Vibe Sanctuary | Journey Across Southern Angola
Details
On the coast of West Africa to the north of Namibia along the Atlantic Ocean, packed with diamonds, and oil, spread across green savannahs, tropical jungles, and coastal deserts, beating to the rhythms of semba, rivet, and kizomba, and thundering waterfalls from Luanda to Cabo Ledo, Angola is where the bold go to dance and seekers of adventure find the final frontier of African discovery!
With only Portugal and Brazil having more Portuguese speakers, Angola’s capital is like taking a walk down the streets of Lisbon with the beats of Brazil around every corner café and the Fortaleza de Miguel and the Iron Palace to remind you of a colonial legacy dating to the 16th century.
One of the largest waterfalls in Africa, fed by the Cassoco Hills and the Catumbela and Lucala Rivers at the, the Kalandula Falls drop 105 meters down with 570m3/s of water raging over the rocks. We’ll earn our views from above and below, getting sprayed at the foot of the falls and taking in the enormity of the drop from the trails above.
The Black Rocks of Pungo Andongo, a mystical place full of myths and legends, according to the locals this was once the capital of the Kingdom of Ndongo, with the footprints of her monarch Queen Ginga, carved into the rocks. These extensive monolithic formations, millions of years old, jut out of the savannah in black towers, with the commune of Pungo-Andongo all that remains of this ancient kingdom and the ruins of the Fortress of Pungo-Angongo from the days of Portuguese colonialism still haunting this mysterious place.
With Kuduro, Kizomba, Semba, and Tarrachinha beats from the high savannahs to the beaches of Cabo Ledo, Angolan safari in Kissama, and rapids and waterfalls along raging rivers all the way to the Atlantic, it’s a little Brazil, a dash of Portugal, and a lot of African Angola!
Let’s go!!
Day 1 // Arrival to Luanda & Flight to Lubango
After arrival and immigration formalities, we'll take a short introduction to Luanda, discovering a few of the capital's historic landmarks before transferring to the airport for a short domestic flight to Lubango. Upon arrival, check in to local lodge, enjoy dinner, and get ready for journey across southern Angola.
Day 2 // Mumuila Tribe & Tundavala Gap
After breakfast, we'll set off into the highlands to visit the colorful Mumuila Market, where local communities gather in traditional attire. We'll continue to a nearby Mumuila village for an authentic cultural encounter before ending the day at the breathtaking Tundavala Gap, one of Angola's most spectacular viewpoints overlooking the escarpment. We'll return to our lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 // Serra da Leba & Mucubal Village
Following breakfast, we'll explore Lubango's highlights, including Cristo Rei and the historic chapel overlooking the city. We'll then descend the legendary Serra da Leba Pass, famous for its dramatic switchbacks, stopping at Humpata Waterfall before continuing to the Mucubal region. After visiting the local market and a traditional Mucubal village, we'll spend the night camping in tents, experiencing the hospitality of one of Angola's most fascinating indigenous communities.
Day 4 // Namibe Desert & Colinas do Curoca
An early departure takes us into the surreal landscapes of the Namibe Desert, one of the oldest deserts on Earth. We'll explore the striking Colinas do Curoca, admire the extraordinary Welwitschia plant, a living fossil that can survive for more than a thousand years, and enjoy the ever-changing desert scenery before checking into hotel for the evening.
Day 5 // Namibe Coast & Benguela
After breakfast, we'll discover the highlights of Namibe before following Angola's spectacular Atlantic coastline. We'll stop at beautiful Caotinha Beach with its crystal-clear waters before continuing north to Benguela, where we'll enjoy a short introduction to this charming colonial city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 // Lobito, Sassa Cave & Binga Falls
This morning we'll visit the coastal city of Lobito before heading inland to explore the impressive Sassa Cave on a scenic two-hour walk. Later, we'll visit the picturesque Binga Falls before arriving at Muconga Farm Lodge, where we'll relax and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
Day 7 // Black Rocks & Kalandula Falls
After breakfast, we'll continue towards central Angola, stopping at the historic Cambambe Fortress before visiting the remarkable Black Rocks of Pungo Andongo, enormous granite monoliths rising from the surrounding plains. By late afternoon, we'll arrive at the magnificent Kalandula Falls, one of Africa's largest waterfalls, where we'll spend the night at a lodge overlooking the cascading waters.
Day 8 // Kalandula Falls Exploration & Luanda
This morning we'll continue exploring the beauty of Kalandula Falls. We'll hike to several scenic viewpoints, take a memorable boat trip to the base of the falls, and stroll through the nearby botanical gardens before enjoying lunch. In the afternoon, we'll return to Luanda and check into our hotel on Ilha de Luanda, where we'll celebrate our final evening over dinner.
Day 9 // Kissama National Park & Departure
We'll finish our Angolan adventure with an early visit to Kissama National Park for a safari across its vast baobab-dotted savannah in search of elephants, giraffes, antelope, and other wildlife. Given time allows, we'll also enjoy a relaxing boat trip before transferring to the airport for our flight home.
Grade: Easy – available to everyone
Accomo & meals: comfy hotels & lodges – double sharing. One night camping in tribal village. Restaurant meals excluded.
Cost: 9,170 AED excl. international flight, inclusive of domestic flight.
Cost valid until AUG 16. On this date we will close the group.
Single room: + 980 AED.
Flights: Emirates direct at 5,500 AED.
Visa: Most of passports visa free, otherwise e-visa.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required on this trekkup.
See yah in Angola x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050484823 / [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)