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Angola

International > Africa

Description

Welcome to Angola, an undiscovered paradise of rock. From the monolithic conglomerate towers in the jungle of Pedras Negras to the granite domes of Kwanza Sul, Angola has it all.

As of 2024, a new wave of climbing development in the country is taking off with the help of the Climb Angola collective. Pedras Negras, Conda, Sumbe and Serra da Leba are the areas with most active development, although granite towers and domes throughout the country await first ascents.

Recommended to bring a 70m rope and a trad rack, although there's enough sport routes now to make a sport only trip enjoyable. The climbing community has good relationships with the communities around the crags and more route development is encouraged, so bring a drill if you have one.

Follow @climbangola on Instagram for the latest updates or get in touch on WhatsApp to plan a trip: +244-944-600-288.

Getting There

Angola is taking steps to make tourism more accessible in the country. In 2023, a long list of European and North/South American countries can now travel to Angola without applying for a visa beforehand. Once in the country, most areas are 4-5 hours drive time from Luanda, making weekend trips complicated, but not impossible.

Lubango is an 1 1/2 hour flight from Luanda, and a taxi can be arranged from the airport to Serra da Leba. If visiting Angola for climbing, it's highly recommended to make a stop there.

Route Development

If you're interested in developing new routes in Angola, we welcome you with open arms. The climbing community has prioritized forming good relationships with the communities near the crags and new routes, both trad and sport, are welcome.

Serra da Leba has the highest potential for development in the country, with the all year climbing season and ease of access. Pedras Negras is a close second, if you're in the country during the dry season (May-October) and can prepare to bush camp. Both Serra da Leba and Pedras Negras have electricity for charging drill batteries.

We encourage using 316 stainless steel for bolts and anchors, especially in the north. Serra da Leba in the south is drier and a cheaper steel can be acceptable. Zinc-plated is not allowed in the country at all. The intense rainy season and sporadic visits by climbers mean that bolts can degrade without notice. Invest in the routes correctly and they will last a long time.

Get in touch with Climb Angola (WhatsApp +244-944-600-288) for more information.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Cumbira II Granite Domes
[Hide Photo] Cumbira II Granite Domes
Serra da Leba Waterfall Wall
[Hide Photo] Serra da Leba Waterfall Wall

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

DavidCollins
Grand Junction, CO
[Hide Comment] Wow! I was wondering when some of Angola's spectacular rocks would show up here. Anyone climbed those features in the vicinity of Lubango, like Tundavala or Leba? Jun 3, 2014
[Hide Comment] Some South African guys climbed a couple of pitches near the overlook at Tundavala (from what I can tell from the video). It's on youtube. That was back in 2007. They also did one of the towers opposite Torre N'lundi in Pedras Negras. Some of the best potential is down in Lubango, Serra Da Leba and other areas in the South. It's drier, cooler and easier to access. The problem is that I live in Luanda and it's 12 hours drive. Jun 4, 2014
[Hide Comment] Any climbers around in Angola now in 2019? I have the gear and a car to get us anywhere, but missing the partners. Aug 25, 2019
[Hide Comment] I lived in Lubango, Huila Province (southern Angola) in 1991 during the on-going civil war. Pascal, a Belge friend, and I did some top roping on the south side of the Serra da Leba. We had no gear so we were limited to our rope lengths. It was a vertical, sandstone wall that got progressively higher (to approx. 400 M in height). The wall was highly featured and it looked to have hundreds of potential routes (to our, not particularly experienced, eyes). Other than dassie (rock hyrax) poop on the ledges the climbing was awesome. As far as we could tell, no one had ever climbed there. I would love to hear more tales from the area. Jan 10, 2020
[Hide Comment] Jim that’s awesome, do you have any pictures. Definitely some great climbing in Serra da leba. Probably in early 90s you were one of the first if not the first. Jan 28, 2021
[Hide Comment] Alex, still looking for a rope partner in 2024? Feb 6, 2024