Lubango: Unveiling Africa's Breathtaking Hidden Gem

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In the southwestern corner of Africa, just before the terrain transitions to the dry Namibian landscape, lies a lush and mild region that could be one of the most stunning on the continent. Surprisingly, very few people outside of this area are aware of its beauty.

Situated in southwestern Angola's Huila province, Lubango is the country's second most populous city with a wealth of history and cultural significance. Perched on a steep-sided plateau, the city boasts stunning landscapes. At 5,774 feet (1,760 meters) above sea level, Lubango is one of the coolest cities in Angola, with temperatures ranging between 8-31 Celsius (46-89 Fahrenheit). This unique climate allows for the cultivation of crops that are challenging to grow in other parts of the country.

Lubango, formerly known as Sá da Bandeira, became a prominent settlement in 1885 for the colonial Portuguese. They arrived from the Madeira islands in Portugal and recognized the area's climate potential.

From the streets to the surrounding countryside, Lubango has plenty to offer.

Zute Lightfoot/Alamy Stock Photo

The region is now flourishing with agricultural and livestock production, resulting in a wide variety of food options such as local cheeses and traditional Portuguese chorizo sausage recipes. As a bustling travel hub, Lubango is highly regarded as one of Angola's most important cities, offering excellent road and railway connections to other provinces, an international airport with flights to major destinations like Luanda and Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.

Visitors will discover an abundance of history and colonial art deco architecture, making it a unique place to interact with diverse ethnic communities such as the local Mumuíla people and numerous nomadic groups passing through the city. Unlike other African regions, this area is known for peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups.

Most of the people are nomadic, dedicated to their traditional roots and ways of life. They stand out with their vibrant clothes, distinctive jewelry, and symbolic hairstyles.

Rosemaire Luis, an environmental engineer from Luanda, the capital of Angola, recently visited Lubango for work and was thoroughly impressed. "Lubango is an ideal destination for adventure tourism," she remarked. "It offers a safe and diverse range of landscapes and points of interest, both natural and man-made.

Here are six of the best places to visit in and around Lubango:

Tundavala Gap (Fenda da Tundavala)

The Tundavala Gap offers breathtaking views over the hot plains beneath.

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One of the top wonders of Angola, Tundavala is a breathtaking gorge, just over 10 miles northwest of Lubango, over the border into the neighboring province of Namibe.

The higher-altitude Huila plateau's cool streams cascade over a steep-walled cliff into the warmer plains below. Locals view Tundavala as a place of ancestral refuge, and for good reason.

The volcanic fissure offers breathtaking panoramic views, along with the stunning sight of orchids thriving amongst the rocky cracks. At this altitude, visitors are treated to clear air and the possibility of spotting eagles and rock monkeys.

Locals visit to escape the city, especially at weekends, for picnics or just to have a beer, relax with friends and enjoy the sunset.

Its also a popular spot for wedding photos.

A visit to Tundavala may be an opportunity to encounter local Mumuíla people, who also regularly come and contemplate this scenic place.

Serra da Leba

The incredible zig-zag road at Serra da Leba.

The road reaches Serra da Leba mountains, located about 50 kilometers west of Lubango city center, with peaks reaching up to about 2,650 meters. However, the most striking feature here is not the mountains, but the road itself.

Constructed in 1970 by the former colonial administration to link Lubango to the Namibe province, this road is considered one of the most stunning in the country, if not the entire continent, and is renowned as one of Angola's top attractions. As it approaches Serra da Leba, the road descends 1,600 meters over approximately 20 kilometers, featuring a total of 56 hairpin turns that are comparable to those found in the European Alps.

For the best view of this impressive engineering feat, head to the mountains that run alongside it.

As travelers continue along the road, they will be treated to stunning sights as the lush green landscape gives way to the desolate sands of Namibe, one of the oldest deserts in the world and the home of the Mucubal people, around the 100-mile (160-kilometer) mark.

Lubango municipal market

The market is worth a visit for its architecture and fresh produce.

Eric Lafforgue/Alamy Stock Photo

The municipal market of Lubango is a charming colonial building situated in the bustling commercial district of the city center. With small stores surrounding it and a semi-open marketplace in the middle, it is definitely worth a visit for the lively atmosphere, as well as the variety of produce and people-watching opportunities.

City center architecture

A wide range of items are available for purchase, including fresh seasonal produce and cut flowers, all predominantly cultivated and traded by female vendors. You can find handcrafted baskets made from various natural dried materials and a varied selection of medicinal herbs. It's the perfect spot to find high-quality local honey.

These vibrant apartments are among many examples of Art Deco architecture in the city.

Lubango bears the architectural influence of Angola's turbulent history, blending contrasting historic and modern styles to create a dynamic urban landscape. This vibrant city is home to a variety of coffee shops and restaurants. Photo by Zute Lightfoot/Alamy Stock Photo.

Remnants of Portuguese colonial rule and impressive architectural structures from the past century can be found throughout the area. The striking Art Deco style is evident in many locations, with the grand modern gothic Sao Jose cathedral, constructed in 1939, being a notable example. A visit to this cathedral is a must to witness the stunning vaulted ceiling that gracefully arches over the congregation.

In addition to the CTT post office and the Odeon Cine theater, there are many other impressive commercial Art Deco buildings in the city. These buildings provide a striking contrast to the vibrant, colorful murals depicting new African art on the city walls.

Christ The King statue

The Christ The King statue overlooks Lubango.

Eric Lafforgue/Art in All of Us/Corbis/Getty Images

The statue of Christ the King, with its outstretched arms, is often the first sight for visitors arriving in Lubango. This white marble monument is situated high on Serra da Chela mountain, at 2,130 meters above the city, reminiscent of the iconic Christ statues in Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon.

Constructed in 1957 by Portuguese engineer Madeira Frazão Sardinha, the 30-meter tall monument has been recognized as an Angolan World Heritage site since April 2014. Just a short drive from the city center, this location offers a perfect vantage point to take in the entirety of Lubango and grasp the energy and vastness of the city below.

Huila Regional Museum

The history of the city of Lubango comes to life in this well-preserved collection that was first opened in the 1950s.

The permanent exhibition features thematic rooms that highlight the habits, customs, beliefs, and traditions of communities in southern Angola. Visitors have the opportunity to view a variety of ornaments, textiles, ceramics, and other artifacts related to agriculture, fishing, hunting, and spirituality.