 1993 film of the same name, which explored the relationship between Angola and its former Portuguese colonizers through the story of one family.
Day 3 – Kwanza River
Drive to Villa Chilala in Calumbo, about 1 – 1.5 hour drive on the Kwanza River. This is a great place to relax on the river and have a meal at a floating restaurant called Restaurant Chilala. You will be able to order your fresh fish from a showcase of sea food. The restaurant offers a boat ride on the river Kwanza while you wait for your meal to be prepared.
We arrived back just in time to eat lunch. For me, being a vegan they prepared rice and beans which may not have been an original meal creation but the food was fresh, hot and delicious.
If your flight is in the evening, then you will be returned to the airport at the end of this excursion.
5 Day Angola Itinerary – Luanda, Calandula Falls and Pedras Negra
Day 1: Arrival to Luanda
Arrival to Luanda and transfer to your hotel
Day 2: Luanda Top Sights
The day starts early at 7:00 am, after breakfast. Make sure to pack a lunch (there will be no time to stop), bring snacks and water.
- Independence Avenue, Largo 1st of May
- Avenue of Heroines: Statue of women who perished in the fight for Angola’s independence
- Mausoleum of the 1st President of Angola Dr. Agostinho Neto
- Museum of Coins: Museum which showcases Angola’s banknotes and coins pre and post the independence of the country
- A walk along the promenade with pictures of the Luanda sign on the boardwalk as well as the National Bank (which is a gorgeous pink building).
- Fortaleza de São Miguel: The Portuguese fort built in 1576 now is a museum
- Drive to Viewpoint of the Moon (see description below)
- On the way back from Viewpoint of the Moon, stop at Benfica Market of Art and Local Handicrafts
- Visit the National Slavery Museum (next door to Benfica Market)
- Visit the beautiful island spit called Ilha de Luanda which has some of the best beaches in Angola
- Have dinner at Kintal Tia Guida 1 or 2 (2 locations on the spit). Not a fancy place, but good for local fresh caught seafood at fair local prices.
- Take a walk on the Ilha de Luanda to catch the sunset.
- Drive back to your hotel.
Day 3: Luanda-Calandula Waterfalls
Starting at 8:00 am drive the 6-7 hour drive from Luanda to the Calandula Waterfalls, the second biggest waterfalls in Africa by volume. Stop for lunch in N’Dalatando at Restaurant Oasis (good buffet options).
Continue the additional 2-3 hours to Calandula waterfalls . The first visit will be on the Pousada side. Then the trip continues to the city of Calandula, where you will be spending the night. We recommend that you catch a glimpse of the Calandula Falls from the city side at sunset. You can return to take a better look in the morning as well.
Dinner at Lwenze Hotel. Our recommendation is to order the food, and then drive the short 5 minutes to the Calandula Waterfalls while the food is being prepared. Keep in mind that the food is good but it takes a long time to prepare, as they only have one cook.
About Calandula Falls
The Calandula Falls (sometimes written as Kalandula Falls) are a majestic sight located on the Lucala River, roughly 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Malanje city in northeastern Angola. Lush greenery and scenic landscapes surround the falls, making it a picturesque destination. Calandula Falls stretch an impressive 410 meters (1,345 feet) wide and plunge 105 meters (344 feet) down a series of rocky steps, creating a breathtaking cascade.
The surroundings consist of verdant forests, rolling hills, and a diverse range of plant and animal life. Lush vegetation and the mist from the falls create a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere. There are two viewpoints to enjoy the falls: one from the pricey Pousada side and another viewpoint from the town of Calandula itself, which offers a wider and arguably a more beautiful perspective.
Please keep in mind that the trip to Calandula Falls takes approximately 7 hours on a very bumpy road – so if you get car sick this may not be the trip for you!
PRO TIP: We did not think that the Pousada was worth the $260 USD per night price tag (without breakfast). Especially since they are going through renovations currently. The view of the waterfalls is quite misty from this side and far away. In addition, the road to the Pousada is slow and very bumpy.
