Malanje
Waterfalls, baobabs, and the great Kwanza River
Malanje
Waterfalls, baobabs, and the great Kwanza River
A green inland province built around two natural wonders — the Kalandula Falls and the otherworldly Pungo Andongo black rocks — plus some of Angola's richest farmland.
If you only have time for one inland trip, make it Malanje. The province sits on the edge of the central plateau and falls away in dramatic geology — first into Pungo Andongo, then over the Kalandula falls and on toward the Kwanza River basin.
The drive from Luanda is long but straightforward; you can do it as an overnight, but two nights is better. Stop in N’dalatando for fuel; eat at the simple restaurants in Calandula village before walking down to the falls.
The light at Kalandula at the end of the day is hard to forget.
Highlights of Malanje.
-
Kalandula Falls
One of the largest waterfalls in Africa by volume. Lower-key than Victoria, with a fraction of the visitors. The viewing platform sits across the gorge; you can also walk down to the base.
-
Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo
A cluster of huge black monoliths rising from the savanna. Local legend says they are the petrified bodies of an ancient kingdom's royal family.
-
Cangandala National Park
The home of the giant sable antelope — Angola's national animal, and one of the rarest large mammals on earth. Sightings are not guaranteed but conservation tours are now possible.
Malanje in pictures.
