This former Portuguese colony is located in West Africa and has a very rich coast, over 1500 kilometres long and plenty to explore and discover. Angola is an untouched surfing and adventure paradise.
Some say that the West coast of Africa is the next decade’s premium surfing destination, so why not explore this practically crowd less marvel? There are currently only about 20 known surf spots on this extensive coast, which tells you pretty much all you need to know about the potential for exploration.
Due to the exposure to the ocean, left hander point breaks are the main offer. The most famous is Cabo Ledo, a world class left which has been nicknamed the “quilométrica”, giving the country a reputation as the African Peru.
Angola has many other treasures on land, including beautiful nature reserves, stunning waterfalls, diverse wildlife and challenging landscapes. Dancing is an important cultural characteristic, which should make this a very exciting trip.
Monsoons
September to April: rainy season, humid and hot;
May to August: dry season, also known as cacimbo. Cold;
Cabo Ledo
The epicentre of Angolan surfing. A very safe left hander which can be ridden for hundreds of meters on the best days by any surfer. Located in the Bengo province, where there are other quality waves, Cabo Ledo has good infrastructures to receive those who visit the region.
Recommended gear
We suggest you take a quiver of a few boards, preferably short. A longboard might come in handy. In Angola you can surf in trunks, but during the peak surfing season the water temperature decreases a little to about 20 degrees, so you might want to take a summer wetsuit, just in case. As far as clothing goes, remember that the best surfing is in the cold season, so the more shivery among you might want to take a coat. It’s always good to carry an extra leash, spare fins and chord. Cool water wax and sunscreen are also recommended and a good insect repellent could be your best friend on this trip. Do not forget your malaria medication.
Where to stay?
Resorts to Aparthotels
This region is quite well developed in terms of accommodation and you’ll find above average comfort during your stay. There are resorts for those who are looking for a little more luxury, but there are also other options, which are perfectly adequate in terms of comfort and service. They are all located close to the extensive and pristine beaches and offer a unique view of the Atlantic.
Angola is a paradise of point breaks and long powerful left handers requiring some technique, both for adventure and for surfing. Generally these are waves for advanced level surfers. However, Cabo Ledo, the most famous Angolan wave, is appropriate for all surfers. It also has beach breaks, not to mention the parts of the coast which are still unexplored by the surfing community. Longboarding could also be a valid option on some of these waves.