Malanje, Angola
Region: Malanje
Geographic Coordinates: -9.533300, 16.350000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Population: 604215
Language: Portuguese
Malanje is a city located in the northern region of Angola and serves as the capital of Malanje Province. With a population of approximately 222, 000 people, It is situated on the banks of the Cacuso River and surrounded by lush vegetation, Rolling hills, And waterfalls. The city has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by various ethnic groups such as Ovimbundu, Ambundu, And Bakongo. One of Malanje’s most popular tourist attractions is Kalandula Falls which is one of Africa’s largest waterfalls with a height over 100 meters.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from various vantage points or take a dip in one of its crystal-clear pools. Another must-see attraction in Malanje is Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo (Black Stones) which are huge black rocks that resemble giant fingers protruding from the ground believed to have been formed millions of years ago due to volcanic activity. For those interested in learning more about Angolan culture and history, There are several museums worth visiting such as Museu Regional de Arqueologia Dundo (Regional Museum), Museu do Congo (Congo Museum), And Museu da Batalha do Cuito Cuanavale (Cuito Cuanavale Battle Museum).
Malanje also boasts some impressive architecture such as Igreja da Sé Cathedral with stunning stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes; Palácio do Governo Provincial (Provincial Government Palace) constructed in 1920; and Casa dos Governadores (Governors’ House) dating back to the early 20th century. In terms of cuisine, Visitors can try traditional Angolan dishes such as funge made from cassava flour or sample local fruits like mango, Papaya, Avocado while indulging in delicious roasted meat at one of many churrasqueiras(barbecue restaurants) around town. Overall, Malanje is a fascinating city that combines natural beauty with rich history and culture.
Whether you’re interested in exploring waterfalls, Museums, Or trying new foods, There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant Angolan city.
Important Landmarks
- Kalandula Falls
- Cangandala National Park
- Malanje Cathedral
- Capanda Dam
- Pungo Andongo Sacred Forest
- Mucoso Museum and Art Gallery
- Tundavala Rift
- Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo (Black Stones of Pungo Andongo)
- Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church
- Kwanza River Bridge
Primary Industries
- The city of Malanje in Angola has a diverse range of industries and businesses.
- Its fertile soil makes it an ideal location for agriculture, with crops such as coffee, cotton, sugarcane, maize, beans, cassava and fruits being produced.
- The province is also rich in mineral resources including diamonds which are mined from areas like Lucapa.
- As infrastructure development projects increase in the city there is a growing construction industry.
- Malanje’s strategic location between two major cities (Luanda & Cuanza Norte) means that there are several transportation companies operating within the city.
- In addition to commerce businesses such as retail shops, restaurants and bars being present in the city; healthcare services are also available with hospitals like Hospital Regional de Malange providing medical care to its residents.
- Education sector also plays a vital role with schools like Escola Superior Politecnica de Malange offering higher education courses to students interested in science and technology fields.
Noteable History
- Portuguese colonization: Malanje was founded by Portuguese colonizers in the 19th century.
- Slave trade: Malanje was a major center for the slave trade during the colonial period.
- Independence struggle: During the Angolan War of Independence (1961-1974), Malanje was a key battleground between the MPLA and UNITA rebel groups.
- Civil war: During the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002), Malanje was heavily affected by fighting between government forces and UNITA rebels.
- Agostinho Neto: The first President of Angola, Agostinho Neto, was born in Icolo e Bengo near Luanda but spent much of his childhood in Malanje where his father worked as a schoolteacher.
- Jonas Savimbi: Jonas Savimbi, the founder and leader of UNITA, spent time hiding out in the forests around Malanje during his guerrilla campaign against government forces.
- Kuduro music: The popular Angolan music genre kuduro originated in Luanda but has strong roots in nearby cities like Malanje where it evolved into its current form.
Note: This information may not be completely accurate or up-to-date as historical events are subject to interpretation and new discoveries may emerge over time.
Sports Teams
- Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Angola. The country has a national football team that competes internationally.
- Basketball is also quite popular in Angola, with the national basketball team being one of the best on the African continent.
- Handball is another sport that is widely played and followed in Angola.
- Volleyball and athletics are also gaining popularity among young people.
It’s possible that Malanje has local teams or clubs for these sports or others, but further research would be needed to provide specific information about them.
Cultural Events
- FestiMalanje – a cultural festival that celebrates the diversity of Angolan culture through music, dance, theater performances, and traditional food.
- Festival Internacional de Poesia de Malanje – an international poetry festival that brings together poets from Angola and other countries to share their work.
- Festa da Cidade de Malanje – a celebration of the city’s founding with parades, music performances, and cultural activities.
- Carnaval de Malanje – a colorful carnival celebration that takes place before Lent with elaborate costumes and lively street parties.
- Feira Internacional da Agricultura e Pecuária (FIAP) – an international agriculture and livestock fair that showcases the latest agricultural technologies, products, and services.
- Festival dos Tambores do Mundo (World Drums Festival) – a musical event featuring drummers from different parts of the world showcasing their unique styles of drumming.
- Dia Nacional da Cultura (National Culture Day) – a day dedicated to celebrating Angolan culture through various art forms such as music, dance, literature, and visual arts.
Cuisine
- Muamba de Galinha: A traditional Angolan dish made with chicken, palm oil, okra and spices.
- Calulu: A stew made with fish or meat, dried shrimp, onions and tomatoes.
- Mufete: Grilled fish served with cassava leaves and rice.
- Funge de Carne Seca: A dish made from cassava flour mixed with dried meat.
- Cabidela: A dish made from chicken or rabbit cooked in its own blood and served over rice.
Some popular restaurants in Malanje include:
- Restaurante Jacaranda
- Restaurante Churrasqueira Ondaka
- Restaurante Sabor Africano
- Restaurante Kandando
- Tia Maria’s Restaurant
- Parque Nacional da Cangandala (Cangandala National Park)
- Parque da Independência (Independence Park)
- Complexo Turístico de Kalandula (Kalandula Touristic Complex)
- Praia do Rio Kwanza (Kwanza River Beach)
- Jardim Municipal de Malanje (Malanje Municipal Garden)
- Estádio 4 de Janeiro (4th of January Stadium)
- Piscina Olímpica de Malanje (Malanje Olympic Swimming Pool)
- Campo Polidesportivo da Chicala-Cholohanga
- Museu Regional do Dundo
- Teatro Municipal José Eduardo dos Santos