DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Quiçama National Park

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
—°
Quiçama National Park (Angola)

Weather…

Quiçama National Park (also known as Kissama) is located about 75 kilometers south of Luanda and is the most accessible national park in Angola. It was established as a game reserve in 1938 and elevated to national park status in 1957, with a total area of approximately 9,960 square kilometers. The park is bordered by the Kwanza River to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, creating a diverse landscape of coastal dunes, savannas, and dense woodlands. The park became famous after the civil war for Operation 'Noah's Ark,' where animals from South Africa and Botswana were flown in to replenish the decimated populations of elephants and other large mammals. Today, the park is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. It is a central destination for ecotourism and plays a crucial role in nature conservation near the Angolan capital.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C292929282826242526282828
Rain mm27407387251037234835

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The dry season from May to October is good as animals concentrate around water sources. Successful rehabilitation programs then show many young animals.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best chances to see freshly rewilded animals. Most animals rest in the shade during midday heat.
📜
Etiquette
Always stay in your vehicle or on marked trails to avoid disturbing shy animals. Exiting the vehicle and feeding are strictly prohibited.
🎒
What to bring
High-magnification binoculars and a zoom camera help observe animals from a safe distance. Sturdy shoes and long pants protect against thorns and insects.
🧭
Getting there
The park is about 75 km south of Luanda, reachable via a well-maintained road. Guided tours are highly recommended as trails are not always signposted.
🦌
What to expect
Rewilded animals are often still shy - patience and quiet behavior are crucial. Multiple game drives on different days significantly increase success rates.

Geography

Coordinates
-9.60000, 13.50000

Facts

  • Quiçama was designated as a protected area as early as 1938.
  • The park extends over an area of nearly 10,000 km².
  • Operation 'Noah's Ark' brought new large animals to the park in 2001.
  • The Kwanza River forms the park's natural northern boundary.
  • Rare manatees live in the river mouth area of the park.
  • It is the only national park in Angola with fully functional safari logistics.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kissama National ParkKissama National Park12 km · SEExplore →
Quissama Nature ReserveQuissama Nature Reserve12 km · SEExplore →
Cabo LedoCabo Ledo30 km · SExplore →
Kwanza ValleyKwanza Valley35 km · SExplore →
KwanzaKwanza47 km · SEExplore →
Sanctuary of MuximaSanctuary of Muxima51 km · NExplore →
Cuanza LakeCuanza Lake57 km · NExplore →
Estádio 11 de NovembroEstádio 11 de Novembro73 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is Quiçama National Park to visit?
Mostly easy to moderate; a good vehicle helps for safari.
What is the best season?
The dry season is usually best for wildlife and roads.
Are there parking and toilets?
Entrances usually have basic facilities, but not much comfort.
What weather risk should I expect?
Heat, strong sun and rough roads in the rainy season are typical.
Is the park family-friendly?
Yes, if everyone likes longer rides and nature programs.
Quiçama National Park: where is it located?
Quiçama National Park is located in Angola.
Quiçama National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Quiçama National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Quiçama National Park (also known as Kissama) is located about 75 kilometers south of Luanda and is the most accessible national park in Angola.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Angola →

Nearby cities

Caxito — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Caxito
Caxito is the capital of the Bengo province in Angola.

History & landmarks

🗺️
Monument to the Battle of Kifangondo
A monument commemorating the battle that took place during Angola's transition to independence in 1975.

Nature

Kwanza — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Kwanza
The longest river entirely within Angola.
🗺️
Cuanza Lake
Reservoir on the Cuanza river.
Dande — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Dande
River north of Luanda.

More places

Kissama National Park — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Kissama National Park
A protected area known for the reintroduction of elephants and other wildlife.
Quissama Nature Reserve — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Quissama Nature Reserve
A protected natural reserve encompassing diverse habitats for Angola's iconic wildlife.
Kwanza Valley — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Kwanza Valley
The central river valley.
Fort of Muxima — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Fort of Muxima
A fortress built in 1599, protecting Portuguese trade on the Kwanza River, located near one of the country's most important pilgrimage si…
Bengo Forest — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Bengo Forest
A forest region in Bengo province showcasing indigenous woodland and vegetation.
Port of Barra do Dande — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Port of Barra do Dande
A deep-sea port under construction intended to relieve Luanda and serve as a strategic logistics center.
Atlantic Ocean — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Atlantic Ocean
Angola's west coast at the Atlantic.
Historic Quibaxe — Quiçama National Park (Angola)
Historic Quibaxe
A historic center of coffee production and one of the first sites of the anti-colonial uprising in 1961.