Angola is off the beaten track Africa
Highlights
Hiking, wild camping, desert, waterfalls, mountains, rainforest, wildlife, caves, beach, cities
Location
Angola
Budget
from €4,500 per person when traveling with a minimum of 4 people excluding flights
Angola is raw, safe and heartwarming.
Get ready for an unforgettable and adventurous road trip that carries you through Angola’s breathtaking and wildly diverse landscapes. Let yourself be swept away by its rugged natural beauty: towering waterfalls crashing down with force, dense green jungles bursting with life, and majestic mountains standing like silent guardians over the land. And just when you think you have seen it all, you suddenly find yourself driving through ancient, vast deserts and marvelling at enormous canyons that give the landscape an almost otherworldly feel.
Throughout this journey you experience the country in the most authentic way. You sleep in different spots right in the middle of nature, with the starry sky as your roof while wild camping. You also meet warm and welcoming communities where you camp together and get a close look at daily life. This unique mix of adventure and culture creates genuine and meaningful connections with the local people. An experience that will stay with you forever.
22 days in Angola
Arrival
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.
Luanda & Muxima
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.
Calandula Waterfalls & Pedras Negras
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.
Kumbira forest
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.
Morro de Moco
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.
Santa Marta
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.
Namibe desert & Colinas canyons
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.
Colinas Canyons & Lion cave
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.
Tchindulu Hulu Paintings
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.
Lubango & Cabo Ledo
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.
Going home
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.
Discover Africa’s final surfing frontier
Forget the hustle and bustle of Bali or Morocco. Angola is the place where you can still have miles of perfect waves all to yourself.
Wild camping in Angola
Forget fenced-in campsites with numbered pitches, electricity points and a barrier that closes at ten o’clock in the evening. In Angola, you pitch your tent where the road ends and nature takes over.
Travel Story: Angola through the eyes of Pioneer Hanneke
Pioneer Hanneke takes you on a journey through Angola, from Luanda and Calandula Falls to the Namib Desert. Raw, chaotic, magical and full of stories.
Interested in this example trip?
Schedule a free consultation and we will immediately get to work on making your preferred trip completely to your liking. See you soon in Angola?
What our travellers say about us
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Auralie Blauwbloeme39 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!
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GoeVerhaal.79 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne
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Maikel Hurts290 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.
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Wolfeew290 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!
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Hanneke290 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!
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Tessa Tuk328 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!
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Jonna Kouwenberg349 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our trip through Malawi was truly fantastic. Charlies Travels arranged everything for us down to the last detail. The encounters along the way with the approachable and friendly locals will stay with me forever. Although it is not yet very touristy, the accommodations we visited are truly beautiful and well worth it. If you really want to discover Africa and experience an authentic adventure, Charlies Travels is highly recommended.
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Olaf380 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We booked our first trip to Africa with Charlies and can recommend them 100%. Our trip to Kenya was unique, especially our stay in the Mount Souswa area. Charlies was always available and made everything possible for us. Not only the customers but also the people who work for Charlies are treated with respect. Thank you, Charlies Travel, we'll be back!
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C B442 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We took a wonderful trip through Uganda with our 15 and 14-year-old kids via Charlie's Travels. Everything was arranged perfectly and the execution was amazing. The communication before and during the trip (thanks Em!) was top-notch, and the trip itself was top-notch: accommodations, activities, food: top-notch! Our driver/guide Zack was the best we could have wished for. Are you going to Uganda? Ask if he can be your driver/guide: a very good driver, calm, friendly, and helpful! We can only speak highly of it and definitely recommend booking an Africa trip through Charlie's Travels. And Uganda is beautiful; we understand why it is called the Pearl of Africa.
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