Visit the island of Mussulo in Angola

The island of Mussulo is a captivating peninsula located on the west coast of Angola, opposite the city of Luanda. This narrow strip of land stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately 30km long, but only 3km wide. Known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, the island of Mussulo is a dream destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. It is also a favorite holiday destination for the upper class in Luanda.

Its shores washed by turquoise waters offer an idyllic getaway where you can relax on pristine beaches and enjoy a variety of aquatic experiences in a breathtaking natural setting. Read on and discover with Passporter the beautiful island of Mussulo. Here you will find some tips to help you organize your trip and enjoy this wonderful destination.

What are the best activities to do on the island of Mussulo?

1. Enjoy the beach paradise

The main feature of the Mussulo peninsula is, of course, its paradisiacal beach that stretches along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. With its soft white sand, washed by crystal clear waters of turquoise tones, the beach of the island is a perfect retreat for sun and sea lovers seeking tranquility, but at a very comfortable distance from the capital Luanda.

Its shallow, calm waters create a safe environment for swimming and enjoying water activities. In addition, the beach is surrounded by a diverse natural environment that includes sand dunes and mangroves, making it a unique place. On its sand bathed by the sea, you can relax, sunbathe, practice beach sports, enjoy walks or simply contemplate the view of the ocean. The beach of the island is a coastal jewel that you will greatly enjoy during your trip.

2. Visit the National Slavery Museum

Although today the island of Mussulo is a holiday and recreational destination, it was once quite the opposite. It was one of the points in Angola where the slave trade was concentrated. During the colonial period, the peninsula was an important center in the harrowing history of the transatlantic slave trade. Thousands were captured and sold in inhumane conditions, suffering a devastating fate mostly on American plantations.

To honor the victims and condemn the terrible deeds practiced for centuries, the National Slavery Museum was erected in 1977 in the former chapel of the Casa Grande. It houses various objects and photographs that shed light on the history of slavery in Angola.

It is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

3. Practice water sports

As mentioned above, in addition to being a natural paradise, the island of Mussulo is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. Its waters are famous for activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and windsurfing.

Due to the crystal clear waters of the peninsula, snorkeling is one of the most popular activities of the place. It allows you to contemplate the underwater world of Angola with coral reefs and tropical fish. On the other hand, on the beach you can find companies that offer paddle surfing, boat surfing or jet ski rentals.

4. Explore the natural environment

One of the best ways to explore the peninsula and its natural environment is through a hiking trail. As you walk through its sand dunes, you’ll find a majestic and changing landscape that is the product of a unique interaction between land and sea. In addition to the dunes, you can walk through mangrove swamps, with their intricate root systems and water channels and coastal wetlands, which provide the opportunity to observe birds such as flamingos and pelicans.

There are several trekking options in Mussulo, from long routes of about 30km by bicycle, to 3km walks along the beach, depending on your tastes and ability.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to do and see around the island of Mussulo

1. Luanda, the capital of Angola

As mentioned above, the island of Mussulo is very close to Luanda, just a few kilometers from the city and about 15 minutes away by boat. So, if you’re visiting the peninsula, it’s more than likely that you’ll first pay a visit to the capital and political, economic and cultural center of Angola.

Luanda is a very popular tourist destination in the country because of its history and Portuguese colonial legacy that has left its mark on the architecture of well-known buildings. An example of this is its imposing Fortress of São Miguel, a historic military structure and symbol of the city that today houses the Museum of Military History. Another important museum is the National Museum of Anthropology, which offers an in-depth look at Angola’s cultural diversity. And if you are interested in spirituality, you cannot miss the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré. In addition, Luanda has captivating beaches, such as the Santiago Beach, the most popular, and the island do Cabo, with pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Read on here Things to see and do in Luanda.

Where to stay on the island of Mussulo

On the island of Mussulo, you’ll find accommodation options that include luxury resorts and hotels with exclusive facilities, charming boutique lodgings and houses or villas for rent for groups. There are also more rustic options such as campsites and cabins, as well as apartments. We recommend planning and booking accommodation in advance as this is a popular vacation destination. Although, of course, most accommodation is in Luanda itself and if you are only going for the day, it is always easier to stay in the capital.

• Macoco Resort: An apartment complex with a swimming pool, spa, picnic and barbecue area, bar, wine cellar, as well as a private beach. It has different rooms depending on the number of guests and prices start at 37€. Continental breakfast for 5USD per adult or 3USD per child
• Casa Catalina: An accommodation option in Luanda. This is a very nice guesthouse with well-equipped rooms with bed linen, private bathrooms and a fridge. There is also a common terrace where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing. The price per night starts at 46€.

Where and what to eat in the island of Mussulo?

As it is a coastal location, in the island of Mussulo you will find a multitude of fresh fish restaurants where you can try authentic delicacies such as peixe grelhado (grilled fish), fried cuttlefish and lobster, among others. Frequent dining options are the more humble resorts and fishermen’s restaurants.

• Bar Ssulo: An excellent place to eat after spending a day at the beach and taste the typical fish and seafood of the area, especially fresh lobster. Very nice and with beautiful views.
• Nautilus: A nice seaside restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, good music and even massage service and playground. Good fish and seafood and other dishes such as burgers and Angolan stews.

What should I know before a trip to the island of Mussulo

• The Angolan Kwanza is the official currency of Angola. However, US dollars are generally accepted in the same manner.
• It is illegal to take currency out of the country, you must exchange before arriving at the airport if you don’t want to be penalized or even detained.
• The documentation required to travel to Angola is the passport (which must have at least six months validity when you enter the country), visa (except for people who have Portuguese nationality), and international vaccination certificate.
• The international vaccination certificate is very important when traveling to Angola and must include the yellow fever vaccine. However, it is also advisable to have received other vaccinations such as hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, polio and meningitis C, although these are not compulsory.
• The official language of Angola is Portuguese, but more than 40 Bantu languages are spoken in the country.
• Hedge yourself against possible risks: travel insured.
• Do not drink tap water, only bottled water.
• Travel with plenty of cash because with the exception of a few hotels and restaurants, credit cards are not in very common use nor are there many reliable ATMs.
• Angola is quite safe but some precautions should be taken: it is recommended to avoid walking, going out at night or visiting troubled areas.
• Book hotels well in advance to avoid exorbitant prices.
• Practice responsible tourism and minimize your environmental impact. Do not leave garbage on the beaches of the island of Mussulo.
• Check transportation schedules and available options in advance to avoid mishaps.
• Take sunscreen, as well as a hat, sunglasses and mosquito repellent.

How to organize what to see on the island of Mussulo

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so that they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to have everything always at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you can share your own travel tips and recommendations on what to see on the island of Mussulo.
• Enjoy your trip to the island of Mussulo!

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post. How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to the island of Mussulo