Lubango, Angola

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Lubango, Angola

Region: Lubango, Angola is located in the Huíla province


Geographic Coordinates: -14.916700, 13.500000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 30.0°C (59°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal variations in temperature and rainfall occur in Lubango, Angola, with a dry season from May to September and a rainy season from October to April.
Population: 776249
Language: Portuguese

Lubango, Located in the Huila Province of Angola, Is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The city was founded in 1882 by Portuguese colonizers and has since grown to become one of the largest cities in southern Angola. Lubango is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 1, 750 meters above sea level, Giving it a cooler climate than other parts of the country. One of Lubango’s most famous landmarks is the Christ the King statue that stands atop Tundavala Mountain overlooking the city.

The statue was erected in 1957 and stands at over 30 meters tall. Visitors can take a scenic drive up to Tundavala Mountain for breathtaking views of Lubango and its surroundings. Lubango also boasts several museums that showcase its rich cultural history. The National Museum of Anthropology houses artifacts from various ethnic groups throughout Angola, Including traditional clothing, Musical instruments, And masks used in ceremonial dances. The Huila Regional Museum displays exhibits on local flora and fauna as well as archaeological finds from pre-colonial times. For nature lovers, There are several parks around Lubango worth exploring.

The Serra da Leba mountain range offers hiking trails through stunning landscapes filled with waterfalls and natural pools perfect for swimming or picnicking. Bicaur Park is another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature while enjoying views over Lubango. Foodies will appreciate Lubango’s culinary scene which features local specialties such as Muamba de Galinha (chicken stew) or Calulu (fish stew). There are also plenty of street food vendors selling snacks like grilled meat skewers or fried plantains. no visit to Lubango would be complete without experiencing its vibrant nightlife scene.

Bars like Bar do Rasta offer live music performances by local artists while clubs like Club Veneza provide dance floors where visitors can dance until dawn. In conclusion, Lubango is a city full of cultural, Historical, And natural treasures waiting to be explored. Its stunning landscapes, Rich history, And vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Angola.



Important Landmarks

  1. Christ the King statue
  2. Serra da Leba mountain pass
  3. Tundavala Gap viewpoint
  4. Lubango Cathedral
  5. Jardim da Cultura (Garden of Culture)
  6. Fortaleza de São João Baptista (Fortress of Saint John the Baptist)
  7. Museu Regional da Huíla (Huila Regional Museum)
  8. Praça Joaquim de Almeida (Joaquim de Almeida Square)
  9. Parque Nacional do Bicuar (Bicuar National Park)

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture
    • Coffee
    • Maize
    • Beans
    • Vegetables
  2. Mining
    • Diamonds
    • Other minerals
  3. Construction
    • Roads
    • Buildings
  4. Manufacturing
    • Textiles
    • Food processing factories
  5. Tourism
    • Tundavala Gap
    • Serra da Leba mountain range

Noteable History

  1. The colonial period: Lubango was founded as a colonial settlement in 1885 by Portuguese colonizers, who established it as the capital of Huíla province.
  2. The Namibian War of Independence: During the 1960s and 1970s, Lubango served as a base for SWAPO (South West African People’s Organization) guerrillas fighting for Namibian independence from South Africa.
  3. The Angolan Civil War: In the 1980s and early 1990s, Lubango was a key battleground in the Angolan Civil War between government forces and UNITA rebels.
  4. Agostinho Neto: Agostinho Neto was an Angolan poet and politician who played a major role in leading Angola to independence from Portugal in 1975. He served as Angola’s first president until his death in 1979.
  5. Jonas Savimbi: Jonas Savimbi was a prominent figure during the civil war, serving as leader of UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola). He died in combat in February 2002.
  6. Christiaan Barnard: Christiaan Barnard was a South African heart surgeon who performed one of the world’s first heart transplants on December 3rd,1967 at Groote Schuur Hospital Cape Town South Africa but he also worked at Central Hospital de Lubango on behalf of UNITA during their war effort against MPLA forces.
  7. Dom Afonso Nteka – Dom Afonso Nteka is an Angolan bishop who has been serving since June 2008 when he succeeded Bishop Zacarias Kamwenho to become Archbishop-elect of Huambo after being ordained Bishop by Pope Benedict XVI at St Peter’s Basilica Vatican City State Rome Italy on January 6th, 2008.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Cristo Rei Monument: A towering statue of Christ overlooking the city, offering stunning views of Lubango.
  2. Tundavala Fissure: A natural wonder and popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views from a high cliff.
  3. Lubango Railway Station: A historic train station with a unique architectural design, showcasing the country’s colonial past.
  4. National Museum of Anthropology: A fascinating museum showcasing Angola’s cultural heritage and history.
  5. Nossa Senhora do Monte Church: An impressive church with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate wood carvings.
  6. Serra da Leba Pass: One of Angola’s most iconic landmarks, featuring winding roads that lead to incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  7. Huila Provincial Government Palace: A grand building with a beautiful façade that reflects the city’s colonial architecture.
  8. The Art Center Núcleo da Tchiloli: An art center that showcases traditional Angolan art forms including music, dance, and theater performances.
  9. The Regional Museum of Huila: This museum houses an extensive collection on the history and culture of Huila province.
  10. The Cathedral Church Lubango- This is a beautiful church located in central Lubango which is worth visiting for its stunning architecture.



