Lubango
Visited in March 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Angola
- Region
- Huíla Province
- Population
- 903,564
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Lubango Mukanka (SDD)
- Coordinates
- 14.89°S, 13.46°E
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Overview
Lubango sits on a high plateau in south-western Angola, at around 1,700 metres, which keeps it cool and green compared with the coast. Its Portuguese colonial centre is small, but the scenery around it is some of the most spectacular in Africa.
Most people come for the views. Within an hour you can stand on the edge of the Tundavala escarpment or drive the hairpins of the Serra da Leba down towards the desert.
Things to see
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Photo: ibnluanda, CC BY 2.0 Cristo Rei
A white statue of Christ with outstretched arms on a hill above the city, modelled on the one in Lisbon.
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Photo: tim kubacki, CC BY 2.0 Tundavala Gap
A breathtaking fissure in the escarpment where the plateau drops away by about a kilometre to the plains below.
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Photo: Erik Cleves Kristensen, CC BY 2.0 Serra da Leba Pass
A famous road of tight hairpin bends snaking down the mountainside, best seen from the viewpoint at the top.
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Senhora do Monte
A hilltop chapel and park popular with families at weekends, with views over the city.
Things to do
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Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 Drive down to Namibe
Descend the Serra da Leba to the desert coast and the town of Namibe, about three hours away.
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Huíla waterfalls
Pretty falls a short drive outside the city, a favourite picnic spot after the rains.
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Photo: Alfred Weidinger from Vienna, Austria, CC BY 2.0 Explore Iona National Park
A remote desert park with welwitschia plants and dunes meeting the sea, best on a guided multi-day trip.
Where to stay
City centre
Near the colonial streets, cafés and markets, with most hotels close together.
Hotels in City centreOutskirts and lodges
A few lodges in the surrounding hills offer quiet and views, best with a car.
Hotels in Outskirts and lodges
Getting around
Taxis and candongueiro minibuses run around town, but you'll want a car or driver for the viewpoints.
The airport is a short drive from the centre, around 15 minutes by taxi.
When to go
The dry season from May to October brings clear skies and cool nights, sometimes close to freezing. The rains fall from November to April.
Plan your trip to Lubango
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.