Angola Grand Expedition
Ten Nights Across Angola — Luanda, the Kalandula Falls, Giant Sable Country, Kissama & the Iona Desert
Overview
The most complete journey through Angola we offer — ten nights that trace the whole extraordinary country, from the thundering Kalandula Falls and the black-rock monoliths of Pungo Andongo, to the last stronghold of the critically endangered giant sable antelope, the restored herds of Kissama, and the surreal Namib-Atlantic dunes of Iona. This is a grand expedition for travellers who want to understand Angola in full: its waterfalls, its wildlife, its deserts and its emerging conservation story, all with the privacy and expert guiding of a bespoke safari.
You begin in Luanda before flying inland to Malanje, home to two of Angola's greatest natural wonders: the Kalandula Falls — one of Africa's largest waterfalls, a 105-metre curtain of water over 400 metres wide — and the surreal Black Rocks of Pungo Andongo, giant weathered monoliths rising from the plains. Nearby, in the miombo woodlands of the Cangandala–Luando landscape, lives the giant sable antelope (Palanca Negra Gigante), Angola's national symbol and one of the rarest large mammals on earth — a magnificent jet-black bull with sweeping horns, brought back from the brink by dedicated conservationists. From there you fly to Kissama for its reborn savanna herds and Kwanza River, then south to Iona, where the world's oldest desert meets the Atlantic. It is, quite simply, the definitive Angolan odyssey.
Who It's For
Made for the serious explorer who wants the whole of Angola in one journey and relishes genuine expedition travel. You should be comfortable with internal flights, long scenic drives and a mix of good hotels, safari lodges and remote camps. Giant sable sightings are never guaranteed — this is one of the world's rarest animals in remote terrain — but the pursuit, through landscapes almost no tourist ever sees, is the adventure of a lifetime. A love of wild places matters more than luxury checklists.
Package Highlights
Kalandula Falls
Stand before one of Africa's largest waterfalls — a 105m curtain over 400m wide in Malanje
Pungo Andongo Black Rocks
Explore the surreal weathered monoliths rising from the plains of Malanje
Giant Sable Country
Track Angola's national symbol — the critically endangered giant sable antelope — in Cangandala
Kissama's Restored Herds
Elephant, giraffe, roan and eland in the park reborn through Operation Noah's Ark
Iona's Namib-Atlantic Dunes
Towering dunes, welwitschia plains and fog-cooled desert in Angola's largest park
Kwanza River Boat Safari
Crocodiles, fish eagles and waterbuck along the great river of central Angola
Day-by-Day Itinerary
You arrive at Luanda International Airport and are met by your private guide for the transfer to your hotel on the city's dramatic Atlantic bay. The evening is relaxed — settle in, and enjoy a first sunset over the Marginal promenade with the ocean stretching to the horizon.
🏨 Accommodation: EPIC SANA Luanda Hotel (1 night)
🍽️ Meals: Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
EPIC SANA Luanda Hotel
📍 Luanda
A polished five-star hotel on Luanda's skyline with a rooftop pool, spa and Atlantic views — the ideal comfortable base to begin and end an Angolan expedition.
From $220 per person per night
Pousada Calandula (Quedas Duque de Bragança)
📍 Kalandula Falls, Malanje
A characterful pousada set directly above the thundering Kalandula Falls, with a garden lounge, swimming pool and rooms and terraces framing the cascade — the finest base for exploring the falls, Pungo Andongo Black Rocks and Cangandala's giant sable country.
From $160 per person per night
Kwanza Lodge
📍 Kwanza River, Kissama gateway
A relaxed riverside lodge on the banks of the Kwanza at the gateway to Kissama, combining game drives with river boating and sport fishing. Comfortable rooms and a pool overlooking the water.
From $340 per person per night
Iona Expedition Camp
📍 Iona National Park
A comfortable mobile tented camp set deep in Iona's dune country — proper beds, en-suite bucket showers and campfire dining under staggering desert skies. The only way to sleep inside Angola's greatest wilderness.
From $480 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Scheduled Dry Season
(~$1,090/night)
Guided departure in the dry season (May–Oct): all internal flights, Luanda hotel, Malanje lodge, Kwanza Lodge and Iona expedition camp, all excursions and safaris
Get QuotePrivate Guided
(~$1,320/night)
Fully private guided expedition on your chosen dates with a dedicated guide and vehicle throughout, upgraded Luanda suite and priority camp placement
Get QuotePrivate Bespoke
(~$1,650/night)
Tailor-made private odyssey with charter flights between regions, extended Iona and Cangandala time and premium set-ups throughout
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ All internal flights (Luanda ↔ Malanje, Luanda ↔ Namibe) and airport transfers
- ✓ 10 nights accommodation (Luanda hotel, Malanje lodge, Kwanza Lodge, Iona expedition camp)
- ✓ All meals as specified; house drinks at lodges and camps
- ✓ All game drives, Kwanza River boat safari, Iona desert expeditions
- ✓ Kalandula Falls, Pungo Andongo and Cangandala giant sable excursions with local rangers
- ✓ Luanda city tour with private guide
- ✓ Expert English-speaking guides and 4x4 vehicles
- ✓ All national park and conservation fees
- ✓ Bottled water throughout
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to/from Luanda
- ✗ Angola visa and entry fees
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- ✗ Drinks in Luanda and items of a personal nature
- ✗ Tips and gratuities
- ✗ Yellow fever vaccination (required for entry)
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The dry season (May–October) is best across all regions for wildlife and reliable interior roads, while the Kalandula Falls are at their thundering peak from April to June. The green season is lush and dramatic but wetter, with more difficult access to Malanje's wonders.
Why Choose This Package
The Whole of Angola
Waterfalls, Black Rocks, the world's rarest antelope, reborn savanna herds and Namib-Atlantic dunes — no other itinerary captures the country so completely.
Africa's Rarest Antelope
A ranger-guided pilgrimage to the last stronghold of the giant sable — Angola's national symbol, saved from the very brink of extinction.
One of Africa's Great Waterfalls
The Kalandula Falls — a 105m curtain over 400m wide — witnessed with almost no other travellers around.
Private, Escorted & Seamless
Internal flights, expert guides and flawless frontier logistics let you focus only on the wonders — we handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Angola Grand Expedition?
From $10,900 per person | 11 Days / 10 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