The hotel that we can recommend is the Lwenze Hotel on the side of Calandula City. The price was about $40 USD for a clean air conditioned room with a comfortable bed and a hot shower in our private bathroom. Even the breakfast was good and plentiful.
Day 4: Calandula Waterfalls – Pedras Negra – Luanda
After breakfast at the hotel (pack a lunch). Then visit the second side of the Calandula Waterfalls again. Next, drive the 2 plus hour bumpy ride to Pedras Negras.
About Pedras Negras
Our long drive was rewarded with the ever-growing sight of Pedras Negras, the Black Stones getting larger as we got closer. These impressive giant rock formations rise from 70 to 200 meters tall. Their geological origin remains a mystery, as they stand out from the surrounding landscape. They are similar to the rock formation that jut up high into the air in Meteora, Greece.
The area also holds historical significance as well. It served as the capital of the Ndongo Kingdom, a powerful African kingdom that existed from the 16th to the 20th century. Local legends claim that footprints of King Ngola Kiluanji and Queen Ginga, who ruled the kingdom in the 17th century, are embedded in these very rocks.
Once you arrive, a local guide takes you up one of the tall rock formations, stopping to take a closer look at one of the rocks named “Elephant Rock” as it resembles an elephant. The views are spectacular, making the short 20 minute hike worth the sweat.
After visiting Pedras Negras, begin the long drive back to Luanda. Have dinner at your hotel
Day 5: Kwanza River
Drive to Villa Chilala in Calumbo, about 1 – 1.5 hour drive on the Kwanza River. This is a great place to relax on the river and have a meal at a floating restaurant called Restaurant Chilala. You will be able to order your fresh fish from a showcase of sea food. The restaurant offers a boat ride on the river Kwanza while you wait for your meal to be prepared.
We arrived back just in time to eat lunch. For me, being a vegan they prepared rice and beans which may not have been an original meal creation but the food was fresh, hot and delicious.
If your flight is in the evening, then you will be returned to the airport at the end of this excursion.
10 Day Angola Itinerary – Angola Tribes and the Nature in the South
10 day Angola Itinerary is a real off the beaten path trip that will take you to visit 7 Angola tribes as well as exploration of the Namibe Desert. In addition, you will explore the stunning Serra Da Leba and the Tundavala Gap.
Visiting the Angolan tribes is best done with a reputable guide. This ensures someone who understands and respects the community and their traditions is by your side. Ideally, the guide will already have a good relationship and established agreements with the tribes, allowing for a smooth and respectful visit. We strongly advise against attempting these visits independently.
Day 1: Arrival in Luanda – Lubango
Arrival to Luanda and take a flight to Lubango. The Lubango flight is from the domestic airport in Luanda to Lubango (Huila) with an arrival around 19:25. Transfer to the hotel for the night.
Day 2: Lubango – Chibia -Mumuhuila People and their community (70 km 2 h driving)
After breakfast, travel from Lubango to Chibia, an old colonial town with pretty colorful streets and architecture. Then continue to the community of the Mumuhuila People. Accommodations this evening will be a tent.
About the Mumuhuila People
The Mumuhuila tribe (also named Mwila and Mumuila), inhabiting southern Angola, is renowned for its craftsmanship. They are a Bantu-speaking agro-livestock group of people.
The women of the Mumuhuila people wear elaborate hairstyles, which are deeply embedded in their cultural identity. These hairstyles hold significant meaning, with the number of plaits (resembling dreadlocks) conveying messages. Typically, four to six plaits adorn a woman’s head; however, three plaits signify the loss of a family member.
Women traditionally coat their hair with a red paste derived from crushed stone, followed by a mixture of oil, dried cow dung, and herbs. This process strengthens and styles the hair. Further adornment comes in the form of beads, adding a vibrant touch. Shaving the forehead is considered a mark of beauty within the tribe.
