12 Best Luanda Touring Ideas and Excursion.
Many people don’t choose Angola for the west coast of southern Africa tour because they have yet to learn what it offers and have virtually zero knowledge of the hidden gems.
With the booming tourist sector, Laundana has a lot to offer; beautiful landscapes and interactions with locals and history buffs.
Keep reading to discover the best places in Luanda and Angola, with breathtaking views of museums, historical sites, and more.
Want to experience a classic tour? There are 12 tours you can take in Luanda, allowing you to enjoy the city.
1. Museu da Moeda
Museu da Moeda is a currency museum in Marginal, Luanda, Angola, next to BNA (Banco Nacional de Angola), built within two years and seven months.
If you’ve always wanted to learn more about Angola’s history and its currency, Angola’s currency museum is for you!
Although it’s not the main reason people travel to this destination, it’s a perfect destination for educational tourism.
Features include a collection of coins and banknotes covering all of Angola’s bank history, including colonial and post-colonial periods.
The museum, unique in its vocation, presents the history of money from the era of Zimbo to Kwanza.
Museu da Moeda is an excellent place to study the history of coins and see exhibits about money. It’s fun for the whole family and provides educational audiovisuals for those curious about numismatics.
It serves as a reference space to view a range of historical and social importance regarding the history of currency in Angola.
Museography of Museu da Moeda
The museum is dependent on themes that support the narratives of the museum. These themes include, but are not limited to;
- Illustrations of banknotes
- Iconography of money
- Stories of currencies
- Evolution of banking
- Pre-monetary and other means of payment
- Personal testimonies on the role of money
- Security elements
Opening Hours: Museu da Moeda opens from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Why You Should Visit the Museum
- The currency museum is among the main pillars of Angola’s history.
- It is impressive with its originality and modernity.
- The museum justifies a visit with its underground setting.
- It has a cloakroom, cafeteria, gift shop, restroom, and souvenir shop accessible to visitors.
2. Kwanza River Tour
The longest river in Luanda is known as the Kwanza River, which runs south of the city. It empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Kwanza River tour has become famous for tourists, particularly birders and fishermen. Many visitors find it fascinating to spot diverse species of birds on the banks at the scenic tourist area.
The Kwanza River tour, which approves communication in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, lasts six hours and avoids crowds while exploring the river.
Tour guides are required on the boat tour to provide essential information about lifejackets, lunch, binoculars, and wildlife information.
Kwanza River Touring Activities
- Sportfishing
Sportfishing in the Kwanza River, the largest river in Angola, is one of the activities to enjoy during the tour.
- Boat safari
Visitors can observe birds like palm vultures, kingfishers, river guards, and the magnificent fishing eagle during the boat safari.
- Discovering of biodiversity
The ornate monitor lizard, Varanus of the Nile, biodiversities discovered on tour, blue monkeys, etc.
Advantages
The Kwanza River Tour provides a perfect way to avoid crowds watching birds, wildlife, and nature encounters.
3. Cabo Ledo Regular Ride
At Cabo Ledo in Quicama village of Angola, you can find the best wave and learn surfing as a leisurely activity or professional training. It’s all up to you.
Having a regular ride at Cabo Ledo is an exciting excursion activity offered in Luanda, Angola. You’ll get to share your passion for Africa with no static conditions.
The Praia dos Surfistas, known as Surfers Beach, is the best beach in Cabo Ledo for activities like yoga lessons and surfing.
Things to Know Before Booking Cabo Ledo Regular Ride
- The ride is not wheelchair accessible
- Experience entails good weather
- The activity will permit a maximum of fifteen travelers
- The departure time of the tour is 7:00 am
- Instant confirmation
Added Services
The services on the 2-day tour include the following;
- Hotel pickup and drop off,
- Wi-Fi onboard
- Surf lesson
- Yoga lesson
- Lunch (fruit and sandwiches)
What to expect during the excursion
- A guide will pick up the traveler from any preferred location between 7 am and 7:30 am to meet early waves.
- About 120 kilometers drive from Luanda, the guide arrives in time for coffee, and the main course kicks off.
- Day 1 of the tour includes excess surfing practice, Miradoro da Lua (Moon Viewpoint), and morning coffee at Kwanza River.
- Arrive at Praia dos Surfistas beach at 10:00 am, and enjoy lots of surf lessons and lunch (fruit and sandwiches).
- Day 2 includes a yoga lesson, more surfing, breakfast, more yoga and surf lesson, lunch, and back to your departure point.
- If the operators cancel the tour experience due to poor weather, the visitor will receive a refund or a different date.
Activities in Cabo Ledo
Cabo Ledo offers activities that include fishing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and yoga opportunities.
