Best things to do in Lubango
Find out more about those top places in Lubango
Lubango Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do, and Places to Visit in Southern Angola
When it comes to African cities to visit, many travelers flock to popular destinations like Cape Town or Nairobi, eager to check off a safari adventure from their bucket list. However, for those looking for a more serene escape away from the usual crowds, the hidden gem of Lubango, Angola, offers an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the lush mountains of southern Angola, Lubango is the perfect getaway for travelers seeking to explore a unique city with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Things to Do in Lubango: Exploring the Top Attractions
A short two-hour flight from Luanda, Angola’s bustling capital, will bring you to Lubango, a city that boasts incredible scenic views and an abundance of things to do. Once a major Portuguese colony, Lubango still carries the marks of its colonial past with Portuguese-influenced architecture, language, and cuisine. While the city’s history is deeply rooted in its colonial heritage, it has steadily reinvented itself in the years following Angola's civil war, with industrial development and a growing economy that’s helping it become an increasingly popular destination.
The top attractions in Lubango include Christ the King Statue, a massive statue overlooking the city that provides breathtaking panoramic views. It’s a perfect spot for sightseeing and photography, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The Tundavala Gap, one of Angola's natural wonders, is another must-see place that’s just a short drive from the city. This stunning cliffside provides visitors with incredible vistas of the Huila Plateau and offers a chance for those seeking adventure to enjoy hiking and trekking in the mountainous terrain.
Cultural and Natural Attractions in Huila Province
Beyond the city itself, the surrounding Huila Province offers a wealth of things to do for those eager to experience Angola’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the local tribal communities that still maintain traditional lifestyles and customs, offering a rare glimpse into the country’s ethnic diversity. The Huila Plateau and the nearby Cunene River are also popular destinations for nature lovers, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and photography.
For those interested in sightseeing, the Ruins of the Tchavola Fortress, located just outside Lubango, provide a fascinating look into Angola’s military history. The fortress was originally built during the colonial period and now serves as an important historical site where visitors can learn about the country’s past.
Lubango’s Cuisine and Local Culture
One of the most charming aspects of Lubango is its blend of African and Portuguese cultures, which is reflected in the local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional Angolan dishes such as muamba de galinha (chicken stew), funje (a type of cornmeal), and bacalhau (salted codfish), which are prepared with a fusion of flavors that highlight the country’s diverse cultural influences. In addition to the food, Lubango’s markets and shops are perfect places to pick up local handicrafts, offering visitors the chance to take home authentic souvenirs while supporting the local economy.
Lubango: A Gateway to Southern Angola
Lubango is not only a gateway to the southern regions of Angola but also an excellent base for those looking to explore the nearby mountains, deserts, and remote regions. For adventure seekers, a trip to the Namibe Desert and Lagoa do Curoca is highly recommended. The desert landscapes, with their dramatic sand dunes and unique flora and fauna, are truly awe-inspiring and perfect for travelers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
The province is also home to a wealth of national parks and wildlife reserves, such as Iona National Park, which is known for its unique ecosystem and wildlife. The park is a top attraction for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to see Angola’s diverse flora and fauna, including antelopes, zebras, and a variety of bird species.
Conclusion: Why Lubango Should Be on Your Travel List
Lubango offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure for those seeking a unique and less-traveled destination in Africa. Whether you’re hiking the dramatic cliffs of Tundavala, exploring the rich culture of local tribes, or savoring the delicious local cuisine, Lubango has something for every type of traveler. As Angola continues to grow and develop, Lubango is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for those seeking a fresh, authentic African experience away from the crowds.
With its incredible mountain views, rich history, and diverse activities, Lubango is an exciting and unforgettable destination that’s ready to welcome visitors from around the world.
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Serra Da Leba
Connecting the cities of Lubango and Namibe is the Serra da Leba mountain range. It is known for its 6,053-feet elevation, for its natural wonder, and for its pass road. This road is one of the most famous difficult hair pinned roads in the world, having 56 turns of climbing up and down the mountainside. For the adventure-seekers and the daredevils, you are definitely in for a ride!
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Natural Abyss of Fenda da Tundavala
Nature at its finest! Accessible by car and very close to the city center, the viewpoint of Tundavala Gap will give you the most sweeping views of the city. Along the way, enjoy the eccentric stone formations, ravines, gorges and gullies. You can also hike or bike your way up to the Tundavala for more nature appreciation.
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Mwila Tribe in Kimbo Valley
Mwila, or Mumuhuila, are a cluster of semi-nomadic traditional people in Huila region. They are famous for keeping their traditions of impressive and meaningful hairstyles, unique way of dressing and artistic body ornaments. Their livelihood is focused mainly on agriculture and livestock. As traditionalists, Mwila people believe in a Supreme Being.
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Christ The King
One of only four in the world, Cristo Rei or Christ The King was inspired by the world-famous Christ The Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. The 30 meters high catholic monument is perched atop a hill overlooking the city of Lubango.
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Lubango’s Hollywood Sign
Next to the Cristo Rei statue is the LUBANGO giant letters that resemble the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign in California. As not many people come in this site, you have all the time to take as many pictures as you can while also taking in the astonishing views of the city from up above.