After decades of war, Angola is rebuilding its wildlife. Kissama (Quiçama) is the flagship — a savanna park where you can see elephants, giraffes, and antelopes just an hour from Luanda.
Angola is emerging from a long period of instability and reclaiming its place as a destination for wildlife tourism. Kissama National Park (Quiçama), located just 75 km south of Luanda, is at the forefront of this renaissance. Thanks to one of Africa's most ambitious wildlife reintroduction programs (Operation Noah's Ark), the park now hosts elephants, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species, offering a classic savanna safari experience within easy reach of the capital [citation:2].
The park spans 9,600 km² between the Atlantic Ocean and the Kwanza and Longa rivers. Its vegetation varies from mangroves and dense forest to dry tropical forest with cacti and magnificent baobab trees [citation:2].
According to park management, the park now registers 150 tourists per day from Thursday to Sunday, with a notable presence of visitors from China, Brazil, Portugal, Namibia, and South Africa [citation:2].
For the diaspora, Angola presents a unique opportunity: a country with enormous potential, improving infrastructure, and a government committed to diversifying its economy through tourism. Kissama is just the beginning; plans are underway to develop other parks, including the spectacular Iona in the south.
What to Expect at Kissama
Game drives: The park's open savanna and gallery forest are home to reintroduced herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, gunga, wildebeest, impalas, and other antelopes. Lions are gradually being reintroduced [citation:2].
Boat safaris: The Kwanza River forms the park's northern boundary, offering boat trips to see crocodiles, hippos, and rich birdlife.
Cultural visits: The nearby Kwanza River communities offer insights into local life and traditions.
Practical Information
The park currently has 30 bungalows, with eight operational and the rest under restoration. Visitors pay 40,000 Kz (~$47) for a daily rate including breakfast. Safari services cost 10,000 Kz (~$12) for two hours for adults, with reduced rates for children [citation:2].
Angola has recently introduced visa‑free entry for citizens of 98 countries, making it easier than ever to visit. The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (May to October).
Global Bush Travel can arrange combined itineraries that include Kissama, Luanda's vibrant cultural scene, and even the remote beaches of Benguela. Discover Angola — a nation on the rise.