City Getaways From Luanda

The Kissama National Park is the ideal place to visit if you want a glimpse of a wee bit of the famed African animals in their variety and splendour. It is 70km south of Luanda and has accommodation available in the park but visitors need to carry their own food. The park is closed during the rainy season (October to March).

45 km south of Luanda is Palmeirinhas – a long and deserted beach. Bathing is hazardous though, so be careful. Fishing is great here, so is it at Santiago beach, 45km north of Luanda.

Lubango is a town close to Luanda and relatively untouched by the raging civil war. From here, the coastal town of Namibe that has excellent beaches is easily accessible. On the way to Namibe, there is the Tundavala volcanic fissure and the Leba Hill with its spiral asphalt road worth a sightseeing stop.

The largest handicraft market is the Futungo Market, south of Luanda. This is the main hub of the tourists and expats who come to buy what they call "African Art", which is largely stylized masks and trinkets. The market is open only on Sundays. You can also club in the beautiful beaches of Futungo and enjoy the sun and sand of Mussolo bay.