Mumuhuila women’s artistry extends beyond hairstyles. Their necklaces are worn throughout their lives, symbolize distinct life stages. Young girls wear eye-catching red necklaces decorated with beads. As they grow older, they transition to “vikeka,” yellow necklaces made from wicker and coated with earth. Finally, married women receive a set of stacked necklaces encased in hardened mud, called “vilanda.” This permanent piece becomes part of their attire, even while they sleep.
Day 3: Mumuhuila People– Xangongo (Largest Baobab tree) – visit Humbi People (280 km, 5 h driving)
Starting from the community of the Mumuhuila People, after breakfast drive to Xangongo (Cunene) to see Africa’s widest baobab tree near the village of Péu-Péu. You will also see some remnants of the Civil War (1975-2002). After lunch drive to Humbe area to meet with the Humbi People. Overnight in a tent.
About the Humbi People
The Humbi tribe is a large group known for their skills in crafts and raising crops and livestock. Since the 1960s, contact with Christian missionaries has changed some of their traditions. Despite outside influences, the Humbi people have still held onto some important parts of their culture, especially how their society is organized.
One example is the “fico” ceremony, a coming-of-age ritual where young women wear elaborate hairstyles shaped like crests and elephant ears.
Largest Baobab Tree: If you are going to be in the area visiting the tribes, stop by the colossal Imbondeiro de Xangongo. It is believed to be the largest baobab tree in Africa. The tree’s trunk is about 27 meters in diameter, and its crown is about 22 meters in diameter. It’s located in the village of Péu-Péu.
Day 4: Humbe – Otchinjau —Dimba People — Oncocua – Vatua People (250 km, 5-6 h driving)
After breakfast drive back to the main road. Stop in a Dimba village around Otchinjau to meet with the Dimba women who wear special hairdos and have beautifully painted houses. You will continue driving to Oncocua through Angola’s wildest nature. Stop for lunch along the way.
Reach Oncocua town in the afternoon, Oncocua is the most traditional place in Angola where the most authentic tribes survive. The area is inhabited by four traditional Bantu tribesꓼ : Dimba, Hakaona, Himba the Vatua. Accommodation: tents drive to the village of Vatua people (3 km from Oncocua).
Accommodations can be camping with the Vatua People or staying in a guesthouse in Oncocua. Maria’s Guesthouse is a good option for a budget friendly place to take a shower and grab some dinner – or stay for the night.
About the Dimba People
The Dimba people of Angola lives on the outskirts of the town of Cahama. They raise livestock, hunt for food, and grow their own crops for subsistence. The Dimba people are known for their vibrant culture, particularly the fascinating hairstyles worn by their women. These hairstyles change depending on the occasion, a woman’s age and her stage of life.
Dimba women make beautiful dolls for their young daughters to play with. These dolls are often lavishly decorated with vegetable cords and braids covered with colored glass or plastic beads.
Their villages stand out with strong fences made of wooden poles and houses decorated with colorful geometric patterns. Despite the spread of Christianity in the area, the Dimba have preserved their unique traditions.
About the Vatua People
Vatua are the hunter gatherers, who live in the sacred mountains of Oncocua and imitate the dress style of the Himba, while being anthropologically closer to Khoisan bushmen.
Day 5: Vatua People — Hakaona People — Oncocua — Himba People (25 – 50 km, 2-3 h driving)
Very early in the morning, before sunrise, drive southward, some 6 km from Oncocua, to the traditional village of Hakaona People. The Hakaona People will tell us about their culture and they may also dance one of their traditional dances for us.
After, drive back to the camp in Vatua village to have a late breakfast and a bit of a rest. A game of football with the Vatua People is also highly recommended. Then take a mid-day walk around this small town and visit the local market to mingle with the locals buying food.
After, drive towards the remote shores of Cunene River (natural border with Namibia). Enjoy this ecosystem and meet the semi-nomadic Himba People in the area. In the evening, the Himba People may dance a traditional dance.
Stay overnight in tents nearby Himba village or late night back in Vatua village.
About the Hakaona People
The Hakaona tribe lives near the Cunene River, in an area with a wooded savanna and rocky hills. They primarily raise goats, with the size of the flock owned reflecting social standing. While men serve as respected traditional doctors and women are skilled artisans, herding holds the highest social importance.
