Angola is off the beaten track Africa

Welcome to Luanda, the starting point of your journey. Here tropical warmth, colonial architecture and lively city life come together. After your flight you will be picked up and taken to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can explore the city or simply relax. You stay at Thomson Art House, a comfortable boutique hotel filled with local art. In the evening you can unwind on the terrace or in the lounge. A perfect start to your trip in Angola.

Today you explore Luanda, a city full of contrasts and energy. Stroll along the Marginal boulevard, wander through colonial streets covered in street art and feel the blend of Portuguese and African influences. During the city tour you see modern buildings, the markets of Sambizanga and the historic Fortaleza de São Miguel. In the evening you taste local dishes. The next day you travel to Muxima, a peaceful town on the Kwanza River where nature and faith take centre stage. You stay at Bons Amigos, a cosy lodge surrounded by greenery, perfect for discovering the real Angola.

Today you travel from peaceful Muxima to Calandula Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Africa. You arrive in the afternoon, when the sun casts a golden glow over the water. You spend the night at Pousada Hotel and Campsite, overlooking the falls. In the evening you gather around the campfire. The next day you take a walk down to the base of the falls. Afterwards you continue to Pedras Negras, where you camp among the rocks and sleep under the stars. A simple and tranquil nature experience.

After rugged Pedras Negras you drive four to five hours to Kumbira Forest, a rainforest known for its many bird species and unique plants. You stay at Fazenda Rio Uiri, an old farmhouse by the river surrounded by fruit trees and walking trails. Here it is all about peace, nature and rural life. The next day you explore Kumbira Forest. Bird watchers and nature lovers will find a quiet green area with great biodiversity. A lovely place to unwind.

After Kumbira Forest you travel three to four hours to Morro de Moco, the highest point in Angola at 2,620 metres. The route takes you through hills, villages and coffee plantations into a peaceful mountain area. You camp without facilities but with beautiful views and a clear starry sky. The hike to the summit is challenging and leads through misty forests and quiet trails. At the top you are rewarded with sweeping views over the valleys and mountains.

After the cool mountain air of Morro de Moco you drive about six hours towards the coast, passing hills, savannas and small villages. In Benguela you experience a relaxed atmosphere with colonial buildings and the Atlantic Ocean. You stay at the simple and colourful Hotel Duas Faces in Lobito. From there you continue to remote Santa Marta, where the desert meets the sea. Here you wild camp near the lighthouse, with no facilities but endless views. A pure experience of Angola’s rugged side.

Today you drive five hours along the rugged Atlantic coast toward the Namibe Desert. Along the way you pass fishing villages, salt flats and sand dunes until the ocean gives way to desert. You camp in the Namib, surrounded by rocks and dunes. The next day you continue inland as the landscape changes into deep gorges, green patches and the impressive Colinas Canyon. A day full of nature and wide open views.

Today you explore the Colinas Canyons, a quiet area filled with rock formations, gorges and wide open views. During a hike you see sandstone shifting in colour, and you might spot oryx, zebras and the largest welwitschia in the world. You visit Lion Cave, a cave known for its local stories. You spend the night at the Lion Cave Wild Campsite, tucked between the rocks under the stars. The next morning you travel back to Omauha Lodge, a comfortable spot in nature with views over the savannah and a good chance of wildlife nearby.

Today you travel from Omauha to the Tchindulu Hulu rock paintings. Along the way you pass villages, hills and dry plains. Upon arrival you meet the local community who guide you to the ancient San paintings of animals, symbols and figures. You spend the night at the simple Tchindulu Hulu Village Campsite, where you cook together and share stories. The next day you continue your journey, about five hours, to Lubango, a cool mountain city. You stay at Casper Resort, a peaceful lodge with a garden, swimming pool and relaxed atmosphere.

Today you discover Lubango, a mountain city with a fresh, relaxed atmosphere and colonial charm. Stroll along its wide avenues and visit the famous Christo Rei statue overlooking the city and surrounding valleys. For adventurers there are day trips to the Tundavala Gorge with spectacular viewpoints. Explore the city by motorbike to experience the markets, colonial buildings and local atmosphere up close. Afterwards you travel seven to eight hours to Cabo Ledo, a peaceful coastal town known for its wide beaches and surf opportunities. You stay at Queiroz Point Eco Resort, where you enjoy the sea, nature and a calm, sustainable atmosphere. The perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.

Your adventure in Angola has come to an end. With beautiful memories of deserts, mountains, waterfalls and warm, welcoming people, you pack your bags for the journey home. The contrasts of the country and the hospitality of the locals will stay with you.