Excursion Luanda walking exploration tour at Luanda

It is estimated that almost 5.7 million slaves left Angola between 1501 and 1866. Angola was one of the great supply sources from the 15th century to the mid-19th century. On this tour you will have the opportunity to visit some of the main places connected to the slavery trade in Luanda and around Angola. You will learn and visit the main buildings, monuments and streets connected to the slave trade which includes a 1 ½ hour walking tour.

Igreja do Carmo (Church and Convent of our Lady of Mount Carmel)

Depart the quayside and drive to Igreja do Carmo passing through Palacio Ana Joaquina. Visit Igreja do Carmo (Church and Convent of our Lady of Mount Carmel) which is a church and convent complex in Luanda. Due to its condition, the church is one of the country's most important religious monuments. Under the patronage of Queen Luisa de Guzmán, the church was completed in 1689. It was built by the Carmelites who arrived in Luanda in 1659. The simple structure has a plain façade surrounded by a triangular gable. The building had seriously decayed by 1828 but was restored by Dominican priests. The interior is decorated with carved altars, gilded sculptures, frescoes and Lisbon tile work.

Church of Jesus

Continue to the Church of Jesus for a brief visit. Christianity in Angola has existed since 1491. Today 80% of Angolans practice some form of Christianity.

Largo do Pelourinho

Drive to Largo do Pelourinho where you will start your 1 ½ hour walking tour. Your first visit is the Igreja dos Remédios, also called The Church of Our Lady of Remedies, a Roman Catholic cathedral in Luanda which was built in 1628 and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Luanda. Continue to Rua dos Mercadores, one of the oldest streets in downtown Luanda which is full of history. This area was once one of the largest centers of occupation for Portuguese traders in Angola. Further along, walk to Rua das Flores and largo do Baleizão. The Baleizão building is one of the oldest buildings in Luanda, built in the 17th century.

San Miguel Fort

Next, re-board your coach for a short transfer to and visit the San Miguel Fort original built in 1576 by Paulo dias de Novias.  It was a Portuguese fortress and was the administrative center of the colony in 1627 and was a major outlet for slave traffic to Brazil. The fort was for many years a self-contained town protected by thick walls encrusted with cannons. Inside the fort, elaborate ceramic tiles tell the story of Angola from early years, and in the courtyard are large, imposing statues of Portugal's first King.  Its purpose was to defend the port and the city from attack by the marauding French, Spanish and Dutch armies. It was successful until 1641 when the Dutch seized Luanda. During Dutch rule in Angola between 1641 and 1648, the fort was known as fort Aardenburgh. Until 1975, the fortress served at the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the Portuguese Armed Forces. Today it holds the Museum of the Armed Forces.

Enjoy some refreshments before returning to the pier. On the way, pass by the Nazaré church which is a colonial church in Luanda built in 1664, located in the centre of the city overlooking Luanda Bay.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Visit Igreja do Carmo, Church of Jesus, Largo do Pelourinho, San Miguel Fort

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (1km) and more than 50 steps in total to negotiate. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Tours in Luanda are conducted in various sized vehicles. Although the vehicles in Luanda are of a basic design, they are well maintained and have air-conditioning. They do not have microphones or toilet facilities.  Whilst the roads are tarred in Luanda, there are many with potholes. Please note that traffic conditions can seriously impact the suggested tour timings and can cause heavy delays. There is no formal guiding qualification required for Angola, and in order to support the local community we use local escorts/guides. Please remember that English is a third language!  Some of the international embassies and government buildings may fall under 'military or state defense objects'. You are not allowed to take pictures and may run into serious problems ignoring these rules. Please therefore ask your tour guides advice first.  The order of sites visited and actual tour content is subject to change based on current local conditions. The cost of providing a tour program in Luanda is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring nations.  Unfortunately this is reflected in the proices of the tours and we thank you for your understanding.