Tourist Attractions in Angola

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Angola

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Angola

The former Portuguese colony of Angola has not yet fully opened up to tourists. To get a visa, any European (and Russian) citizen needs to collect a large package of documents and pay more than $200. There was a civil war in the country for a long time, and the economy is still recovering with the help of foreign investments and oil exports.

Angola is interesting, first of all, by natural sights – there is a magnificent oceanic coastline of 1600 kilometres, several national parks. Architecture lovers will be interested in ancient Portuguese forts, preserved since colonial times.

An amazing combination of traditional way of life and modern rhythm of life can be observed in the capital city of Luanda, as well as in other major cities – Cabinda and Tombwa.

Top-10 Tourist Attractions in Angola

Serra da Leba

 4.7/5

81 reviews

A mountain range and the serpentine road of the same name that connects Lubango to the Atlantic coast. The Serra de Leba is the country’s calling card, and the road is depicted on local money bills. The observation deck on the steep cliff offers a spectacular view of the area, almost always covered in fog. The serpentine was built by the Portuguese in the 1970s.

Pungo Andongo

 0/5

Lava flows frozen in the form of huge stones scattered across the savannah near the town of Pungo Andongo. The tribes living nearby have many legends associated with these formations. For example, there is a male stone, touching which (according to beliefs) has a positive effect on sexual function, and there is a female stone with a similar effect.

Parque Nacional do Quicama

 4/5

712 reviews

The largest nature reserve in the country. The western border is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The park suffered greatly during the Civil War, and even now poachers continue to conduct illegal activities on its territory. Of particular interest are animals such as black sable and red buffalo. After the fighting ended, Kisama began a gradual revitalization.

Open time

Parque Nacional da Cameia

 3.9/5

57 reviews

It was established in 1937 to protect the fauna and flora of the unique area from poaching. The Zambezi River flows through the territory of the park, and there are also two large lakes. Due to the presence of a considerable number of wetlands, the reserve is home to a decent variety of wading birds. Due to the lack of working staff, poaching has not yet been completely eliminated.

Open time

Church of Our Lady of Remedies

 4.5/5

123 reviews

The temple is located in the old central part of Luanda, it was erected on the site of two small chapels in 1679. Originally called the Great Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, later received the status of a cathedral. It received its present form in 1900, after several restorations and reconstructions. In 1949, the church was granted the status of Angola’s national treasure.

Open time

Fortaleza de São Miguel

 4.3/5

1731 reviews

It rises on a mountain not far from the capital. This fortress has been the heart of the Portuguese colonial settlement since it was built in the 16th century. Later it became a prison where rebels fighting against the colonizers were thrown. At the entrance to São Miguel are stone sculptures of Portuguese kings. Now the fort houses a museum where many types of weapons are on display.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Mount Moco

 4.1/5

23 reviews

Located in the province of Huambo, it is the highest peak of the country (more than 2600 meters). The area around the mountain is home to endemic birds, numerous reptiles and mammals. Several attempts have been made to create a reserve around Moko, but now the area is not protected in any way, which leads to uncontrolled cutting of the valuable miobo forest and a decrease in the population of many animals.

Ruacana Falls

 4.2/5

146 reviews

This natural attraction is located on the border with Namibia. The waterfall is formed along the course of the Kunene River. Due to the activities of the power plant, during the dry months the Ruakana turns into small streams, and during the rainy season the powerful current forms strong water streams flowing down from the plateau into the gorge. The height of the fall is 124 meters and the width of the river in this place is more than 600 meters.

Open time

Calandula Falls

 4.7/5

471 reviews

It is considered the second largest on the continent after the Victoria Falls. The water flow becomes especially powerful during the rainy season. At this time the waterfall is the most full and picturesque. Kalandula is a must-see attraction for visitors to the country. There is even a hotel opposite the waterfall where guests can stay during a multi-day excursion and relax to the sound of the water.

Open time

Namib Desert

 4.5/5

1456 reviews

The desert originates in Angola and stretches for almost 2,000 kilometers along the Atlantic coast across Namibia. From the language of the Nama people, the name translates to “the place where there is nothing”. The Namib is the oldest desert on the planet, modern natural and climatic conditions existed here millions of years ago. The area is virtually uninhabited, except for a few coastal towns.