Angola Unveiled
Angola Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of Angola, beginning with an introduction to the vibrant port city of Luanda, known for its picturesque seafront promenade, historic Fortaleza de São Miguel, and bustling Ilha do Cabo. Experience the city’s cultural depth by visiting notable museums and landmarks, including the Iron Palace and the Anthropology Museum.
Fly to Lubango to discover the colonial charm of Chibia and the surrounding Muila villages. In Lubango, admire the Portuguese architecture, Cristo Rei statue, and local markets. Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Tundavala and Serra da Leba en route to Namibe, where you’ll explore the desert’s natural wonders like Colinas Curoca and the ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis plant.
Dive into history with a visit to Tchitundu Hulo's prehistoric rock art and connect with the Mucubal people. Return to Luanda for leisure time before heading to the scenic Calandula Falls in Malanje. Witness the dramatic Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo formations and enjoy the lush biodiversity of Quicama National Park (also known as Kissama National Park), home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Cap off your adventure with a visit to Cabo Ledo’s National Slavery Museum and the lively Benfica Market. Relax on a boat drive along the Kwanza River and spend a tranquil day on Mussulo Island, enjoying the beach and local cuisine before your international flight home. This tour offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural experiences across Angola, promising an unforgettable journey.
Tour Highlights
• Explore the bustling capital of Luanda and stroll along the picturesque waterfont
• Visit local villages of the Muila and Mucubal people
• Discover colonial architecture in Lubango and Namibe
• Explore the dramatic black rock of Piedras Negras de Pungo Adongo
• Visit the breathtaking Calandula Falls
• Learn the significance of slavery in Angola with a visit to the National Slavery Museum
• Visit Quicama National Park and see the diverse flora and fauna
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
3/5
Culture
4/5
History
5/5
Wildlife
1/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Luanda
On arrival at Luanda, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Continental Luanda or similar. No meals or excursions are included today.
Luanda
Dotting the west coast of southern Africa, the vibrant port city of Luanda serves as the bustling capital of Angola. Visitors can look forward to scenic strolls along the seafront promenade that fringes Luanda Bay, offering picturesque views of the harbor and the well-preserved 16th-century Fortress of Sao Miguel, which also houses the Museum of the Armed Forces. The Ilha do Cabo, a slender peninsula adorned with beautiful beaches, presents an array of restaurants, cafes, and bars for exploration. Other notable attractions include the Museu de Historia Natural, the Museu Central das Forças (housed in the city's oldest building), and the Museu de Antropologia.
Day 2: Luanda
After breakfast at the hotel, you will explore Luanda's most iconic buildings, starting with the Iron Palace, a project by Gustave Eiffel that now serves as an Angolan Culture Centre. You'll then head to Marginal to view the National Bank of Angola and the Currency Museum, followed by free time for photos and a walk along the waterfront, culminating in a visit to the Anthropology Museum. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue past the new Assembly of the Republic, leading to the historic Fortaleza de São Miguel in the city of Alta, built in 1575 as the first defensive structure in Angola. Here, you will visit the Armed Forces Museum and have free time for photography, enjoying the stunning views over the city. Overnight Hotel Continental Luanda or similar (BL).
Day 3: Lubango - Chibia
After breakfast at the hotel, depart on a morning TAAG flight from Luanda to Lubango (approx. 1hr30). Upon arrival, visit the small town of Chibia, known for its intriguing colonial architecture. You will have time for lunch and after, explore the surrounding countryside and visit a village of the Muila people, where you will meet the chief and learn about their culture and customs. Return to Lubango for the night. Overnight Casper Resort or similar (B)
Lubango
Perched at an elevation of 1760 metres, the city of Lubango rests on the Huíla Plateau of southern Angola. Created in the late 19th century for colonists from the Madeira Islands, this former settlement is characterised by Portuguese architecture surrounded by a stunning natural landscape of verdant savannah and lush forest. The area boasts abundant historical attractions that include the government palace, the cathedral, the museum, and the iconic Christ the King statue overlooking Lubango. Awash with spellbinding natural beauty, the city features the Gap of Tundavala, an astonishing gorge that slices through the Serra da Leba mountain at a depth of 1000 metres. Drive along the winding road of the spectacularly scenic Serra da Leba mountain pass and head to the nearby coastal city of Namibe.
Day 4: Lubango City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll explore the city centre, showcasing beautiful colonial buildings typical of the colonization era, including the impressive 19th-century Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. The large central square, Praça João Paulo II, provides a pleasant area for strolling and relaxation. You'll also have the opportunity to visit local markets. Next, you'll visit Cristo Rei for photos. For culture lovers, the city hosts the Huíla Regional Museum, offering insights into the region's history and culture, and additional local markets where you can purchase handmade crafts, food, and other local products. Overnight Casper Resort or similar (BL
Day 5: Namibe (Driving time approx. 2 hours)
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Namibe, with stops at Tundavala and Serra da Leba, a mountain road known for its winding curves and stunning panoramic views, perfect for photography and enjoying the scenery. Another highlight is the Cruz da Missão monument, perched atop a hill, offering a wonderful view of the city. Overnight at Chik Chik Namibe or similar (BL)
Day 6: Namibe
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Namibe Desert, beginning with a visit to the 'Colinas Curoca', natural hills sculpted by the wind that can reach up to 25 meters in height. Continue to the Lagoon Arch, where naturally formed arches in the sandstones span across three lagoons. In the desert, you'll encounter the unique Welwitschia Mirabilis, a plant endemic to the Namib Desert in Namibia and Angola, often referred to as a 'living fossil' due to its ancient lineage and being the only living genus of the family Welwitschiaceae. Overnight at Chik Chik Namibe or similar (B)
Namibe
Namibe, historically named Mocamedes by the Portuguese settlers, is a lively port city sandwiched between expansive desert terrain and the glistening South Atlantic Ocean in southwestern Angola. Namibe is the perfect base for exploring the marvellous and diverse natural landscapes that surround it, boasting beautiful Portuguese colonial architecture, quaint stores, delightful restaurants, and charming churches. Must-see attractions include the gold-sand shores of Praia das Conchas beach and the historic lighthouse that rests near the beach. Don’t miss out on a day trip to the picture-perfect Lake Arco, a shimmering inland freshwater oasis that is surrounded by striking, towering sandstone arches.
