Huambo
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At a glance
- Country
- Angola
- Region
- Huambo Province
- Population
- 600,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Huambo Albano Machado (NOV)
- Coordinates
- 12.78°S, 15.74°E
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Overview
Huambo lies on the central plateau at around 1,700 metres, with a mild climate and wide, tree-lined avenues laid out by the Portuguese, who once planned to make it the colonial capital. It suffered heavily in the civil war and has been rebuilt since.
It is not a tourist city, which is part of its honesty. Come to see everyday Angolan highland life, ride the railway and use it as a base for the hills around Mount Moco.
Things to see
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Colonial centre
Broad avenues, gardens and restored civic buildings from the early 20th century around the main square.
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Photo: Sokfikis, CC BY 3.0 Huambo railway station
A stop on the historic Benguela Railway, which links the highlands to the Atlantic port of Lobito.
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Huambo Cathedral
The city's main Catholic cathedral, a landmark of a strongly Catholic region.
Things to do
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Photo: Benjamin Stauch (Wikischaaf (talk)), CC0 Climb Mount Moco
Angola's highest mountain, with rare patches of montane forest and wide views across the plateau.
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Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 Ride the Benguela Railway
A long, slow journey west through the highlands and down to the coast at Benguela and Lobito.
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Photo: Malcolm Manners, CC BY 2.0 Browse the markets
Local markets sell fresh produce from the fertile plateau, along with cloth and household goods.
Where to stay
City centre
Close to the main avenues, restaurants and the station, and where most hotels are.
Hotels in City centreOuter residential areas
Quieter streets beyond the centre with a few guesthouses, best if you have a car or driver.
Hotels in Outer residential areas
Getting around
Taxis and minibuses get around town. For Mount Moco you'll need a car, ideally a four-wheel drive, and a local guide who knows the trails.
The airport is just outside the city, around 10 minutes by taxi.
When to go
May to October is dry, sunny and cool, with chilly nights. The rains run from November to April.
Plan your trip to Huambo
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.