Things to Do in Huambo, Angola

Huambo, Angola's second-largest city, sits majestically on the central plateau at an elevation of 1,700 meters, earning it the nickname 'City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant year-round climate. Once known as Nova Lisboa during Portuguese colonial rule, this highland city serves as the capital of Huambo Province and is considered the economic heart of Angola's interior, surrounded by fertile agricultural lands that produce much of the country's food. The city suffered significant damage during Angola's civil war but has undergone remarkable reconstruction, blending colonial Portuguese architecture with modern developments. Today's Huambo offers visitors a unique glimpse into Angola's recovery and resilience, featuring wide tree-lined avenues, bustling markets, and a growing cultural scene. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring the central highlands, with its cooler climate providing a refreshing contrast to the coastal humidity of Luanda. Visitors can experience authentic Angolan culture, from traditional Ovimbundu customs to Portuguese colonial heritage, while enjoying some of the country's best cuisine and most welcoming hospitality.

Top Things to Do in Huambo

Explore Huambo's Colonial Architecture

Wander through the city center to admire the restored Portuguese colonial buildings, including the iconic railway station and various government buildings that showcase the city's historical significance. The architecture tells the story of Huambo's past as Nova Lisboa, with many structures featuring distinctive Portuguese design elements adapted to the highland climate.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours are free and best done in the morning (8-11 AM) when temperatures are cooler. Consider hiring a local guide for $15-25 per day to provide historical context and language assistance.

Visit Local Markets and Artisan Centers

Immerse yourself in daily Angolan life at Huambo's vibrant markets, where you can find everything from fresh highland produce to traditional crafts and textiles. The markets offer excellent opportunities to interact with locals and purchase authentic Ovimbundu handicrafts, including baskets, wood carvings, and traditional clothing.

Booking Tip: Markets are most active Tuesday through Saturday, 7 AM to 5 PM. Bring small denominations of Angolan kwanza for purchases, and bargaining is expected. Budget $10-30 for quality handicrafts.

Experience Highland Agriculture Tours

Take guided tours of the surrounding agricultural areas to see how Angola's central highlands produce coffee, corn, and vegetables that feed much of the country. These tours often include visits to small family farms and cooperative agricultural projects, providing insight into rural Angolan life and sustainable farming practices.

Booking Tip: Agricultural tours cost $40-60 per person and are best arranged through local hotels or tour operators. Visit during harvest season (April-July) for the most active farming experience.

Discover Traditional Ovimbundu Culture

Participate in cultural experiences showcasing the traditions of the Ovimbundu people, Angola's largest ethnic group, who are predominantly based in the central highlands around Huambo. Activities may include traditional dance performances, music sessions, and storytelling that preserve ancient customs and oral histories.

Booking Tip: Cultural experiences are often arranged through community centers or hotels for $20-40 per person. Weekend visits offer the best chance to see spontaneous cultural activities and community gatherings.

Explore the Central Highlands Natural Beauty

Take day trips into the surrounding highlands to experience Angola's stunning plateau landscapes, including rolling hills, eucalyptus forests, and scenic viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the region. The cooler climate and diverse flora make this area perfect for hiking and nature photography.

Booking Tip: Highland excursions cost $50-80 per day including transport and guide. Best visited during dry season (May-September) when roads are more accessible. Bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly.

Getting There

Huambo is accessible by road from Luanda via a well-maintained highway (approximately 600km, 8-10 hours by car or bus). Regular bus services operate daily between the two cities, with companies like Macon and SGO offering comfortable coaches for around $25-40. The city also has an airport (Albano Machado Airport) with domestic flights from Luanda operated by TAAG Angola Airlines, though flight schedules can be irregular. For those driving, the journey passes through beautiful highland scenery, but it's recommended to travel during daylight hours and ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the mountain roads.

Getting Around

Within Huambo, transportation options include shared taxis (candongueiros), motorcycle taxis, and regular taxis. Candongueiros are the most economical option at around $0.50-1 per ride, following set routes throughout the city. Motorcycle taxis are convenient for short distances and cost $1-3 per trip. Regular taxis can be hired for longer journeys or day trips, typically costing $15-25 per day. Many of Huambo's main attractions are within walking distance of the city center, and the pleasant highland climate makes walking enjoyable. Car rental is available but limited, and having a local driver is often more practical given road conditions and navigation challenges.

Where to Stay

City Center

Residential Comercial

Bairro Hospitalario

Vila Alice

Bairro Cangote

Near Railway Station

Food & Dining

Huambo's dining scene reflects its position as Angola's agricultural heartland, with restaurants serving fresh highland produce and traditional Angolan cuisine alongside Portuguese influences. Local specialties include funge (cassava porridge), fresh grilled fish, highland-grown vegetables, and excellent coffee from nearby plantations. The city center offers several mid-range restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, while local markets provide authentic street food experiences. Popular dishes include calulu (dried fish stew), muamba de galinha (chicken stew), and fresh bread from Portuguese-style bakeries. Prices range from $3-8 for local meals to $15-25 for restaurant dining, with the highland climate allowing for unique ingredients not commonly found in coastal Angola.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Huambo is during the dry season from May to September, when rainfall is minimal and roads are in optimal condition for exploring the surrounding highlands. The city's elevation provides a pleasant climate year-round, with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C (77°F) and cool evenings that may require light jackets. The wet season (October to April) brings afternoon thunderstorms and can make rural roads challenging, but also transforms the landscape into lush greenery. For agricultural tours, visit during harvest season (April-July) when farming activities are most visible, while cultural events and festivals are most frequent during the dry season months.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Portuguese phrases as English is rarely spoken outside hotels and tourist services

Always carry cash in Angolan kwanza as credit cards are not widely accepted outside major establishments

Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas

Things to Do in Huambo