Best place to visit while you visit Angola – Tripshi.com

If you are planning for a Safari holiday in Africa, you better include Angola in your list of countries to visit. Why Angola, you say? Well, first off, Angola is home to numerous national parks. National parks take care of endangered species and if you want to be a witness to that, Angola will indulge you with it. Aside from national parks, the country is full of waterfalls, mountain peaks, and museums. Here is the Angola travel guide of the tourist spots mentioned so that you will get a clear copy of what’s in store for you when you go to Angola.

Valley of the Moon

One of the most unique landscapes in Angola is the Valley of the Moon. It is also known as Miradouro da Lua or Wwatchpoint. This peculiar tourist attraction is situated at the coast 40 kilometers south of Luanda, Angola.

Kalendula Waterfalls

One of the most stunning waterfalls, not only in Angola but also in the whole world, is the Kalendula Waterfalls. This geological beauty of nature lies on the Lucala River in Malange, Angola

Black Stones

Another unusual geologic formation in Angola is the “Black Stones” of Pungo Adongo near Malage, Angola.

Museu Nacional de Antropologia

The Museu Nacional de Antropologia or the National Museum of Anthropology is a national museum in Luanda, Angola, Africa which exhibits anthropological relics. It is definitely one of the places to visit in Angola if you want to know more about the people. The museum was established last November 13, 1976 and its aim was to protect the Angolan culture. This establishment has two floors with fourteen rooms and 6,000 items native of Angola. It showcases images of the Khoisan society, hunting and farming objects, musical instruments, fishing objects, ancient pottery, olden jewelry, and more.

Miradouro da Lua

This is another landmark in Angola called the Miradouro da Lua. Actually, this tourist destination is a cliff where you will get a view of beautiful rock formation and a body of water from the top. It is outside the city of Luanda and the travel going there will take a bit. Tourists who have been to the place suggest that it is better to go to Miradouro da Lua just before sunset so that you can watch the dusk settle in. The sight is spectacular – you won’t regret going there.

Luanda

The capital of Angola is full of stark contrasts. The beautiful Atlantic Ocean views are disrupted by busy ships and the high rise modern looking buildings are contrasted by lean to huts built to accommodate people in the rapidly expanding city. Over-population is apparent in other ways too, namely the insane morning traffic and the stink that regularly trouble the city. Despite all these problems however, Luanda certainly has its charms and is another side to Africa that is worth experiencing.

Kissama

Only a 70km ride south from Luanda is the Parque Nacional de Kissama, a wildlife sanctuary that has utilized stunning natural settings to protect and preserve many African species. The park began life as a nature reserve in 1938 and subsequently evolved into a National Park in 1957. During the Civil War years, the park was neglected and fell victim to poaching but its population of buffalo, elephants and even sea turtles are now going strong. The park even received 10 Elephants by air mail from Russia in 2000.

The Tunda Vala Fissure

The Tundavala Fissure is one of the most spectacular natural sights in Angola. It can be found between the cities of Lubango and Namibe at an elevation of 2,600m above sea level. At this height it goes without saying that the views are phenomenal and the visible vistas are some of the best on offer in Africa. Commonly reached by thrill seeking hikers, the view of the descent back down to sea level is dizzying steep. As well as the sheer rock faces the Tundavala also has patches of savanna, grass and forest landscapes.

Marginal de Luanda

It’s a long avenue/boulevard that goes from Luanda’s Port into Luanda’s Island. It’s has been renovated a few years ago and it’s now the favorite spot for Angolans and Expats to walk or run in Luanda. From here you have a nice view to the island but also to the city skyline.

Ruacana Falls

One of the tourist attractions that are very famous in Angola is the Ruacana Falls. The falls is situated in Ruacana’s Kunene River which is also near Namibia, another African country. This waterfall is very important because it is the biggest waterfalls in all of Africa. It has a height of 390 feet or 120 meters. You need assistance if you want to see this marvelous destination. A tour guide must accompany you should you wish to see the Ruacana Falls.

Serra da Leba

Serra da Leba is a well-known mountain range in Huila Province of Angola. The view from the top of the mountain is exquisite and you can go all the way to the top using a 4-wheel drive car but, Serra da Leba also has a pass that is recognized as one of the most dangerous roads in the whole world. If you are up for it, this is one of the places to visit in Angola. The pass, at its highest point, is 6,053 feet or 1,845 meters above sea level. You would literally get shaky up there when you look down and see people as big as ants! It is a 2-way road without post lights and that’s not all – the road is spiraling up and down too making it way too difficult to maneuver. But hey, it is the adventure.

Benguela

The city of Benguela in western Angola is situated on a bay of the same name and is an important tourist destination for the country. The early economy of the city was established on mining and then the slave trade to Cuba and Brazil. Tourism is actively promoted in the city and an international railway is located nearby. The main attractions of the city are its beautiful ocean-side location coupled with the breathtaking Portuguese architecture. The beaches are fantastic places to unwind and the people are very friendly.

Maiombe Forest

The Maiombe Forest is one of the most spectacular natural areas in Angola. It boasts more than 400 square km of forest and is rather fittingly referred to as the “Amazon of Africa”. The forest is a fantastic location for wildlife lovers with hundred of rare species, many of them unique to the area. Animals include gorillas, elephants, chimps, rare birds and butterflies. The woods in the forest are equally as rare as the animals and include ebony and mahogany. The biggest town in the reserve, Buco Zau, has a small guesthouse with basic facilities for those wishing to fully immerse themselves in the nature.