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Kissama National Park

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Landmark
—°1
Kissama National Park (Angola)

Weather…

Kissama National Park is located about 70 kilometers south of Luanda, offering one of the few accessible safari experiences in the country. The landscape is characterized by extensive coastal savanna, dense baobab forests, and the Kwanza River. Visitors primarily travel here to observe large African wildlife in their natural habitat. Following the Project Noahs Ark initiative in the early 2000s, elephants were successfully relocated here from South Africa. Today, the park is home to elephants, giraffes, ostriches, zebras, and various antelope species. Boat trips on the Kwanza River provide opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Local lodges often serve traditional Angolan cuisine, such as funge or grilled river fish. The park is accessible via paved roads from the capital, though a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended for navigating the dirt tracks inside the reserve. The dry season, running from May to October, is the good time to visit. During this period, animals congregate around water sources, and the unpaved roads are completely mud-free and easy to drive.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C292929282826242526282828
Rain mm27407387251037234835

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The park can be visited on guided safari tours; you stay in the vehicle. Self-driving is allowed with a park permit. Expect to see elephants and giraffes.
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Typical hours
The park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. Safari tours usually run in the morning and late afternoon to maximize wildlife sightings.
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Photography
Photography is widely allowed; use telephoto lenses for distant animals. Never flash at wildlife. Drones may require special permission.
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Time needed
Plan a full day for a comprehensive safari experience. Half-day tours are also available from Luanda.
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Combine with
Combine the park with a visit to Luanda to see the capital's colonial architecture and waterfront. Also nearby is the Kwanza River estuary.
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Getting there
The park entrance is about 70 km south of Luanda. You can drive there by car (4x4 recommended) or join a tour from Luanda that includes transport.
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Insider tip
Book a guided tour in advance, as park access can be limited. Early morning departures offer the best animal activity and cooler temperatures.

Geography

Coordinates
-9.75000, 13.58333

Facts

  • Established in 1938
  • 70 km from Luanda
  • Project Noahs Ark
  • Elephants and giraffes
  • Kwanza River boundary
  • Coastal savanna landscape
  • Dense baobab forests
  • Best visited May-October

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Quiçama National ParkQuiçama National Park19 km · SEExplore →
Quissama Nature ReserveQuissama Nature Reserve30 km · SEExplore →
Kissama National ParkKissama National Park30 km · SEExplore →
Cabo LedoCabo Ledo40 km · SExplore →
Sanctuary of MuximaSanctuary of Muxima48 km · NEExplore →
Kwanza ValleyKwanza Valley50 km · SEExplore →
Cuanza LakeCuanza Lake54 km · NEExplore →
KwanzaKwanza64 km · SEExplore →

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 in the town Kissama National Park (1)

Quiçama National Park📍 landmark

This sprawling coastal savanna park, bordered by the Kwanza River, is noted for its ongoing efforts to protect native elephant populations.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Kissama National Park: where is it located?
Kissama National Park is located in Angola.
Kissama National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kissama National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Kissama National Park is located about 70 kilometers south of Luanda, offering one of the few accessible safari experiences in the country.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

N'dalatando — Kissama National Park (Angola)
N'dalatando
N'dalatando is the capital of the Cuanza Norte province in Angola.
Dondo — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Dondo
Dondo is an important city in the Cuanza Norte province of Angola.
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Camabatela
Camabatela is an important city in the Cuanza Norte province of Angola.
Lucala — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Lucala
Lucala is an important city in the Cuanza Norte province of Angola.
Cabo Ledo — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Cabo Ledo
Cabo Ledo features stunning coastal cliffs and some of Angola's best surfing beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
Mussulo — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Mussulo
Mussulo is a long sandy peninsula near Luanda, famous for its calm waters, beach resorts, and water sports.

History & landmarks

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Fortim do Kikombo
A small defensive fort providing historical insight into the regional colonial infrastructure.
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Sanctuary of Muxima
A major Catholic pilgrimage site near the Kwanza River.

Nature

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Cuanza Lake
Reservoir on the Cuanza river.
Kwanza — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Kwanza
The longest river entirely within Angola.

More places

Fort of Massangano — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Fort of Massangano
A historic Portuguese fortress on the Kwanza River, built in 1583, playing a key role in the colonization of the interior.
Fort of Cambambe — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Fort of Cambambe
Ruins of a Portuguese fortress from 1604, built to control the supposed silver mines in the region.
Dondo Historic Port — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Dondo Historic Port
A significant historical trading town on the Kwanza River, a hub for trade between the coast and the inland during the colonial era.
Cambambe Dam — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Cambambe Dam
A historic and recently expanded hydroelectric plant supplying power to Luanda and the north.
Quiçama National Park — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Quiçama National Park
A premier national park known for its successful wildlife rehabilitation programs.
Quissama Nature Reserve — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Quissama Nature Reserve
A protected natural reserve encompassing diverse habitats for Angola's iconic wildlife.
Kissama National Park — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Kissama National Park
A protected area known for the reintroduction of elephants and other wildlife.
Kwanza Valley — Kissama National Park (Angola)
Kwanza Valley
The central river valley.