7 Days Discover South of Angola – The south of Angola is a popular place for both tourists and locals. It has many interesting landscapes and is one of the best places to meet some of Africa’s indigenous people.
One of the first things you will see when you arrive in Lubango is the Cristo Rei statue, also known as Christ the King. It stands on a hill above the city and was built in 1957. It is based on the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.
People visit southern Angola not only for the views but also to meet the many ethnic groups who still live in the traditional way. These groups live mostly in the Kunene region, near the border with Namibia. Each tribe has its own dress, jewelry, and hairstyle, and they all live peacefully in this protected area of Angola.
Southern Angola is also home to the Namib Desert and long coastlines with sandy beaches. Take a break during your trip and enjoy this special part of Africa.
Day 1: Arrival in Lubango & Visit to Cristo Rei
The journey starts with a flight from Luanda to Lubango in the afternoon, using a local airline. When we land, our guide will pick us up and take us to the city of Lubango, home to the Cristo Rei statue.
We begin our trip by visiting the Tunda Vale gap, one of the most famous natural spots in Lubango. It is located near the Serra da Leba. On the way, we will stop at the Cristo Rei statue before heading to our hotel for the night.
Day 2: Drive to Oncocua & Visit Local Villages
After breakfast, we drive to Oncocua. Along the way, we pass through Chibia, a town known for its Mumuíla people and its markets.
We will stop to visit some nearby villages before continuing the journey. When we reach Oncocua in the late afternoon, the local headman (Soba) will welcome us and show us around. We will set up our tents and spend the night there.
Day 3: Meeting Ethnic Groups & Learning Daily Life
After breakfast, we will meet different ethnic groups. These include:
- The Himba, one of the most well-known groups in the region.
- The Muhacaona or Mucawana, found mostly in Cunene Province and known for their hairstyles.
- The Vátua (or Pre-Bantu), made up of the Cuissis or Cuepes, who live along the Curaco River.
We will follow some of the cattle herders to the water points and see their daily activities. We will also spend time learning about their crafts and way of life.
In the evening, we will have dinner with the headman of Oncocua. As this is our last night here, we will pack for an early departure the next morning.
Day 4: Drive to Namibe & Scenic Stops
We will have a quick breakfast in the village before driving to Namibe. On the way, we will stop at Serra da Leba for photos. We will also visit Mercado das Mangueiras, a market where local people trade handmade coats and oils.
In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Namibe (also called Moçamedes). You will have time to rest at the hotel. After lunch, we will go out for dinner at a local restaurant, then return to the hotel for the night.
Day 5: Visit Tchitundo Hulo & Mucubal Village
After an early breakfast, we will visit Tchitundo Hulo, known for its ancient stone carvings. These are some of the most important archaeological sites in southern Angola.
Next, we will go to a Mucubal village and their market. The women here wear special hats called Ompota and colorful ropes called Oyonduthi around their chest. We will spend another night in tents.
Day 6: Explore Colinas & Tombwa
After breakfast, we drive to the town of Colinas to visit the red rock canyon and Lagoas dos Arcos.
Our next stop is the town of Tombwa (also called Tômbua, formerly Porto Alexandria). It has a fishing culture, a shipwreck, and an interesting local history. We will spend some time here to learn more about life in the town.
We will also see Welwitschia Mirabilis, a rare plant found in this area. Later, we go back to Moçamedes and take a walking tour of the city.
Day 7: Visit to Namib Desert & End of Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Namib Desert. It is one of the oldest and largest deserts in Africa, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean along the coast.
This will be our last stop in the south. If you want to extend your stay, we can pick you up from Luanda airport and take you to your hotel.
