A getaway to Malanje

You have a free week and are unsure about where to visit? We suggest an unmissable stop for those who want to explore Angola. Malanje is both a province and a city that will take you on a journey through history.

Immerse yourself in the culture, admire the rare animals, and be amazed by the power of nature. All in Malanje!

The origin of the word "Malanje"

The word "Malanje" is thought to come from the ancient Kimbundu language and is thought to mean "the stones" (ma-lanji). However, there are several versions about the origin of the name Malanje.
The best-known version states that before Portuguese colonization, the Malanje River (or Cadianga River) was crossed by merchants. Since there were no bridges at the time, people had to cross over rocks jutting out from the river. As they crossed the river, the merchants asked the locals the name of the river, to which they replied, "Ma-lanji Ngana" (they are rocks, Sir).

Characterization of the province and its location

Malanje is a city and municipality of Angola, capital of the province of Malanje. According to the 2018 population projections prepared by the National Institute of Statistics, it has a population of 569,474 inhabitants and a land area of 2,422 km², making it the most populous municipality in the province.

Province:

Area: 98,302 km²
Elevation: 500m to 1,500m
Municipality(ies): Cacuso, Caombo, Calandula, Cambundi-Catembo, Cangandala, Cuaba Nzoji, Cunda-Dia-Baze, Luquembo, Malanje, Marimba, Massango, Mucari, Quela, and Quirima
Population: 1,108,264 (2018)
Temperature: 20º C to 25º C

How many days?

We recommend staying 2 to 5 days to make the most of your stay.

How to get there?

There are several ways to reach the province and the city of the same name.

• By land, with Ango-Real and Maccon operating the route daily.
• The most convenient way, and without being bound by schedules, is by car.

Where to stay?

There are several hotels in the province of Malanje, from guesthouses to guesthouses and hotels. Each will offer a different experience, but we highlight
A unique experience not to forget is the contact with nature offered by the Pousada das Quedas Duque de Bragança. With a privileged view of the waterfall, the inn is also fully equipped where greenery and nature reign supreme.
For a more urban experience, Hotel Palanca Negra is one of the options available in the city of Malanje. With various accommodation options, this hotel is geared towards those seeking accommodation in the city center, whether for individuals, businesses, or groups.

What to do, tours, and attractions.

It's hard to run out of things to do in the province, as there are several tourist attractions to inspire your adventurous spirit.
A stroll through the city or an adventure discovering some of Malanje's natural wonders, we highlight some of the province's history-rich attractions:

• Pedras Negras de Pungo- Andongo
• Quedas de Kalandula
• Cascata de Musseleje
• Parque Nacional da Cangandala
• Túmulos da Rainha N`Ginga M`Bandi, N`Gola M`Bandi
• Missão Evangélica do Quéssua
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Assunção de Malanje
• Ruínas da Fortaleza de Pungo-Andongo
• Rápidos do Cuanza

Pilgrimages and Worship

The Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pungo-Andongo is promoted by the Archdiocese of Malanje and takes place under the motto "Our Lady of the Rosary of Pungo-Andongo, keep Angola in peace and progress."
A candlelight procession, accompanied by the transport of the image of Our Lady of the Rosary, from the site of Queen Nginga Mbandi's footprints to the Sanctuary of Pungo-Andongo, in the municipality of Cacuso.
The pilgrimage takes place in October, with the participation of thousands of devotees from various parts of the country, eager to strengthen their faith and establish contact with the divine Lord through songs, praises, and supplications.

What to eat?

Typical dishes are: kizaca, usse, dried meat and game, kinhanza, ginguinga (made with offal), which is always accompanied by cassava or corn funge.

TripAdviser (a global reference when it comes to reviews) recommends:

Malange is increasingly becoming a tourist destination not to be missed, whether for the city's strong culture, its fauna and flora, or its stunning landscapes...

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