Chibia, Angola

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Chibia, Angola

Region: Huíla


Geographic Coordinates: -15.183300, 13.700000
Population: 190670
Language: Portuguese

Chibia is a town in the southern part of Angola, Specifically in the province of Huíla. It is about 30 kilometers southeast of Lubango, Which is the capital city of Huíla. The town has a population of approximately 50, 000 people and covers an area of about 4, 500 square kilometers. One notable feature that distinguishes Chibia from other towns in Angola is its landscape. The town lies on a plateau that rises to an altitude of over 1, 500 meters above sea level.

As such, It enjoys cooler temperatures than most parts of Angola and has a unique ecosystem characterized by grasslands and shrubs. Chibia’s economy mainly relies on agriculture as most residents engage in farming activities for subsistence or commercial purposes. The fertile soils support the growth of crops such as maize, Millet, Beans, Cassava and sweet potatoes among others. Additionally, Livestock rearing is also prevalent with cattle being the most common animal reared. The town has several tourist attractions which are worth visiting for anyone interested in exploring Chibia’s culture and history.

One such attraction is the Tundavala Fissure which offers breathtaking views over Lubango city and its surrounding areas from an altitude exceeding 2 km above sea level. Another notable attraction near Chibia is Serra da Leba mountain range which offers scenic views over lush vegetation-covered hillsides dotted with small villages and towns below it. Visitors can take guided tours or hike up to enjoy these spectacular views while learning more about local customs along the way. Chibia also boasts several cultural festivals that attract visitors from all over Angola every year.

One such event is Ngolongoliwa festival held annually during August where locals showcase their traditional dances accompanied by drumming beats while dressed up in colorful costumes made from natural materials like animal skins or plant fibers. In terms of infrastructure development, Chibia has seen significant improvements over recent years with the government investing in constructing new roads, Schools, Health centers and other public facilities to improve the living standards of its residents. Additionally, The town is also served by an airport which offers flights to other parts of Angola.

Chibia is a beautiful town that offers visitors a unique blend of culture and nature. Its breathtaking landscapes, Cultural festivals and friendly people make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore Angola’s southern region.



Important Landmarks

  1. Tundavala Gap: This natural wonder provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  2. Cavernas do Namibe: A system of caves with unique rock formations and underground lakes.
  3. Miradouro da Leba: A scenic viewpoint overlooking a winding road that leads to Namibe.
  4. Serra da Leba: A mountain range with hiking trails and breathtaking vistas.
  5. Iona National Park: This park is home to diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
  6. Forte de São Fernando de Namibe: An old Portuguese fort converted into a museum showcasing local history and culture.
  7. Praia da Baía Azul: A beautiful beach with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
  8. Cascata da Lagoa Azul: A waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation ideal for nature enthusiasts.
  9. Museu Regional do Lubango Christ the King: An art museum featuring works by local artists as well as international exhibits.
  10. Cristo Rei Monument in Lubango City Center – The monument is located on top of Mount Tunda-Vala which allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Lubango city from above.

Primary Industries

  • Chibia, Angola is primarily an agricultural area with a focus on crop production such as:
    • Maize
    • Beans
    • Cassava
  • Livestock farming is also common in the region.
  • There are few major industries or businesses in Chibia beyond agriculture and small-scale trade.
  • Some residents engage in artisanal mining for diamonds and other minerals, but this is not a significant industry in the area.

  • Noteable History

    1. Chibia is a small town in Angola that was founded by Portuguese colonizers in the early 20th century.
    2. During the Angolan War of Independence (1961-1974), it became a center of resistance against Portuguese rule.
    3. Unfortunately, Chibia also witnessed a massacre committed by UNITA rebels against civilians who were attending a peace rally in 1992.
    4. Despite its historical significance, Chibia has not produced any notable people or events that have gained national or international recognition.
    5. Overall, it has played a relatively minor role in Angolan history.

    Museums and Things To See

    1. Tchitundo-Hulo Petroglyphs: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 1,000 rock engravings dating back to the Iron Age.
    2. Chibia Museum: This small museum showcases exhibits on local history and culture and is a great place to learn about the traditions and customs of the region.
    3. Cidade Alta: This historic district in downtown Chibia features colonial-era architecture and is a must-see for anyone interested in Angolan history.
    4. Fortaleza de Sao Miguel: Built by Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century, this fort offers stunning views of the surrounding area and provides insight into Angola’s colonial past.
    5. Art Center N’gola Kiluanji Kia Samba: This contemporary art center features works from both established and emerging artists from Angola and beyond.
    6. Iona National Park: Located just outside of Chibia, this park is home to a diverse array of wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and more.
    7. Miradouro da Lua (Moon Viewpoint): A unique natural landmark featuring stunning lunar-like landscapes that are truly breathtaking at sunset or sunrise.
    8. Palacio de Ferro (Iron Palace): A beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture built by Gustave Eiffel himself!


    Sports Teams

    1. Petro de Luanda – founded in 1980, this club has won several league titles and is considered one of the best teams in Angola.
    2. Primeiro de Agosto – also known as GD Interclube, this club was founded in 1977 and has won numerous league titles.
    3. Sagrada Esperança – based in Dundo, this club was founded in 1976 and has had some success both domestically and internationally.
    4. Recreativo do Libolo – based in Kwanza Sul province, this club was founded relatively recently (in 2011) but has already won several trophies.
    5. Kabuscorp SC – based in Luanda, this club was founded by businessman Bento Kangamba and has been successful both on and off the pitch.


    Cultural Events

    1. Festival of the Black Cock: This festival is held annually in July and celebrates the local culture of Chibia.
    2. Kwanza Sul Cultural Week: This week-long event takes place in November and promotes traditional Angolan culture through music, dance, food, and crafts.
    3. National Heroes Day: Celebrated on September 17th every year to commemorate Angola’s heroes who fought for independence.
    4. Carnival of Chibia: This festival is celebrated before Lent each year with parades featuring colorful costumes and masks.
    5. Independence Day: Celebrated on November 11th every year to commemorate Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
    6. Ngola Festival: A celebration of the ancient Kingdom of Ndongo that once ruled over present-day Angola; it features traditional dances, music performances by local artists, storytelling sessions about the history of Ndongo kingdom among others.
    7. Luanda International Jazz Festival – an annual jazz festival that attracts musicians from all over Africa as well as international acts.

    Note that due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions some events may be cancelled or postponed until further notice.


    Cuisine

    • Muamba de Galinha – a spicy chicken stew served with rice or funge (a traditional Angolan dish made from cassava flour).
    • Calulu – a fish stew made with okra and served with funge.
    • Mufete – grilled fish served with vegetables and funge.
    • Churrasqueira Oceano – a popular restaurant known for its grilled meats and seafood dishes.
    • Restaurante Mar e Sol – another popular seafood restaurant in Chibia.
    • Restaurante Tio Pepe- serves traditional Angolan cuisine including calulu, moamba de galinha, and grilled meats.
    • Restaurante Jardim do Eden- offers international cuisine as well as local dishes like mufete.
    • Kandengue Bar & Grill- serves grilled meats, seafood dishes, salads, and sandwiches along with live music on weekends.

    Please note that it is advisable to check the latest travel advisories before planning any trip to Angola due to safety concerns in some areas of the country.


    Parks and Recreation

    1. Kissama National Park
    2. Quiçama National Park
    3. Mupa National Park
    4. Iona National Park
    5. Kalandula Falls

    It is advisable to check with the local authorities or tourism board for updated information on parks and recreational activities in Chibia, Angola.


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