Menongue, Angola

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Menongue, Angola

Region: Menongue, Angola is located in Cuando Cubango


Geographic Coordinates: -14.655600, 17.684200
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry season from May to September, rainy season from October to April.
Population: 320914
Language: Portuguese

Menongue is a city in southeastern Angola, Serving as the capital of the province of Kuando Kubango. The population is around 100, 000 people and it sits on the banks of the Cuebe River. Menongue was established by Portuguese colonizers in 1894 and has played a significant role in Angola’s history. The climate is tropical with temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The rainy season lasts from November to April while May to October is dry. Despite being near a river, Water scarcity remains an issue for residents.

Agriculture and mining are major economic activities in Menongue; crops such as cassava, Maize, Beans, Peanuts and cotton are produced while diamond mines provide employment opportunities. The Cuito Cuanavale Battlefield Museum commemorates one of Africa’s biggest battles fought between Cuban-Angolan forces against apartheid South African troops during Angola’s civil war (1975-2002). It houses artifacts such as weapons used during battle and photographs that tell stories about this historic event. Bicauri National Park covers over seven million hectares across three provinces: Cuando Cubango (where Menongue lies), Moxico and Bié).

It boasts diverse flora & fauna including elephants; lions; antelopes; buffalos; giraffes etc., Making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Menongue airport connects locals with other parts of Angola like Luanda via commercial airlines such as TAAG Angolan Airlines or private charters available through local tour operators like Kuando Kubango Tours & Safaris who offer customized safaris to visitors. Menongue offers tourists a glimpse into Angola’s past and present through its museums, National parks, And local economy despite being located in a challenging environment with limited resources.



Important Landmarks

  1. Cuito Cuanavale Battlefield: This historic site is located near Menongue and was the site of a significant battle during the Angolan Civil War.
  2. Kambumbe Falls: These impressive waterfalls are located about 40km from Menongue and are a popular spot for picnics and swimming.
  3. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima: This beautiful Catholic church is located in the center of Menongue and is known for its striking architecture.
  4. The Provincial Museum of Cuando Cubango: This museum showcases the history and culture of the region, including exhibits on traditional crafts, music, and dance.
  5. Mupa National Park: Located about 50km from Menongue, this park is home to a variety of wildlife species including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching.
  6. The Tundavala Fissure: This natural wonder is located about 100km from Menongue and offers stunning views over the surrounding landscape.
  7. The Monument to Peace: Located in central Menongue, this monument commemorates Angola’s long struggle for peace following years of civil war.
  8. The Jardim da Cultura Garden: This garden has several sculptures that represent different cultures present in Angola like Chokwe people sculptures among others.
  9. The Forte de Santa Comba: This fort was built by Portuguese settlers around 1700s as part their defense strategy against local tribes. It served as prison during colonial times but now serves as historical landmark.
  10. The Kwepe Cultural Center: This cultural center aims at preserving traditional cultures by showcasing dances, music, and other cultural practices.

Primary Industries

  • Menongue is the capital city of Cuando Cubango province in Angola.
  • The city boasts several thriving industries and businesses, including:
    • Agriculture
      • The region’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it an ideal location for growing crops like maize, cassava beans, and peanuts.
    • Mining
      • The mining sector is significant with deposits of diamonds, gold, iron ore, copper, and manganese.
    • Construction
      • As urbanization continues to grow in Menongue, there is a high demand for construction materials such as cement blocks and bricks.
    • Retail
      • There are several small retail shops selling various goods from food items to clothing.
    • Banking
      • Banking services are available through a few banks operating within Menongue, providing financial services to the local population.
    • Transportation
      • Transportation networks connect Angola with neighboring countries like Namibia and Zambia, making it a regional hub for transport companies.
    • Tourism
      • Tourism is also an emerging industry in Menongue, with attractions like Mavinga National Park offering ecotourism activities such as wildlife safaris and bird watching tours.
    • Healthcare
      • Healthcare facilities such as General Hospital de Cuando Cubango provide essential services to the people living within this region.