4. Day Trip Mussulo Full Day
A “Full Day” excursion is a pleasant way of getting away from the hustle of daily life. You can visit Mussulo, an inland sea and peninsula in Angola’s south, where you can relax.
This trip could be an escape from the city’s nightlife. Pitch a tent and enjoy the time you spend with your loved ones, or invite friends to join in on this relaxing escape from reality.
The warm, relaxing waters and beach make this marina destination an excellent destination for you. Your kids can enjoy many different boats, quad bikes, and more!
The day trip to Mussulo is ideal for someone looking for both simplicity and great company. Either family or friends can enjoy the sightseeing and culture together on this full-day excursion.
Added Services
- Bottle water
- Pickup at Luanda Naval Club
- Private transportation
- All taxes and fees
Additional Information about Mussulo Tour
- The activity allows a maximum of ten travelers
- It’s a wheelchair-accessible tour
- There is instant confirmation
- Infants at the expedition must sit on laps
- It’s an experience that requires good weather
- It requires no fitness skills.
Voucher Requirements
The 12 hours tour that starts at 8:30 am allows the presentation of an electronic voucher or a paper for the activity.
Activities at the tour
Obtainable activities on the day trip tour include trekking, biking, water sports, water tours, sailing, and cruises.
5. Museum of Slavery
The National Museum of Slavery, founded in 1977, provides a historical account and testament of the Angolan people during slavery.
This museum showcases several items used in the slave trade and pieces from African pre- and post-slave culture.
The Museum of Slavery sits in the Morro da Cruz neighborhood of Luanda, Angola. It primarily serves as an exhibition center, with some storage space and a small forensic team working inside.
Following the modest artifacts in the museum, it hosts foreign travelers from Germany, Russia, Portugal, Spain, etc.
Features
- The museum houses Cauldrons from the 18th century
- Tourists will also see various souvenir shops
- Sculptures featuring ships, weapons, and iron weights from the slave period
- Chapel with adjacent rooms
- Photographic memorabilia
- Monument commemorating the suffering of the Angolan
Amenities
It provides an informative and fun experience for kids, and the vast historical artifacts of the museum function as a building that offers wheelchair accessibility.
6. Sangano Beach Tour
Located not far from Luanda, Angola’s economy, the beach is full of trees, restaurants, and scenic views, which make for a beautiful day.
There are fewer people at this beach, offering fewer distractions and a more peaceful night.
People travel to the beach to break from the grind and unwind. It’s appealing with its mellow, scenic sounds and beauty, which are among some of its characteristics.
How to Get to Sangano Beach
Tourists can quickly get to the beach by flying to Luanda International Airport (LAD) and hiring a taxi to the south of Luanda.
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit the fantastic Sangano beach is during the warm period, from November to April.
Activities in Sangano Beach
Some beach activities include fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and other water sports.
Services obtainable on the beach
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Shops with food and item necessary for rest
- Rental center for swimming equipment
- Renting equipment for playing sports
Accommodations at the Sangano Beach
Sangano Beach, suitable for quiet rest, has hotels near the beach that charge travelers $250 a day.
7. Avenida 4 de Fevereiro
Avenida 4 de Fevereiro (February 4 Avenue) is a famous avenue in Luanda and passes along the Bay Coast, providing running and jogging pathways across the city.
At sunset, the view is spectacular: the uptown skyline and its view of the bay provide incredible views for the price. The Ilha offers beautiful views of its landscapes that often change throughout the day.
Many lively businesses are around the waterfront, with plenty of opportunities to taste local beer or wine while admiring the scenery.
What Makes Avenida 4 de Fevereiro Iconic
There are various buildings like utilities, ministries, hotels, Agostinho Neto University, headquarters of major companies, the National Bank of Angola, etc. All the skyscrapers in the background reflect the dusk.
Tourists Activities at Avenida 4 de Fevereiro
The main activities include;
- Jogging on the marginal
- Walking the Avenida, and
- Cycling while the skyscrapers in the background reflect the dusk.
8. Ships Cemetery
Ships Cemetery is known as a beach in Angola left to decay due to the abundance of abandoned ships littering the shore. There are dozens of rusting vessels found around, stretching down the seashore and even right into the ocean.
The ships get so close to the shore that you’ll sometimes be able to see them even at low tide because they float at the water’s surface.
Though locals call it ‘SaoTiago Beach,’ the spot is officially known as ‘Santiago Beach,’ close to the town of Santiago.
The idea that the ships were left there intentionally is the most common opinion; it would mean that it’s a ship cemetery.
Things to know before visiting the ship cemetery
- Travelers should bring along all the necessary edibles and water.
- Going in groups and broad daylight is paramount.
- Travelers with a car should park near the nondescript structure above the high-tide line.
- Visitors should ensure they tour with a guide.