Hakaona people also grow crops like corn and millet that rely on rainfall. Their society is organized into clans led by the eldest male. Uniquely, the Hakaona tribe continues the tradition of making baby carriers from cowhide, decorated with colorful beads. Hakaona women further showcase their artistry by crafting dolls from wood and hair, using both natural and man-made materials.
About the Himba People
The Himba (or Muhiba) tribe is one of Africa’s most famous, with communities found in both South Angola and Namibia. Despite European influences, they’ve held onto their traditions. Himba people wear distinctive clothing and the women adorn themselves with red ochre paste made from animal fat. The Himba live in small villages and are known for their wealth, based primarily on cattle herding. This wealth is reflected in their elaborate jewelry as well.
Himba homes are round structures built with branches covered in mud and dung. The most important structure in the village is the “okuruwo,” or holy fire. This fire, kept constantly burning, represents the ancestors and acts as a link to their god, Mukuru. The village chief’s home is the only one facing the fire, with all others facing away. Visitors should be mindful to avoid the sacred area between the chief’s house and the fire.
Day 6: Himba People – Drive back to Lubango (365 km and 7 hours of driving)
After breakfast in the village, you will bid farewell to the Himba people. Drive to Cahama via Oncocua. Have lunch in a local restaurant and continue to Lubango. This is a long drive, taking approximately 7 hours.
Arrive in Lubango in the late afternoon. Have dinner and relax in the hotel.
Day 7: Lubango City – Tundavala Gap- Serra Da Leba-Bibala
After breakfast, explore the city of Lubango, Angola’s second largest city, and its beautiful surroundings. Lubango is known for its scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, valleys, and the iconic Christ the King statue that stands guard over the city. Lubango’s highlights include the historic Lubango Train Station, the grand Lubango Cathedral (Sé Catedral de São José), and the Huila Regional Museum.
After immersing yourself in Lubango’s charm, head outside of the city to a natural marvel – the Tundavala Gap viewpoint. This dramatic escarpment offers breathtaking panoramic views, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. After taking in the views of the Tundavala Gap, drive towards Bibala. But first, make a quick stop at Miradouro da Leba to admire the captivating Leba mountains.
Next, navigate the iconic zig-zag road of Serra da Leba before arriving at the bustling local market of Mangueira. Here, you’ll find the Mucubal tribe selling and buying their goods. Continuing your journey, you will reach Bibala and head to the village of Nguendelengo (Munguendelengo).
Like many Angola tribes, the Nguendelengo people are known for their distinctive hairstyles. You might see young boys sporting traditional mohawks (though it’s becoming less common), while the women braid their hair with a mixture of ground tree bark and oil extracted from the mupeke fruit. In the evening, visit the Ngeundelengo village.
Accommodations in tents at the village.
About the Tundavala Gap
The Tundavala Gap is located on the rim of the Serra da Leba mountain range. (although it is 56 km away and almost a full hour drive north). It is a natural wonder and a jaw dropping viewpoint that’s about 18 kilometers from Lubango.
If one looks down from the Tundavala Gap all one sees is a rocky abyss. The Gap is a millennium-old natural wonder that’s been sculpted by erosion. It is a viewpoint known for its dramatic rock formations, high altitude, and the deep valley below.
About Serra Da Leba
The Serra da Leba mountain range stretches for about 20 kilometers and reaches up to 1,800 meters in altitude. This scenic mountain range attracts many visitors with its breathtaking views. From the top, you can see rivers, forests, and even cities far in the distance.
One interesting fact is that the iconic Serra da Leba imagine, can be found on Angola’s 2000 Kwanza bill. The viewpoint is only a 50 minute drive from Lubango, making it a must visit places in Angola.
Day 8: Nguendelengo People – Garganta – Namibe (160 km, 3 h driving)
Before sunrise, embark on a 3-4 kilometer trek to the village of Ngendelengo. This early start allows you to visit and photograph the fascinating Ngendelengo people and capture stunning sunrise pictures with the majestic baobab trees in the background. Trek back to the camp for breakfast.
