A wet, challenging… and unforgettable adventure.

Since the beginning of the year, hoteisangola.com has been recording experiences in the most diverse tourist spots in Angola and this time we went to one of the most incredible places in Angola: the Calandula Falls, in Malanje. We stayed at Pousada Duque de Bragança (our partner), and it was through them that we went with Adão, our local guide.
The walk started right there, on foot from the inn to the first bank, right below the falls. The trail was clean, in good condition and the environment was breathtaking, on the descent trail the landscape on the horizon was incredible. As we got closer, the sound of the water got louder, the volume was so great that it didn't take long for us to be completely wet. But the feeling was indescribable; water, wind and nature in its raw state.

Fantastic landscape

Then we crossed in a fiberglass canoe to the opposite bank. Here the course changed tone — the level of difficulty increased significantly, especially about 100 meters from the water impact area, the challenge was real: lots of mud, slippery, and almost no place to support your hands. Up until this point I had my GoPro and phone in hand, but then I realized it was time to put everything in my backpack and focus on following the guide.
There were areas with slopes above 50%, where each step required concentration, strength, balance and a bit of courage to reach an incredible place. The mud was constant, the supports were almost non-existent, and the adrenaline was through the roof.
On both banks the landscape is incredible, but having arrived right where the water falls, this moment was incredible. Feeling the water falling on me and realizing the power of nature was an incredible feeling.
And as could not be missed in a good adventure, there was even a moment to laugh. Even with technical shoes, supposedly suitable for hiking, the wear was so much that the soles of both my shoes ended up peeling off completely. Yes, I literally had my soles in my hand. Meanwhile, our guide, wearing his traditional galoshes, walked steadily, without slipping, as if he were on a walk in the neighborhood. The contrast was noteworthy — and worth laughing about.

Finally, we returned with muddy clothes, wet and with that feeling of mission accomplished.

Calandula should not only be seen,
Calandula must be lived,
Calandula must feel

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