× title-placeholder message-placeholder 🛖 TakeYourBackpack.com find your next backpacking destination covering all countries in the world extensive info per country personal stories and photos learn how to backpack like a pro Skip to main content home advisor destinations Africa Asia Europe North America South America Oceania All countries Where to go? inspiration Photos & stories World cities Famous hikes National parks Best beaches Famous festivals World wonders UNESCO sites All highlights planning search bucketlist Angola 🇦🇴 Luanda Carnival Celebrate the Luanda Carnival, Angola. Check the dates, what to do and where to go Explore Huambo International Festival of Traditional Music Explore Luanda International Jazz Festival Intro | Highlights | Map | Date of event | Where to stay? | Guide | Angola | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Luanda Carnival The Luanda Carnival in Angola is a vibrant explosion of color and rhythm that usually happens in late February, just before Lent. Picture samba beats, traditional Angolan music, and a mix of street parties that draw locals and adventurous travelers alike. The atmosphere is electric, with lively parades showcasing elaborate costumes and dance troupes that reflect both cultural heritage and contemporary flair. While it’s a great way to dive into Angolan culture, be prepared for crowds and a bit of chaos—definitely not the place for a quiet getaway. If you’re looking for an authentic experience filled with energy and community spirit, this carnival is worth the trip. Just keep your wits about you and your belongings close! Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Angola Travel Guide . Organized yearly : in February Duration: 3 days Get your Angola Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to do in and around Luanda Carnival Angola Grab your own Travelguide for only High-energy live music — semba, kuduro, kizomba mash-ups Bands and street sound systems mix old and new Angolan rhythms, so you’ll hear the soulful swing of semba, the pounding electronic rush of kuduro and the slow, magnetic beats that beg for kizomba. The result is a soundtrack that’s uniquely Angolan and impossible to stand still to. Handmade costumes and flamboyant parades Locals pour creativity into bright, often homemade outfits and eye-catching floats, so the visual vibe feels raw and joyful rather than corporate. It’s less polished pageant and more exuberant community theatre — up close you can see the stitching, paint and personality. Interactive street blocs and dance troupes Small neighborhood troupes wind through the streets with drummers and lead dancers, and joining in is normal — you don’t need to be an expert to get pulled into a conga of strangers. These blocos are where the festival becomes communal: kids, elders and visitors all dancing together. Beachfront parties and seaside atmosphere Luanda’s carnival energy spills onto the shorelines and waterfront bars, so you can switch from a sweat-soaked street parade to dancing with your toes in the sand. The sea breeze changes the mood in a heartbeat — more relaxed, but still loud and colorful. Street food, local flavors and cultural rituals Stalls serve Angolan classics and quick grilled fish, while informal folklore displays and masked dances nod to deeper cultural traditions. Eating, chatting with vendors and catching spontaneous ritual performances give you the full sensory picture of why this carnival feels different from others. Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact me. To view the map, please enable javascript Loading the map 🌍 CLICK TO FILTER city town unique site national park hike beach festival region show all 🌤️ When to Go? When is Luanda Carnival? The Luanda Carnival in Angola usually takes place in February, but the exact date changes each year since it’s tied to the Christian calendar—specifically, it happens just before Lent. So, you’ll want to check a calendar for the specific dates as you plan your trip. The carnival is a vibrant explosion of music, dance, and colorful costumes, showcasing Angolan culture. It’s definitely a lively time to be in the city, but be prepared for crowds and some chaotic energy. Pro-tip: If you’re planning to attend, book your accommodations well in advance. Places fill up fast, and you don’t want to end up sleeping in a hostel with a bunch of snorers while the party’s happening outside. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Luanda Carnival If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option. Best hostels in Angola Best quality hotels in Angola ✈️ Get your own digital guidebook Angola Travel Guide Discover the best Angola has to offer — handpicked hikes, must-see cities, hidden gems, local festivals, and more. All in one handy downloadable pdf Angola 161 pages full of highlights ✅ Why visit & When to go ✅ 82 must-see highlights ✅ 21-day country itinerary ✅ Top hikes & National parks ▼ More inside ✅ Best areas to stay ✅ History of country & cities ✅ Essential phrases & customs ✅ Key festivals & Events ✅ Money, food & transport Get your Guide Now Start planning today! 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The Travel guide is directly downloadable after your purchase. Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic, amazing amount of information! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My goodness this is amazing, it‘s what I‘ve been looking for hats off too you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very complete and informative. It‘s still missing places, but I gotta to commend you ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is truly amazing, thank you, can‘t wait to explore it with my kids! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome resource, thank you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is amazing! Can’t wait to explore the ones I haven’t seen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I love this! 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Explore all what Angola has to offer. 