More

    Tourist Attractions in Angola

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Angola. Photos and a brief description.

    About Angola

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

    Angola is interesting, first of all, for its natural attractions – there is a magnificent ocean coast with a length of 1600 km, several national parks. Architecture lovers will be interested in ancient Portuguese forts preserved from colonial times.

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

    Top Tourist Attractions in Angola

    Serra da Leba

    The mountain range and the serpentine road of the same name connecting Lubango with the Atlantic Ocean coast. The Serra de Leba is the hallmark of the country, the road is depicted on local banknotes. From the observation deck on a steep cliff, a breathtaking view of the area, almost always covered with fog, opens up. The serpentine was built by the Portuguese in the 70s of the XX century.

    Serra da Leba
    The Black Stones of Pungo Andongo

    The Black Stones of Pungo Andongo

    Lava emissions 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, there is also a female stone that has a similar effect.

    Kisama National Park

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

    Kisama National Park
    Cameo National Park

    Cameo National Park

    It was formed in 1937 in order to protect the fauna and flora of a unique area from poaching. The Zambezi River flows through the park, and two large lakes are also located here. Due to the presence of a considerable number of swamps, the reserve is home to a decent variety of wading birds. Due to the lack of working staff, it has not yet been possible to completely get rid of poaching.

    Lund Cathedral of the Holy Saviour

    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. The structure received its current appearance in 1900, after several restorations and restorations. In 1949, the temple was awarded the status of the national treasure of Angola.

    Lund Cathedral of the Holy Saviour
    Fort San Miguel (Fortress of São Miguel)

    Fort San Miguel (Fortress of São Miguel)

    It rises on a mountain near the capital. Since its construction in the XVI century, this fortress has been the heart of the Portuguese colonial settlement. Later, it began to function as a prison, where rebels fighting against the colonizers were thrown. At the entrance to San Miguel there are stone sculptures of Portuguese kings. Now there is a museum in the fort, where many types of weapons are displayed.

    Mount Moko

    Located in the province of Huambo, it is the highest peak of the country (more than 2,600 meters). Endemic birds, numerous reptiles and mammals live in the vicinity of the mountain. Several attempts have been made to create a nature reserve around Moko, but now this area is not protected in any way, which leads to uncontrolled logging of the valuable Myobo forest and a reduction in the population of many animals.

    Mount Moko
    Ruacana Waterfall

    Ruacana Waterfall

    This natural attraction is located on the border with Namibia. The waterfall is formed along the Kunene River. Thanks to the activity of the power plant in the dry months, Ruacana turns into small streams, and in the rainy season, a powerful current forms strong water flows that descend from the plateau into the gorge. The height of the fall is 124 meters, the width of the river in this place is more than 600 meters.

    Kalandula Waterfall

    It is considered the second largest on the continent after Victoria Falls. The water flow acquires special power during the rainy season. At this time, the waterfall is the most full-flowing and picturesque. For guests of the country, Kalandula is a must-visit attraction. There is even a hotel opposite the waterfall, where guests can stay during a multi-day excursion and relax under the sound of water.

    Kalandula Waterfall
    Namib Desert

    Namib Desert

    The desert originates in Angola and stretches for almost 2000 km along the Atlantic Ocean coast through the whole of Namibia. From the language of the Nama people, the name translates as "a place where there is nothing." Namib is the oldest desert on the planet, modern natural and climatic conditions existed here millions of years ago. The area is almost uninhabited, except for a few coastal towns.