After breakfast hit the road and head towards the Atlantic Coast and the city of Namibe. Along the way, stop at Giraul Oasis for a delicious picnic lunch amidst the beautiful desert scenery. Arriving in Namibe, take a walking city tour, exploring the art deco Namibe Cinema. To end the day, enjoy dinner at a restaurant along the Atlantic Coast before turning in for the night at a hotel.
Day 9: Iona National Park – Tombua – Namibe – Luanda (200 km, 3 hour drive)
After an early breakfast, you will hit the road towards Iona Desert. Get ready for stunning desert landscapes as you enter Iona National Park, a continuation of the Namibe Desert. Look out for unique plants like the Welwitschia, a symbol of Namibia, though you won’t see many animals as sadly, the civil wars took a toll on their population.
This journey will take you along the Atlantic Coast, where you can admire the towering sand dunes of the Namibe Desert’s northern region. Continuing deeper into the desert, you will reach Praia do Navio, a viewpoint offering breathtaking views of massive sand dunes.
With time ticking, grab a packed lunch to ensure you reach Namibe airport on schedule for your flight. Your afternoon TAAG Airlines flight to Luanda departs at 4:10 pm (schedule and airlines are subject to change), arriving at 5:55 pm. Upon arrival in Luanda, transfer to your hotel for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 10: Flight back Home
If you have some time before your flight, consider doing some of the activities on our 3 Day Luanda Itinerary.
Angola Logistics
There is so much to consider when planning an off the beaten path trip like this. We have compiled a few Angola logistics to help you save time and money along the way.
Money ATMs, Credit Cards and the Black Market Exchange
Getting money from an ATM is hit and miss in Angola. There were many ATM machines that were broken or out of money. However, 2 of the 3 ATMs in the Intercontinental Hotel Luanda did work most of the time.
None of our credit cards worked in Angola. Perhaps European credit cards work here, however, North American ones do not.
In addition, we exchanged our USD on the black Market to receive a 15% – 20% better rate. However, this can be dangerous to do at the airport or in the open. You can be followed and mugged. Therefore, we recommend using your guide for such activities. Our guide Marta of MTT was fabulous at exchanging our money for us at these good rates with people who she trusted.
Recommended Guide
Our guide for our off the beaten path trip in Angola was Marta of MTT. She did a fabulous job of guiding us in this country and helping us with all of the Angola logistics that we are sharing with you. Marta’s What’s App is: +244 942 381 493
Visa for Angola
Currently many countries do not require a visa to enter Angola. In fact, as of September 2023, citizens of 98 countries can enter Angola visa-free for up to 30 days per entry, and 90 days per year. This includes 35 European countries, 14 African countries, 11 Asian countries, and 2 Oceania countries. The countries that are priority foreign countries for Angola include Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Russia, China, and the United States.
SIM Cards and Connectivity
There are 2 SIM card providers in Angola that we can recommend: 1. Unitel: we purchased the SIM card and 5 GB of data for about $2 USD and it worked in most parts of the country 2. Africell: we purchased this SIM card and 5 GB of data, for also about $2 USD. This provider worked better in rural areas.
Since the prices are so low, we suggest purchasing both cards and seeing which one works better for you.
Transportation
Taxi’s in Luanda or anywhere else in Angola are very difficult to find. In fact during our whole time there we did not see a single one. However, there is a ride share program which is inexpensive and reliable. It is called Yango. You will need wifi/data to request a ride. However, you do not need an Angola phone number as you can authorize the service through What’s App.
Wrap Up: Epic Angola Itinerary
We really enjoyed this off the beaten path trip! Angola’s diversity pleasantly surprised us. As did it’s epic natural beauty. We will have to return to visit with more of the Angola tribes and people.
Have you visited any of these places? What was your favorite? Or if you have not yet been, what interests you most to come and visit? We would love to hear from you in the comments.