    Noteable History

    1. Angolan Civil War: Menongue was one of the major battlegrounds during the Angolan Civil War that lasted from 1975 to 2002. The city suffered heavy damage during the war, and many lives were lost.
    2. UNITA: The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) had its headquarters in Menongue during the civil war. UNITA was one of two main factions fighting against the ruling MPLA government.
    3. Jonas Savimbi: Jonas Savimbi was a prominent figure in UNITA and led its military wing for much of the civil war. He was killed near Menongue in 2002.
    4. Peace Accords: In April 2002, peace accords were signed between UNITA and MPLA, bringing an end to decades-long conflict in Angola.
    5. Development: Since the end of the civil war, Menongue has undergone significant development and reconstruction efforts to rebuild infrastructure and improve living conditions for residents.
    6. Wildlife conservation: The nearby Luiana Partial Reserve is home to several endangered species such as African wild dogs, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards among others making it a popular destination for ecotourism activities.
    7. Menongue Airport: The airport serves as an important transportation hub connecting Cuando Cubango province with other parts of Angola as well as neighboring countries like Namibia.
    8. Father Mateus Ruiz Bragança: Father Mateus Ruiz Bragança served as bishop at Diocese de Menongue from 1990 until his death on July 11th, 2021. He played an instrumental role in promoting peacebuilding initiatives within his community amidst years-long conflict that plagued his region.

    Museums and Things To See

    1. Menongue Museum: This museum is a showcase of the region’s history and culture, featuring traditional art, artifacts, and photographs.
    2. Monument to Peace: Built in honor of the peace agreement signed between the Angolan government and UNITA rebels in 2002.
    3. Cathedral of Menongue: A beautiful Catholic church located in Menongue’s heart that is worth visiting for its architecture and religious significance.
    4. Cuito Cuanavale Battlefield: Marks one of Angola’s civil war’s most significant battles, situated about 100 km from Menongue.
    5. Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area: This vast conservation area spans five countries and is home to a diverse range of wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes etc.
    6. Tundavala Gap: A scenic viewpoint about 50 km from Menongue offering stunning views over a deep valley below.
    7. Jamba Nature Reserve: Home to rare species such as black rhinos and cheetahs located approximately 150 km from Menongue.
    8. Cuangar Falls – A series of waterfalls situated around 80 km from Menongue popular for swimming and picnicking during the dry season (May-September).



    Cultural Events

    1. Carnival of Menongue – This colorful event occurs annually in February or March before the start of Lent.
    2. Festival da Paz – A peace festival that brings together people from different ethnic groups and backgrounds to celebrate unity and harmony.
    3. Independence Day Celebration – Angolans commemorate their country’s independence from Portugal on November 11th every year since 1975.
    4. National Heroes Day – Celebrated on September 17th each year to honor those who fought for Angola’s independence.
    5. International Women’s Day – Recognized on March 8th each year worldwide to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of women.
    6. Ngola Festival – A traditional festival celebrated by the Ovimbundu people in honor of their ancestors.
    7. Kwanzaa Celebration- An annual celebration held between December 26th and January 1st that celebrates African heritage, culture, and values.
    8. Music Festivals – Various music festivals are also held throughout the year showcasing local talent from different genres such as Kizomba, Semba or Kuduro music among others.

    Cuisine

    • Churrascaria Oásis – a popular restaurant serving grilled meats and seafood.
    • Restaurante Doce Sabor – known for its traditional Angolan dishes such as moamba de galinha (chicken stew) and funge (a cornmeal dish).
    • Restaurante Miramar – specializes in seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp and fish.
    • Bar e Restaurante Tia Nádia – offers a variety of local dishes including calulu (a stew made with fish or meat), feijão de óleo (oil beans), and arroz com frango (rice with chicken).
    • Pizzaria Italiana Menongue – serves pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes.
    • Pastelaria Doce Mania – a pastry shop that offers traditional Angolan sweets such as cocada branca (coconut candy) and bolo de fuba (cornmeal cake).
    • Churrasqueira Oásis 2 – another branch of the popular Churrascaria Oásis restaurant chain that serves grilled meats and seafood.
    • Casa da Comida Regional – specializes in traditional Angolan food like muamba de galinha or calulu but also has international options like Portuguese-style codfish.

    Parks and Recreation

    1. Jardim Municipal de Menongue – a public garden with walking paths and benches.
    2. Parque Nacional da Cameia – a national park with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
    3. Centro Cultural Chiloango – a cultural center that hosts events such as music concerts and art exhibitions.
    4. Praia Fluvial do Luena – a river beach where visitors can swim or relax by the water.
    5. Estádio Municipal 4 de Janeiro – a sports stadium that hosts soccer matches and other athletic events.

    It is recommended to check local listings or travel guides for updated information on available parks and activities in Menongue, Angola before making plans to visit.


    Suitcase

    Enjoy The Journey.


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