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Huambo, Angola - Things to Do in Huambo

Things to Do in Huambo

Huambo, Angola - Complete Travel Guide

Huambo, Angola's second-largest city and former capital during colonial times, sits majestically on the central highlands at over 1,700 meters above sea level. Known as the 'City of Jacarandas' for its stunning purple-flowered trees that bloom spectacularly from September to November, Huambo serves as the economic and cultural heart of Angola's interior. The city combines Portuguese colonial architecture with modern African urban development, creating a unique landscape of wide boulevards, historic churches, and bustling markets. As the capital of Huambo Province, this highland city offers visitors a cooler climate compared to coastal Angola, along with rich agricultural surroundings and significant historical sites. Huambo played a crucial role in Angola's independence struggle and civil war, and today stands as a symbol of the country's resilience and reconstruction. The city provides an authentic Angolan experience away from the more touristy coastal areas, with opportunities to explore local culture, colonial heritage, and the beautiful central plateau landscape.

Top Things to Do in Huambo

Explore the Historic City Center

Wander through Huambo's colonial-era downtown, featuring Portuguese architecture, the iconic Railway Station, and the beautiful Cathedral of Huambo. The city center showcases the blend of colonial heritage and modern Angolan life, with tree-lined avenues and historic buildings telling the story of Angola's past.

Booking Tip: Best explored on foot during morning hours (8-11 AM) when temperatures are cooler. No booking required, but consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 USD for historical context and safety.

Visit Local Markets and Craft Centers

Experience authentic Angolan culture at Huambo's vibrant markets, where you can find local crafts, textiles, and traditional foods. The markets offer insight into daily life and provide opportunities to purchase unique Angolan souvenirs and interact with friendly locals.

Booking Tip: Visit markets early morning (7-10 AM) for the best selection and cooler weather. Bring small denominations of Angolan kwanza and be prepared to negotiate prices gently.

Jacaranda Tree Viewing

During blooming season (September-November), Huambo transforms into a purple paradise as thousands of jacaranda trees bloom throughout the city. This natural spectacle is one of Angola's most beautiful seasonal displays and perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: Best viewing is free and occurs from mid-September through November. Plan accommodation well in advance during peak blooming season as this is the most popular time to visit.

Railway Museum and Historic Train Station

Discover the history of the Benguela Railway, one of Africa's most important colonial-era transportation projects. The historic station and surrounding railway infrastructure tell the story of Angola's connection between the interior highlands and the coast.

Booking Tip: Contact local tourism office for guided visits, typically $10-15 USD per person. Best visited in the afternoon when staff are most available for informal tours.

Day Trips to Surrounding Highlands

Explore the beautiful central plateau landscape surrounding Huambo, including rural villages, agricultural areas, and scenic viewpoints. The highlands offer cooler temperatures, stunning vistas, and opportunities to experience rural Angolan life.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local hotels or tour operators for $40-80 USD per day including transportation. Best during dry season (May-September) when roads are more accessible.

Getting There

Huambo is accessible by air through Albano Machado Airport, which receives domestic flights from Luanda (1.5-hour flight) operated by TAAG Angola Airlines and other local carriers. By road, the city is connected to Luanda via the EN230 highway, a journey of approximately 600 kilometers that takes 8-10 hours depending on road conditions. The historic Benguela Railway, currently being rehabilitated, may offer passenger service connecting Huambo to the coastal city of Benguela and Lobito, though schedules can be irregular.

Getting Around

Within Huambo, transportation options include shared taxis (candongueiros), motorcycle taxis, and private car rentals. The city center is relatively compact and walkable, though having local transportation is recommended for reaching outlying areas and for safety. Many hotels can arrange private drivers for day trips and city tours. Renting a 4WD vehicle is advisable if planning to explore rural areas around the city, and always travel with a local guide who knows current road conditions.

Where to Stay

City Center
Railway District
Comercial Area
Residential Neighborhoods
Hotel Zone
Airport Area

Food & Dining

Huambo's dining scene reflects authentic Angolan cuisine with local restaurants serving traditional dishes like muamba de galinha (chicken stew), calulu (dried fish and vegetable stew), and fresh highland vegetables. Local markets offer fresh produce and street food, while a few hotels provide international cuisine options. The city is known for its locally grown coffee and fresh mountain air-cured meats. Dining is generally casual, and many of the best meals can be found in family-run establishments and local gathering places rather than formal restaurants.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Angola

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Jed’s BBQ & Brew of Angola

4.8 /5
(3094 reviews) 2

7 Hills Indian Restaurant

4.8 /5
(2727 reviews) 2

Village Kitchen

4.6 /5
(1661 reviews) 1
cafe

Royal Indian Cuisine Lagos

4.8 /5
(970 reviews) 2

Sofia's Kitchen

4.6 /5
(728 reviews) 1
cafe meal_takeaway store

Ojoei Sushi & Izakaya

4.8 /5
(569 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The best time to visit Huambo is during the dry season from May to September, when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and roads are in better condition for travel. However, the most spectacular time is during jacaranda blooming season from September to November, when the city is transformed by purple blossoms. The highland location means Huambo enjoys a more temperate climate year-round compared to coastal Angola, but the rainy season (October-April) can make rural road travel challenging.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Portuguese phrases as English is less commonly spoken in Huambo compared to Luanda
Always carry cash in Angolan kwanza as credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels
Respect photography restrictions around government buildings and always ask permission before photographing people

Explore Activities in Huambo