Angola

Angola is a land of staggering proportions and profound mystery. Long hidden from the global traveler, it is now emerging as one of the most exciting frontiers for luxury exploration in Africa. From the misty, high-altitude coffee plantations of the central highlands to the skeletal shipwrecks of the Namibe Desert, Angola offers a raw, cinematic beauty that remains largely undiscovered.

For the traveler who has seen it all, Angola is the ultimate reward. It is a country of surging rivers, dramatic escarpments, and a vibrant, resilient spirit that bridges the gap between its Portuguese colonial past and a bold, modern future.

Why we love Angola

We love Angola for its sheer, unbridled scale. It is a place where you can find the second-largest waterfall in Africa, vast national parks larger than entire European countries, and a coastline that stretches for 1,600 kilometers of pristine, undeveloped sand. It is the thrill of being the only person standing atop a volcanic peak or the only boat on a silent river that makes Angola so intoxicating. It is a destination that proves that true adventure still exists.

The Most Beautiful Places in Angola

From the “Lunar Viewpoints” to the desert dunes:

1. Luanda

The “Paris of Africa” is a city of electric energy. The Marginal, a sophisticated palm-lined bayfront, mirrors the Atlantic, while the historic Cidade Alta offers quiet, colonial-era streets and pink-hued government buildings. Beyond the oil-funded skyscrapers, Luanda is a city of rhythm, seafood, and a burgeoning arts scene that is redefining African cool.

2. Kalandula Falls

One of Africa’s hidden giants. Located on the Lucala River, these horseshoe-shaped falls are nearly 400 meters wide and drop 105 meters into the misty gorge below. Unlike the more famous falls of the continent, you can often experience Kalandula in total solitude, feeling the spray of the water against a backdrop of dense, tropical greenery.

3. Miradouro da Lua (Valley of the Moon)

Just south of the capital, the earth falls away into a dramatic landscape of tricolor cliffs. The wind and rain have carved the bright orange, yellow, and white earth into sharp spires and deep canyons that resemble the lunar surface. At sunset, the cliffs seem to glow with an internal fire, creating one of the most iconic views in West Africa.

4. The Namibe Desert & Iona National Park

In the far south, the Namib Desert crosses the border from Namibia into Angola. This is a world of towering red dunes, ancient Welwitschia plants that live for over a thousand years, and the nomadic Mucubal people. It is a desert that meets the sea, where the cold Benguela current crashes against the burning sands of the Skeleton Coast.

5. The Tundavala Gap

Perched on the edge of the Huíla Plateau near the city of Lubango, the Tundavala Gap is a breathtaking abyss. From the viewpoint, the earth drops away 1,000 meters into the plains below. It is a place of dizzying heights, sheer granite cliffs, and some of the freshest mountain air in the southern hemisphere.

Highlights of a Tour Through Angola

  • The Serra da Leba Pass: Drive one of the world’s most photographed mountain roads. This dizzying series of hairpin turns climbs the escarpment and looks like a shimmering ribbon of lights when viewed at night.
  • Birdwatching in Mount Moco: Hike to Angola’s highest point to spot rare endemic species, including the Swierstra’s Francolin, in a forest habitat that is a sanctuary for biodiversity.
  • Surfing the Cabo Ledo: Known for having one of the longest left-hand point breaks in the world, the beaches of Cabo Ledo offer world-class surfing and luxury eco-resorts just two hours from the capital.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The best time to visit is during the “Cacimbo” (the dry season) from May to October. The weather is cooler and travel to remote areas like Kalandula or Iona is much easier.
  • Entry Requirements: Angola has recently simplified its visa process for many nationalities. Check the latest e-visa requirements to ensure a smooth arrival into Luanda.
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language. While English is spoken in high-end hotels and the oil industry, a basic grasp of Portuguese will greatly enhance your interaction with the incredibly friendly locals.
  • Logistics: Angola is a vast country with developing infrastructure. We recommend a mix of domestic flights and private 4×4 transfers with experienced guides to navigate the interior safely and comfortably.