× 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 🇦🇴 Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo Hike the Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo, Angola. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Serra da Leba Pass Explore Mount Moco Trail Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Angola | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo offers a striking blend of dramatic rock formations and lush scenery that’ll make your Instagram followers a bit jealous. The hike spans about 10 kilometers, which can feel longer thanks to some steep sections that’ll get your heart pumping. While the views are absolutely worth it, the trail can be a bit rugged, so decent footwear is a must. Getting to the trailhead by public transport is doable, but don’t expect a direct route—be prepared for a bit of a journey. Compared to other hikes in Angola, like the stunning Serra da Leba, this one is less frequented, giving you a more solitary experience, but it lacks some of the panoramic vistas that make Serra da Leba a favorite. Overall, if you’re after a mix of challenge and beauty, Pedras Negras is a solid choice, just keep your expectations in check regarding accessibility and trail conditions. Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Angola Travel Guide . Best time to go: May – October Duration: 2 days Distance: 10 kilometers Total ascent: 800 meters Get your Angola Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to see along Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo Angola Grab your own Travelguide for only The Black Monoliths (Pedras Negras) — Massive, weathered basalt pillars that rise out of the plain like a ruined city. You can scramble among them, squeeze through narrow gaps and get close-up views of the strange textures and shadow play that make this place unlike a normal forest or mountain trail. Fortaleza Ruins — Crumbled stonework and low walls tucked into the rocks where the Portuguese once built a fort. The ruins give the hike a real sense of history; climbing up the old foundations also delivers one of the best vantage points for the whole formation. Natural Windows, Caves and Ledges — Holes, arches and sheltered caves carved into the stone create perfect spots to rest, shoot dramatic photos, or listen to echoing winds. These features break up the walk and reward small detours with private panoramas and cooler pockets of shade. Panoramic Savanna & Sunset Views — From the higher slabs you get wide-open views over the surrounding savanna and distant river valleys. Late afternoon light turns the black rocks warm and golden — prime time for photos and a mellow place to watch the sun sink. Birdlife, Reptiles and Local Culture — The rocky outcrop attracts raptors and other savanna birds, and you’ll often spot lizards sunning on the stones. Equally memorable are the local guides and villagers: they’ll point out legends tied to specific boulders, sell simple crafts, and add human stories to the landscape. 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? Best Time to visit Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo Hiking the Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo is best tackled during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, you’ll avoid the heavy rains that can make trails slippery and visibility tricky. Temperatures hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day, which is pretty comfortable for hiking. Just be prepared for cooler nights, sometimes dipping to around 10°C (50°F), so pack a light jacket. The landscape is stunning, with those massive rock formations standing tall against the sky. Early mornings are particularly magical, as the mist often hangs around the rocks, creating an almost mystical vibe. If you can, start your hike early to beat the heat and crowds. Pro tip: Bring plenty of water and some snacks. The last thing you want is to run low on energy halfway up. Also, a good pair of hiking shoes is a must—trust me, your feet will thank you later! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo 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 Walking Shoes Trail Details of Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo Total Distance: The Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo trail stretches about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) round trip. Estimated Duration: Expect to spend around 4 to 6 hours on the trail, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views or snap photos. Difficulty Level: This trail is considered moderate. While it’s not overly technical, there are some steep sections that might get your heart rate up. Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the town of Malanje. To get there by public transport, catch a taxi-brousse (shared minibus) from Luanda to Malanje, which takes about … read more 👉 Total Distance: The Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo trail stretches about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) round trip. Estimated Duration: Expect to spend around 4 to 6 hours on the trail, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views or snap photos. Difficulty Level: This trail is considered moderate. While it’s not overly technical, there are some steep sections that might get your heart rate up. Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the town of Malanje. To get there by public transport, catch a taxi-brousse (shared minibus) from Luanda to Malanje, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. Once in Malanje, you can grab a local taxi or a moto-taxi to the trailhead. Major Landmarks Along the Route: Pedras Negras: The iconic black rock formations are the main highlight, rising dramatically from the landscape. Local Villages: You might pass through small villages where you can see traditional Angolan life and perhaps chat with locals. Waterfalls: Keep an eye out for smaller waterfalls along the way, which add to the scenic beauty. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of rocky paths, dirt trails, and some grassy areas. The scenery is stunning, with expansive views of the surrounding hills and valleys, especially as you approach the Pedras Negras. Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: Expect to see a variety of flora, including baobab trees and various shrubs. Wildlife is relatively sparse, but you might spot some colorful birds and small mammals if you’re lucky. Keep your eyes peeled for butterflies fluttering about; they can be quite a sight! This trail offers a great blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore Angola’s stunning landscapes. Just remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and you’re all set for an adventure! ⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that’s off, I’d love to hear from you,so I can update it for fellow travelers. ✈️ 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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Explore Angola Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo isn’t the only highlight in Angola. 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? Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo 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 Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo? 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 wander through Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo, soak in the surreal vibe—those towering rock formations are straight out of a dream. Don’t miss the sunset; it’s like nature’s own light show. Just a heads-up: the trails can be a bit tricky, so wear sturdy shoes and keep an eye on your surroundings. Trust me, the views are worth every step. 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 23 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