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Cuio beach in Lobito
Places of cultural interest are:
- Nossa Senhora da Muxima:
Built between 1641
and 1648 after the batlle between Portuguese and
Dutch, Nossa Senhora da Muxima has been classi-
fied national historical monument in 1924. It attracts
numerous foreign and national pilgrims every year in
September since 1883.
- Fortress of Muxima:
Built in 1599 by Portuguese
troops to protect the interior, the fortress lies on top
of a mountain on the left bank of the Kwanza river. It
used to be a slaves settlement.
CATETE:
Angola’s first president Dr Agostinho Neto
was born in Catete. Small town with colonial build-
ings that welcomes thousands of pilgrims every year
in April.
Two lodges are available in the vinicity:
MUBANGA LODGE
Estrada do Kifangondo, km 56
Cabire, Catete - Bengo
Cell: +244 933 207 093 / 927 338 996
mubangalodge@gmail.com
Only one hour drive from Luanda, 16 huts available
for rent, swimming pool, biking.
QUINTA DA QUIMBELA
Estrada Kifangondo, Km50
Cabire, Catete - Bengo
Cell: +244 933 169 472 / 933 169 473
quintaquimbela@hotmail.com
www.quintaquimbela.com
AMBRIZ
: Located 175km north of Luanda, Ambriz
used to be one of Angola’s most important slade
trading ports ans still remains a pretty small fishing
town with a nice beach and pleasant harbour.
Other historical attractions include:
the ruins of the Antiga Residência do Chefe de
Posto do Bom Jesus
the Antiga Igreja de Jesuitas da Barra do Dande
the archeological site of Ambriz
the Fostuir de Quissama
the lighthouse of Cal de Bom Jesus
Capital: Benguela
Language: Umbundo
Climate: tropical arid
BENGUELA PROVINCE
Average temperature: 24°C
Other municipalities: Lobito, Bocoio, Caimbabo, Cu-
bal, Chongoroi, Ganda, Baia-Farta and Balombo
Distance from Luanda: 692 km
Telephone code: 272
Celebrations
17th May – Benguela day
If you have the opportunity, you shall not miss the
carnival of Lobito.
Benguela is a very particular province of Angola due
to its strategic location on the Atlantic coast.
The dominant ethnic group is Ovimbundu and
Nganguela.
Famous for its beautiful coastline and diversified fau-
na, the province can be divided into 3 areas: littoral
up to 500m, a central zone between 500 to 1200m
and an oriental side with altitude culminating over
1500m which makes the province an attractive field
of development for tourism.
The climate is influenced by the cold current of Ben-
guela and the best period to visit is from February
to April.
Although the main activity is dominated by agricul-
ture, cattle breeding and fishing, the province is
rapidly developing and attracts a good number of
companies, boosted by the increasing activity of Lo-
bito Port.
Road access to Benguela have greatly improved
and the best way to enjoy the amazing scenery. You
can also fly to the 17 de Setembro airport or to the
military airport of Catumbela. Flights are operated
by TAAG, Air Gemini, Sonair and Air 26. The city is
also well connected by sea with Lobito. Trains for
passengers and freight circulate between Lobito and
Benguela with stops at Catumbela, Negrão Damba-
Maria and Universidade Jean Piaget stations. The
journey takes 65 mn.