When you think about surfing somewhere exotic, you probably think of Indonesia, Sri Lanka or Maldives.
What you probably don't think of is Angola - an African country squeezed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia.
But you should. Because we're here to tell you that Angola is an incredible surfing destination.
In fact, with its practically virgin coast, ample surf spots and balmy water temperature, surfing Angola should be high on your to-do list. And the easiest and safest way to do just that is with an organised surf trip and expert guides.
Here's everything you need to know about surfing Angola and its most famous waves.
An introduction to surfing Angola
Angola is a country of 36 million in west Africa located on the same latitude as Indonesia.
After 40 years of civil war the country is now at peace and willing to open its doors to surfers who are eager to explore its untouched waves.
With 1,500 kilometres of pristine coastline that scoops up southerly swells, Angola offers dreamy conditions and uncrowded surf spots, marking it as one of Africa’s premier surf destinations.
From the well-known breaks around Cabo Ledo to more remote, untouched point breaks accessible by 4x4, Angola is one of those surf destinations that feels like the type of adventure that you’ll be talking about for decades.
Throw in boardshort and bikini temperatures, a rich culture and welcoming locals and Angola is for sure one of the last authentic warm-water surfing paradises for you to visit.
When is Angola's surfing season?
Undoubtedly the best time to surf in Angola is during the dry season which runs from May until October.
It's during this time that the swells are at their most consistent and the weather is pleasant for surfing with almost no rain and water temperatures around 20-21˚C
In saying that, Angola doesn't really have fixed surfing seasons like other popular surf destinations. You can still surf great Angola waves during the wet season (September to April) when the weather is hot and humid with frequent rainfall.
The wet or rainy season might not be ideal for most surfers, but it also means fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations for those willing to brave the soggy conditions.
What are the best waves in Angola?
So far there are only 20 or so surf spots chartered on Angola's 1,500 kilometre coastline.
This means there are still plenty of hidden gems for you to sample.
Most of the action however is centered around Cabo Ledo. Here's a list of some of the best surfing destinations in Angola:
- Point Mussulo: Found within Luanda, this popular surf spot attracts local surfers but requires caution due to strong currents
- Buraco: Just 40 km south of Luanda, this accessible beach break has waves suitable for surfers of all levels
- Miradouro: A left-hand point break located 55 km outside Luanda, access to this spot requires a 4x4 vehicle due to challenging terrain
- Barra Kwanza: Situated 80 km south of Luanda, this spot has a rocky bottom but remains a good option for beginners
- Cabo Ledo: Located 125 km south of Luanda, this ropey lefthand point break is perfect for beginners and known for its long, mellow rides. Also known as "Praia dos Surfistas" or "surfers beach"
- Ambriz Beach: This beautiful beach is conveniently close to the Airport of Ambriz. It's a great spot for beginners and advanced surfers alike
- Quicombo: A fun lefthand point break with sand over rocks. The nearby beach break also gets good, but the point break is by far the better option
- Catanas Point: Another lefthand point break, this one in Sumbe is slightly softer and more user-friendly
Are the waves in Angola suitable for all skill levels?
While there are waves for all skill levels in Angola, the trip itself and the challenging nature of some spots means that it might be better suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.The majority of the breaks are reef and point breaks, which can be more challenging than beach breaks for beginners. Additionally, the lack of developed tourism infrastructure and limited information about surf conditions makes Angola less accessible and more suitable to organised surf trips.
What is the best way to reach Angola?
Whether you're coming from Europe, Asia, the Americas or from within Africa, the best way to reach Angola is by air.The main international airport in Angola is Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, located just a few kilometres outside of the capital city of Luanda.From there you can take a domestic flight, hire a car to get to your desired surf spot along the coast or (if you’re booking with us) just relax and let our team take care of transport.
Angola surf travel essentials
An Angola surf trip can be an unforgettable experience, but it's important to go prepared.Here are some essentials you'll need for your trip:
- Passport and visa: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and that you have a visa if required
- Travel insurance: It's always recommended to have travel insurance when visiting any country, and Angola is no exception. Look for a policy that covers medical emergencies and theft or damage to your belongings
- Vaccinations: Please visit your doctor to receive all the necessary vaccinations and prescriptions you will need for your stay in Angola. Yellow fever is a must and it has to be done 10 days before entering Angola
- Appropriate surfboards and surf gear: Be sure to pack a variety of board sizes to suit different conditions and don't forget essentials like wax, sunscreen and a rashvest or wetsuit top. Bring extra to share with the locals as buying surf equipment in Angola isn’t easy!
- Cash: While some places may accept credit cards, it's always best to have cash on hand for emergencies or when visiting smaller towns or local markets
Keen to surf uncrowded waves in Angola?
Perfect waves, uncrowded lineups and a rich cultural experience await in Angola.You'll find friendly locals, colourful markets and delicious seafood along with some of the best surfing conditions on the African continent. We're going to run a surf trip to Angola this Summer (10 - 19 June), so if you're interested in exploring this hidden gem for yourself, check out our Angola surf page by hitting the button below.