🌆 Cities        Compare the top best cities : Luanda, Benguela, Lobito , see all 🏡 Towns        Compare the top best towns : Ambriz, Catumbela, Caconda , see all ⭐️ Unique sites        Compare the top best wonders : Tundavala Fissure, Pico de angola, M’banza-Kongo, see all 🏞️ National parks        Compare the top best parks : Bicuar, Iona, Quiçama , see all 🚶‍♀️ Hikes        Compare the top best hikes : Kalandula Falls, Binga Waterfall Trail, Mount Moco Trail , see all 🏖️ Beaches        Compare the top best beaches : Praia da Lua, Praia do Mussulo, Praia de Cabo Ledo, see all 🎎 Festivals        Compare the top best festivals : Luanda Carnival, Luanda International Jazz, Luanda International Film , see all 🏝️ Regions        Compare the top best regions : Namibe Desert, Kwanza River, see all Explore Angola 0 0 0a 1 1 1a 2 2 2a 3 3 3a 4 4 4a 5 5 5a Photos of Angola: Google © ✈️ Ready to Go? Luanda Carnival FAQ Get your own 2025 guide book for Angola The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure. Angola Grab your own Travelguide for only How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Luanda Carnival? Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus. Best hostels in Angola Best quality hotels in Angola What should I pack for a backpacking trip to Angola? Angola is a mix of climates and terrains, so pack for variety. It’s humid in the north with rainforests, while the south is more arid. Luanda and other coastal areas are hot and humid, so breathable clothing is key. If you’re heading inland or to the highlands, like Huambo, be ready for cooler nights. Culturally, Angolans appreciate modest dressing, especially in rural areas, so think loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Beaches are casual, but remember some places frown on swimwear away from the sand. Apart from this country specific advice, I have also crafted a general packing list that should help on any trip. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere. Money & Documents Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies) Passport photographs Credit and debit cards (on world profile) Cash (US$ or €) Money belt Vaccination proofs Clothing Light, quick-dry clothing No jeans, too heavy Ultralight rain/wind jacket Thermo underwear Quick-dry towel Sunglasses Electronics Mobile phone + charger Power bank Travel adapter Local sim card (buy it on arrival) Health Toothbrush Deo Sunscreen, lips sunburn Anti-diarrhea Paracetamol Vitamin C Blister plasters Iodine (for desinfecting wounds) Anti-mosquito (DEET) Bit of emergency toilet paper Nail scissors Others Small number lock Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes) Deck of cards(!) Ear plugs Travel pillow Spare glasses/contacts Kobo reader Moneybelt “Best way to carry your important documents” Light Backpack “Handy, lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who travel light” Large Backpack “Waterproof large lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who want to bring a lot” Outlander daypack “Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack, available in many colours” Carry on Backpack 40L “Whenever you can, travel with just carry-on luggage, saves costs and makes traveling much easier” Quick dry pant “Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling” Light rain jacket “Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry” Thermo underwear “Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets” Quick dry towel “Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling” Travel adapter “Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs” Number lock “No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories” Packing cubes “Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest” Travel pillow “Light and great for flights and long bus journeys” Lightweight, small mosquito net “Easy to carry, great for those nights where mosquitos are all around you” Kobo Reader “For reading 1.000s of books while carrying only one” Power bank “Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more” DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera “The camera for quick videos while traveling” Waterproof action camera “Great action camera for outdoor active enthousiasts” Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Compact Camera “When you need a large optical zoom (e.g. for safaris), look no further. The Lumix has a massive 20-1200mm zoom lens” Go Pro “The absolute champion in action videos” Ultra light tent “With only 1.08kg (2.38 pounds) this one is just the best you can get.” Ultra light sleeping airbed “Ultra light, still very comfortable and isolating!” Vitamin C “Vitamin C pills to compensate for less balanced food” Blister Plasters “Blister plasters for those long hikes” Iodine “Iodine for self desinfecting small open wounds” Mosquito repellant “Let‘s give those mosquito‘s no chance with 98% DEET” Got more questions? See the FAQ for all questions and answers for backpacking in Angola. I 💚 feedback Final Thoughts As you dive into Luanda Carnival, soak in the vibrant energy—it’s like stepping into a living painting. The music will pull you in, but don’t ignore the street food; the grilled fish is a game changer. Just a heads-up: keep an eye on your belongings, especially in the crowd. Trust me, you’ll want to focus on the dancing, not on a missing wallet! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 20 November 2025 Take  Your  Backpack Home Advisor Destinations Inspiration Planning Search To sign up for the nesletter, please enable javascript STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for the newsletter Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Côte d’Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Réunion Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia (Czech Republic) Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Türkiye (Turkey) Ukraine United Kingdom Vatican City State North  America Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Nicaragua Panama Puerto Rico Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Sint Maarten Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United States United States Virgin Islands Oceania American Samoa Australia Cook Islands East Timor Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South  America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Curaçao Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies | About me To use these links, please enable javascript © takeyourbackpack.com | Contact To contact me enable javascript