Activities at the Ship Cemetery
- Exploring the recreational equipment at the playground designated for picnics.
- Taking some photo shoots at the scenery for photo memories.
- Another exercise is viewing dozens of rusting hulks of cargo ships, tankers, and fishing vessels.
Nearby Hotels for Dining and Accommodation
Hotels near the cemetery are;
- Thomson Art House
- EPIC SANA Luanda Hotel
- Hotel Baía Luanda
- Hotel Trópico, and
- Hotel Presidente Luanda.
9. Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto
A tall spire in Luanda, Angola: the Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto, standing 4,633 square miles; the monument commemorates Neto, the first Angola president, and serves as Neto’s final resting place.
The beautiful mausoleum is called the Agostinho Neto Cultural Center, which overlooks the city overlooking the sea.
Its architectonic piece is historically significant, pleasant to the eye, and difficult to miss.
The uniqueness of the memorial attraction
- The Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto is a monument taller than New York’s Statue of Liberty.
- The Obelisk-like structure dominates central Luanda’s skyline
- It’s a stunning sightseeing landmark
- The design of the tower is a reference to Neto’s poem titled The Path of Stars
- The monument’s surroundings feature extensive grounds, including lawns, reviewing bleachers, and gardens.
- At the center of the Agostinho Neto Cultural Center, the memorial is among the tourist points in Luanda.
10. Miradouro da Lua
Miradouro da Lua translated as ‘Viewpoint of the Moon,’ is a geological set of cliffs at Belas Municipality in the province of Luanda.
Miradouro da Lua has a stunning view, which varies depending on the time of day, thanks to its impressive 3-colored karst formation.
Hilly landscapes define the architecture of Angola, with deep ravines and steep peaks. These landscapes’ most common features are those carved out for centuries, an unusual element to see in a region more known for its thick jungle.
Miradouro da Lua Features
The eerie spot has a glittering landscape masterpiece worth visiting
- It serves as a vacationer’s work of art
- Miradouro da Lua is a site for cinematographic productions
- The photos from this spot are Instagram-worthy, especially pictures from sunset and dawn
- Watching the sunset in this lunar landscape is a notable experience
How to Get to Miradouro da Lua
Reaching Miradouro da Lua is making a short trip to Belas, a few kilometers south of Luanda, Angola.
As traveler arrives, they will see the otherworldly colors of the ocean and cliffs. After a short drive, they will arrive at the “viewpoint of the moon.”
11. Fortress of Sao Miguel
The fortress of Sao Miguel, known as Saint Michael Fortress, is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre built between 1641 and 1648 near the Luanda Island bridge in the old mountain of S. Paulo.
The Fortress of Sao Miguel, encrusted with cannons, was the main outlet for slave trafficking to Brazil.
The Palacio da Bela Vista structure houses the Armed Forces Museum, renamed Museu Nacional de Historia Militar.
Rated Attractions at Fortress of Sao Miguel
The castle has ceramic tiles telling the story of Angola from its early years.
It also has giant statues of the first European to reach Angola in the courtyard.
Another attractive item at the fortress is combat vehicles and bi-motor planes.
Opening Hours: The Saint Michael Fortress works from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
12. Museu de Antropologia
The National Museum of Anthropology, or Museu de Antropologia, was founded in Luanda’s Coqueiros neighborhood on November 13, 1976.
The cultural and scientific establishment focuses on the research, collection, presentation, dissemination, and conservation of Angolan cultural heritage.
Museu Nacional de Antropologia is a museum in Rio de Janeiro held by Instituto Nacional de Antropologia and heavily focused on anthropology. Its 14 rooms have two floors, but there is also an exhibit hall, a cafeteria, and a library.
The central purpose of the museum is to assist people in conquering their cultural personality, revalue it and link it to future generations.
Top Attractions at Museu de Antropologia
- The museum houses more than 6000 traditional pieces like farm instruments, iron foundry, fishing items, pottery, jewelry, etc.
- It also has photographs of the Khoisan people and women’s rights memorabilia.
- Museu de Antropologia exhibits traditional musical instruments and demonstrations of the use of the marimba.
- The museum features the symbols of the rituals of the Bantu people.
Another museum’s attraction is its masks and the rustic furnace for melting iron.
Departments of the museum
The departments in the museum are administration and finance, Museology, education, scientific coordination, and cultural animation.
Conclusion
Traveling in Luanda, Angola, or any of Southern Africa’s coastal destinations is a blast and will provide you with endless memories. If you’re still looking for ideas, though, here’s a list of near-perfection to follow.
The abovementioned tour creates a bespoke itinerary covering stunning scenery and spots you will not regret visiting.
Luanda is a historic city that is rich in culture and history. You can choose from tours and excursions throughout the day, up to one week, and even longer.