Day 7: Namibe
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart early for Tchitundu Hulo, a three-hour drive away, to explore a vast collection of prehistoric rock art featuring paintings of animals, plants, and humans, estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. This area is also home to the Mucubal people, whom you will have the opportunity to meet. After the visit, you'll return to Namibe, which is another three-hour drive. Overnight at Chik Chik Namibe or similar (B)
Day 8: Namibe - Luanda
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Welwitschia Mirabilis Airport for your flight back to Luanda. Upon arrival in Luanda, enjoy free time for the rest of the day to rest, relax, and explore at your own pace. Optional activities include visiting local attractions, shopping, or sampling the local cuisine. Overnight at Hotel Continental Luanda or similar (B)
Day 9: Calandula Falls (Driving time approx. 6 hours)
Embark on a scenic road trip to Malanje, a journey of approximately six hours, to experience the region's captivating attractions. One of the highlights is Calandula Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder and one of Malanje's most popular tourist destinations. The falls, cascading from a height of about 105 meters, create a mesmerizing landscape perfect for relaxation and immersing oneself in nature's beauty. After visiting the falls, settle into your accommodation at Base Vida (Complexo Agroturistico De Cacuso), a unique hotel housed in a building that previously served as a residence for construction workers and has recently been transformed into a comfortable and intriguing lodging option. Overnight at Complexo Agroturistico De Cacuso or similar (BL)
Day 10: Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo – Luanda (Driving time approx. 5 hours)
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, depart to explore the remarkable Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo. This iconic destination, renowned for its dramatic and peculiar rock formations, stands as one of the region's premier tourist attractions. The giant black rocks provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, offering a unique opportunity for photography and contemplation. The surreal and ancient formations evoke a sense of mystery and wonder, making it a memorable highlight of your trip. Following this awe-inspiring visit, embark on a scenic road transfer back to Luanda. Overnight Hotel Continental Luanda or similar (BL).
Day 11: To Cabo Ledo (driving time approx. 2 hours)
After breakfast at the hotel, head to Cabo Ledo to visit the National Slavery Museum, a significant cultural site in Angola, opened in 1997 to commemorate 500 years of slavery endured by Angolans. Afterwards, explore the bustling Benfica Market, where you can buy traditional Angolan souvenirs. Following lunch, enjoy a scenic boat drive on the serene Kwanza River, offering a peaceful and picturesque end to the day's explorations. Overnight Carpe Diem Resort Tropical or similar (BL)
Day 12: Kissama National Park – Luanda (driving time approx. 2 hours)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on a tour of Kissama National Park, known for its diverse landscapes, including expansive savannas, open grasslands, lush river meadows along the Cuanza River, majestic baobab trees, and the picturesque beaches of the Atlantic coast. The varied vegetation supports a rich array of wildlife, including zebras, crocodiles, sea turtles, various species of gazelles and monkeys, as well as rarer animals like the dwarf buffalo. On the way back to Luanda, you will visit Miradouro da Lua, a popular tourist attraction offering breathtaking views. Over thousands of years, wind and rain have uniquely eroded and shaped this landscape, creating an otherworldly terrain that is particularly spectacular at sunset when the rich colors of the earth are most vibrant, providing a truly unforgettable experience. Overnight Hotel Continental Luanda or similar (BL).
Quicama (Kissama) National Park
Quicama National Park (also known as Kissama) is the only functional park in Angola, and lies just over a spread of high thickets from the country’s wild Atlantic Coast. Set a mere 70 kilometres from the capital, it is close enough to enjoy as a day trip but remote enough to provide an enthralling, untamed adventure in nature. Landscapes here are characterised by striking tree savannahs, vast open grasslands, and fertile riverside meadows, offering a wonderful home to animals such as eland, roan antelope, waterbuck, bushbuck, forest buffalo, giant sable antelope, and elephant. Bird watchers will find an incredible abundance of life to watch and photograph. Visitors can look forward to a range of activities, including game spotting, walking, and exploring the nearby rivers.
Day 13: Departure from Luanda
After breakfast at the hotel, be transferred to Mussulo Island where you can spend the day enjoying the beach, local cuisine, and relaxation until your international flight back home, depending on your departure time. Later, return to the hotel for a change of clothes and a coffee break before being transferred to Luanda's International Airport for your departure. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Angola that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a short tourist visit to Angola. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
You must ensure that you have no Israeli stamps in your passport.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
