Malanje is a province of Angola with the capital of the same name. Despite being a great mystery among the usual tourist areas in Angola, you will be surprised by the amount of natural areas to visit in Malanje. This province is a unique opportunity to enjoy some stunning natural landscapes. The beauty that awaits you in Malanje is quite remarkable. We have no doubt that it will astonish you.
That is why we recommend you to read this post very carefully if you are thinking of traveling to this beautiful Angolan province. Here we will not only give you the tips on what are the best things to do in Malanje, but we will also recommend some restaurants and accommodations in the area. Thanks to Passporter you can organize your trip in advance and enjoy all the wonders that await you in Malanje. What are you waiting for?
What are the best places to visit in Malanje?
1. Natural Reserve of Milando
One of the most important natural paradises that you should visit in Malanje is the Milando Natural Reserve. This reserve was created in 1951 and is located between the municipalities of Luquembo, Cunda-dia-Baze and Marimba. It is important worldwide for its beauty, but especially for the size of more than one million hectares of extension. Wow!
In addition to a pleasant walk, the Milando Nature Reserve will give you a glimpse of many species of animals. For example leopards, lions, hippos or crocodiles have their natural habitat in this park. You can even observe the giant sable antelope, an animal that is at the same time very important in the collective imagination for being the national symbol of Angola.
2. The Black Stones of Pungo Andongo
The Black Stones of Pungo Andongo is undoubtedly one of the most recommended places to see in Malanje. It is a series of rock formations of the most unique shapes, since they are reminiscent of the shape of the animals of the African savanna. It is spectacular, as if nature merged with the environment even in form. You should know that it is a bit difficult to access the Black Stones of Pungo Andongo, but once you are there, all the effort will be rewarded, they are amazing!
3. Kalandula Falls
The wonderful Kalandula Falls are located on the Lucala River, which is the largest tributary of the Kwanza River. These waterfalls are simply spectacular, as well as being huge, with a drop of exactly 107 meters and a width of 400 meters! When you visit them you can enjoy the opportunity to take pictures of their curious horseshoe shape, or even soak a little but be very careful. Contemplating this natural beauty will delight you when you go to visit Malanje.
4. City of Malanje
In addition to the natural wonders that the province of Malanje has to offer, a day trip to the city itself is also a real treat. This city was founded in the 19th century and reflects Angola’s colonial past very well. When you go to the city of Malanje we recommend that you visit the beautifully renovated colonial church and simply enjoy a stroll through the squares and gardens – they are super pretty!
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 around Malanje
1. Luanda
The capital of Angola is quite close when you go to Malanje, it is only 5 hours away by car. Therefore, you can’t miss the opportunity to see Luanda on your trip. In this great city you can visit some monuments that are very important to understand the history of the country, such as the forts of Sao Pedro de Barra and Sao Miguel. At the same time, we recommend you to visit the National Museum of Anthropology. When you are in Luanda you should go to Mussulo Island. This island has beautiful beaches where you can enjoy diving, snorkeling and many other water activities.
2. Kissama Natural Park
The Kissama Natural Park is undoubtedly the most important and recognized park in Angola. Interestingly, this park is also one of the largest in the entire world, measuring almost one million hectares. We know, it is impressive. In addition, in Kissama you will see lots and lots of animals such as giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, elephants and sea turtles.
What to see in Malanje in two days
If you only have two days to visit Malanje, the places you can’t miss are:
- The Black Stones of Pungo Andongo
- Kalandula Waterfalls
- The city of Malanje
Where and what to eat in Malanje
Angolan cuisine is a fusion of the different cultural influences that have passed through the country, such as Portuguese, African and Brazilian. This combination of flavors and culinary techniques results in a varied and tasty cuisine. The basis of Angolan gastronomy includes ingredients such as palm oil, rice, cassava, fish and meats. When you go to Malanje we recommend that you take the opportunity to try the Moamba de Galinha (chicken stew that is cooked in palm oil along with vegetables, spices and herbs), the Funje (mashed cassava flour accompanied by different stews and sauces), or the Cabidela (stew made with chicken or pork blood, seasoned with garlic, vinegar and spices). When you visit Malanje, you must try these dishes at:
- Restaurant Triângulo: This modern and sophisticated restaurant offers an ideal fusion of Angolan and European cuisine. Triângulo Restaurant is also famous for its fresh seafood dishes and cozy atmosphere. You’re going to love it!
- Restaurant O Quintal: This place is located in the heart of the city center of Melanje. O Quintal offers a wide variety of Angolan dishes, seafood and meats. It should be noted that this restaurant is usually quite busy.
Where to stay in Malanje
When you visit Malanje, we recommend that you stay at:
- Hotel Residencial Portugalia: This hotel located in Malanje offers all the comforts at a very reasonable price. It also stands out for the friendliness of its staff and the cleaning service. You will be able to access wifi and, although there is no parking, they allow you to park outside and the hotel staff will keep an eye on the car.
- Hotel Palacio Regina: Also located right in the center of Malanje, Hotel Palacio Regina has very clean and especially comfortable rooms. In addition, its breakfast, which is usually included, is super complete. A double room with breakfast included costs 250 USD.
Tips for your trip to Malanje
- The Angolan Kwanzais the official currency of Angola. However, U.S. dollars are generally accepted in the same manner.
- The documentation required for travel to Angola is passport (which must be at least six months valid when you enter the country), visa (except for people who have Portuguese nationality, as they will be exempt from this requirement since it is a former colony), and international vaccination certificate.
- The international vaccination certificate is very important when traveling to Angola. It must include the vaccination against yellow fever. However, it is also advisable to have other vaccines such as hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, polio and meningitis C, although these are not compulsory.
- Hedge yourself against possible risks: travel insured. The Angolan health system leaves much to be desired, and in case of an accident you will need to go to a private clinic. With a good insurance you will travel with peace of mind and you will be fully covered against possible emergencies.
- Do not drink tap water, but water that is always bottled.
- Travel with plenty of cash because with the exception of a few hotels and restaurants, credit cards are not commonly used nor are there many reliable ATM machines.
- The best time to travel to Angola is at any time of the year, as it always has a temperature of between 26º and 31º. However, the rainy season is between November and April, and despite being infrequent, there can be intense storms that generate problems.
- Angola is relatively safe but you should take some precautions: it is recommended to avoid moving around on foot, going out at night or visiting troubled areas.
- Book hotels well in advance to avoid exorbitant prices.
How to prepare what to see on your trip to Malanje
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 type of trip (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 so you always have everything 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 things to do in Malanje.
- Enjoy your trip to Malanje!
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 Malanje
Angolan cuisine is a fusion of the different cultural influences that have passed through the country, such as Portuguese, African and Brazilian. You must try Moamba de Galinha, Funje, or Cabidela. When you go to Malanje, you should try these dishes at Restaurant Triângulo and Restaurant O Quintal.
When you go to Malanje we advise you to stay at the Hotel Residencial Portugalia or the Hotel Palacio Regina.
The transport is not particularly safe in Angola. On the roads there may be some criminals willing to rob or kidnap. That is why we recommend you to travel by cab, negotiating everything in advance and never paying in advance.
The best time to travel to Angola is at any time of the year, as it always has a temperature of between 26º and 31º. However, the rainy season is between November and April, and despite being infrequent, intense storms can occur and create problems.
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