How many travellers will be in my group?

Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.

Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.

When are the next departures?

The next available departures are 16 September 2026; 20 June 2027; 3 October 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.

What's included in the tour price?

Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.

Where exactly does this trip go?

This tour visits Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.

Angola17 daysMax 12 travellersSolo-friendly

Angola and São Tomé Explorer

Seventeen days from Luanda's 1575 colonial fort and Angola's 20,000-year-old rock art to Calandula Falls, Kissama National Park and Sao Tome's cocoa rocas.

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About this journey

What to expect on this trip

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 in Angola with a visit to Cabo Ledo’s National Slavery Museum and the lively Benfica Market. Relax on a boat cruise along the Kwanza River and spend a tranquil day on Mussulo Island, enjoying the beach and local cuisine before your international flight home. This immersive journey showcases the very best of Angola’s culture, landscapes, and wildlife, making it one of our most rewarding small group tours in Angola

End the tour with 4 days on the tropical island of São Tomé and discover lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and charming colonial architecture.

The journey

Angola and São Tomé Explorer

What makes this trip special

Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.

Your route

The highlights

Luanda: Iron Palace, Currency Museum, Fortaleza de Sao Miguel & Armed Forces Museum
Begin in Luanda with visits to the Iron Palace - a project by Gustave Eiffel now serving as an Angolan Culture Centre - and the Currency Museum on the waterfront. In the afternoon, visit the historic Fortaleza de Sao Miguel, built in 1575 as the first defensive structure in Angola, and the Armed Forces Museum with sweeping views over the city.
Chibia & the Muila People
Visit the small town of Chibia, known for its intriguing colonial architecture. The afternoon takes in the surrounding countryside and a visit to a village of the Muila people, where you meet the chief and learn about their culture and customs.
Lubango & the Serra da Leba Mountain Road
Explore Lubango's colonial city centre, including the 19th-century Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte and Cristo Rei, alongside the Huila Regional Museum. Drive via the Serra da Leba mountain road - renowned for its winding curves and stunning panoramic views - and the Cruz da Missao monument en route to Namibe.
Namibe Desert: Colinas Curoca, Lagoon Arch & Welwitschia Mirabilis
Explore the Namibe Desert beginning with the Colinas Curoca, natural hills sculpted by the wind reaching up to 25 metres in height. Continue to the Lagoon Arch, where naturally formed arches in the sandstone span across three lagoons, before encountering the Welwitschia Mirabilis - a plant endemic to the Namib Desert and often described as a 'living fossil' due to its ancient lineage.
Tchitundu Hulo Prehistoric Rock Art & the Mucubal People
Travel to Tchitundu Hulo 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.
Calandula Falls & Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo
Travel to the Malanje region to visit Calandula Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder cascading from a height of approximately 105 metres. Continue to the Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo, renowned for their dramatic and peculiar black rock formations that rise from the surrounding landscape.
Kissama National Park & Miradouro da Lua
Explore Kissama National Park, known for its expansive savannas, lush river meadows, majestic baobab trees and Atlantic coastline. Wildlife includes zebras, crocodiles, sea turtles and the rare dwarf buffalo. On the return to Luanda, visit the Miradouro da Lua, where wind and rain have created an otherworldly eroded landscape.
Sao Tome: Cocoa Rocas, Chocolate Tasting & Lake Amelia
Fly from Luanda to Sao Tome for four days. Visit cocoa and coffee rocas including Roca Diogo Vaz, where a transformation centre tour explains fermentation and drying processes and a guided chocolate tasting concludes the visit. The island's botanical garden leads on foot to the crater of an extinct volcano at Lake Amelia.

Full itinerary · 17 days

Free — no sign-up

Dates & prices

Choose your departure

Reserve your place with a £700 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.

Departs	Returns	Status	Price pp	Single supp.
16 Sept 2026	2 Oct 2026	Guaranteed	£6,795	+£770	Contact for availability
20 Jun 2027	6 Jul 2027	Guaranteed	£6,795	+£770	Book now
3 Oct 2027	19 Oct 2027	Guaranteed	£6,795	+£770	Book now
6 Aug 2028	22 Aug 2028	Guaranteed	£6,795	+£770	Book now

Departure
16 Sept 2026 → 2 Oct 2026
Guaranteed
From
£6,795 pp
Single supp. +£770
Contact for availability
Departure
20 Jun 2027 → 6 Jul 2027
Guaranteed
From
£6,795 pp
Single supp. +£770
Book now
Departure
3 Oct 2027 → 19 Oct 2027
Guaranteed
From
£6,795 pp
Single supp. +£770
Book now
Departure
6 Aug 2028 → 22 Aug 2028
Guaranteed
From
£6,795 pp
Single supp. +£770
Book now

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Angola journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

What's included

What your tour price covers

Included in the price

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
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Flight from Luanda to São Tomé|

Budget separately for

International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except included with any domestic airfares)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

We constantly monitor the travel advice issued by the FCDO and will always update clients on any relevant warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are currently no specific warnings against travel to the regions of Angola included in our tours. Please contact us if you have any concerns or would like details on the safety measures in place to ensure a smooth and secure journey. This information primarily applies to British citizens; travellers from other countries should check guidance from their own government travel authorities.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Angola and São Tomé Explorer. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.

“Just food options at Omali were very limited and no variation. Otherwise on Principe it was incredible. Considering the hotels and especially Principe it was amazing and especially to be on my own.”

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Traveller from the UK

“Interesting, well balanced tour of a beautiful country ”

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Lynn Daniel, UK

“I enjoyed this destination very well and it was wonderful experience. ”

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Kiran Oza, USA

“The flight to Principe initially had to be changed, and then the plane went tech and all flights were cancelled. Our guide kept us fully in the loop at every step, The team made sure we had an amazing experience whilst behind the scenes rapidly rewriting the whole itinerary. True professionalism by all involved!”

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Adam Gilbert, UK

“Jason was very helpful and the booking process was quick and easy. UD offers itineraries that many competitors do not. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips I've taken with them. While they may not suit everyone, I have happily recommended the Senegal tour to fellow travellers.”

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Bernice Hird, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Excellent customer service, reliable itineraries and ability to solve local issues when they arise”

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Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

“I like the small size of groups, the range of destinations and excellent itineraries. This is my third holiday with your company and I have found your itineraries really good.”

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Traveller from the UK

“Excellent company to book with. Complex tour mostly delivered as per itinerary with professional and pleasant local representatives. ”

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Adam Choonara, UK

“I really appreciated Jason's help in answering all of my many questions re: Senegal trip in December 2025. I have a physical disability and I had a lot of accessibility questions for Jason! He was a true professional and was very supportive, warm and friendly and helped me a lot in making my decision to go ahead with the Senegal trip. I would like to thank Jason particularly for this service. I truly appreciate it and I am very thankful.”

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Ramnit Bassi, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Undiscovered Destinations is able to find wonderful support staff and will go to the far corners of the earth.”

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Patricia Taylor, UK

Want to customise this tour?

Make Angola and São Tomé Explorer your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.

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