Cultural Events

  1. Lubango Carnival is a vibrant street parade held annually in February or March, featuring music, dance, and colorful costumes.
  2. Festa da Nossa Senhora do Monte is a religious festival honoring the patron saint of Lubango and takes place in August.
  3. Festival Internacional de Cinema de Angola (FIC Angola) showcases African and global cinema and occurs every November.
  4. Expo-Huíla is an annual trade fair that presents local businesses and products such as tourism, crafts, and agriculture.
  5. Festival da Canção da LAC (FECALAC) is an October music festival featuring local musicians from Angola.
  6. Semana Cultural do Huambo e Huíla celebrates the arts of the Huambo and Huíla provinces annually in July or August.
  7. Feira Internacional de Benguela e Lubango (FIBEL) promotes business opportunities between Angola and other countries every two years in Lubango.
  8. Encontro Nacional de Escritores Angolanos na Diáspora (ENEA-Diáspora) brings together Angolan writers living abroad to discuss their work every two years in September or October.

Cuisine

  • Churrasqueira O Rei do Frango – famous for grilled chicken and other meat dishes.
  • Restaurante O Pescador – known for its fresh seafood dishes.
  • Restaurante Palanca Negra – offers traditional Angolan cuisine such as muamba de galinha (chicken stew) and feijão de óleo (bean stew).
  • Casa da Comida – serves a variety of international dishes as well as Angolan specialties.
  • Restaurante Maravilha – specializes in grilled meats and seafood, with a cozy atmosphere.
  • Kikolo Restaurant & Bar – offers traditional African cuisine with live music entertainment.
  • Zambi Grill – serves Brazilian-style barbecue with a variety of meats cooked on skewers over an open flame.
  • Luanda Restaurant – specializes in Portuguese cuisine including seafood, meat dishes, and pastries.
  • Churrasqueira Jardim do Eden – famous for its grilled chicken and steak sandwiches served on freshly baked bread rolls.
  • Tia Rosa Snack Bar- offers traditional Angolan snacks such as empadas (meat pies) and pasteis de bacalhau (codfish fritters).

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Jardim da Cultura is a public park situated in the heart of Lubango, featuring a large fountain, walking paths, and benches for relaxation.
    2. Parque Nacional da Serra da Leba is a national park located just outside of Lubango that offers hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
    3. Praia Morena is a popular beach destination located on the coast near Lubango that offers swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
    4. Complexo Turístico Futungo de Belas is an entertainment complex situated in Luanda that features a waterpark with slides and pools as well as a variety of other recreational activities such as go-karting and mini-golf.
    5. Estádio do Ferroviário is a sports stadium in Lubango that hosts local soccer matches and other sporting events.
    6. Parque Infantil do Bairro Comercial is a playground located in the center of Lubango that offers fun activities for children such as swings, slides, and climbing structures.
    7. Miradouro da Lua is an impressive viewpoint overlooking lunar-like landscapes about an hour’s drive from Luanda; it’s popular for hiking excursions or picnics with breathtaking views over Angola’s vast countryside.
    8. Cine Kalunga is a movie theater in central Lubango showing both domestic Angolan films as well as international blockbusters.
    9. Museu Regional de Huila (Huila Regional Museum) showcases local history through displays including traditional artifacts such as pottery made by indigenous tribespeople dating back to pre-colonial times; it’s located downtown.
    10. Praia dos Namibes (Namibian Beach) is another nearby beach location known for its clear waters ideal for swimming or snorkeling; it’s also surrounded by lush vegetation making it an ideal location for outdoor picnics or barbecues with friends or family.

    Suitcase

    Go Where The Road Takes You.


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