× 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 🇦🇴 Serra da Leba Pass Hike the Serra da Leba Pass, Angola. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Lubango International Festival of Culture Explore Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Angola | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Serra da Leba Pass The Serra da Leba Pass in Angola is a stunning trek that offers jaw-dropping views of lush valleys and dramatic cliffs, but it’s not without its challenges. At around 10 kilometers, it can be a bit of a workout, especially with some steep sections that will get your heart racing. Getting to the trailhead is relatively straightforward; local transport options are available, but don’t expect a luxury ride—think cramped vans and a bit of a wait. Compared to nearby hikes, like the more popular Mount Moco, Serra da Leba feels a bit more off the beaten path, giving you a sense of solitude, but it might lack some of the well-marked trails and amenities you’d find elsewhere. So, if you’re up for a bit of adventure and don’t mind a few bumps along the way, it’s definitely worth the effort. Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Angola Travel Guide . Best time to go: May – September Duration: 1 day Distance: 12 kilometers Total ascent: 800 meters Get your Angola Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to see along Serra da Leba Pass Angola Grab your own Travelguide for only The Serpentine Road (the switchbacks) — The road itself is the headline act: a steep ribbon of asphalt carving dramatic hairpins down the slope. You won’t see many trails with such cinematic engineering; it’s a hiking route that feels like walking inside a postcard, with constant visual drama as you climb or descend between hairpins. Panoramic Viewpoints over Namibe — From several pull-outs you get wide-open views that sweep from highland grasslands to the dry Namibe lowlands far below. The contrast — cool plateau versus arid plain — is what makes these vistas special; light at sunrise or sunset turns the layers into bands of ochre and purple. Tundavala Gap (nearby cliff edge) — A short side-trip worth doing: a sheer escarpment plunging into a deep gorge that gives a real sense of scale and vertigo. It’s one of those rare places where geology and topography combine to deliver a “this can’t be real” moment — perfect for quietly staring into the abyss or dramatic photos. Rock Formations and Montane Vegetation — The trail passes exposed rock strata, sculpted outcrops and hardy montane plants and succulents that cling to thin soil. That rugged, slightly alien flora sets the pass apart from typical forested hikes; small blooms, cushions of grass and thorny shrubs create interesting foregrounds for the scenery. Local Village Stops and Roadside Culture — Villages and vendors along the pass give the hike a human touch: people selling roasted corn, crafts and simple snacks, plus occasional glimpses into daily life on the plateau. It’s not just scenery; those short interactions and the occasional market feel make the route culturally richer than a simple nature walk. 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 Serra da Leba Pass Hiking the Serra da Leba Pass is a real treat, but timing your trip is key. The best months to hit the trails are from May to September. That’s when the weather is cooler and drier, making your hike a lot more enjoyable. During this period, daytime temperatures usually hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F), perfect for trekking without turning into a sweaty mess. If you go during the rainy season, which runs from October to April, be prepared for some serious downpours and muddy trails. Temperatures can still be warm, often reaching 30°C (86°F) or higher. Not exactly ideal for a long hike, right? As for the evenings, it can get a bit chilly, especially at higher altitudes, so pack a light jacket. You might find temperatures dropping to around 10-15°C (50-59°F) after sunset. Pro-tip: Start your hike early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the pass. It’s a stunning sight and you’ll avoid the midday heat. Plus, the early bird gets the best views without the crowds! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Serra da Leba Pass 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 Serra da Leba Pass Total Distance: The Serra da Leba Pass trail stretches about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) one way, making it a decent trek for a day hike or a leisurely two-day backpacking trip if you want to soak in the scenery. Estimated Duration: Plan for around 4 to 6 hours to complete the hike, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the stunning views or snap some photos. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate to challenging. You’ll encounter some steep sections, rocky paths, and uneven terrain, so a decent level of fitness is recommended. Starting Point: The trailhead … read more 👉 Total Distance: The Serra da Leba Pass trail stretches about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) one way, making it a decent trek for a day hike or a leisurely two-day backpacking trip if you want to soak in the scenery. Estimated Duration: Plan for around 4 to 6 hours to complete the hike, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the stunning views or snap some photos. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate to challenging. You’ll encounter some steep sections, rocky paths, and uneven terrain, so a decent level of fitness is recommended. Starting Point: The trailhead is conveniently located near the town of Lubango. You can catch a shared taxi (taxi coletivo) from Lubango to the Serra da Leba Pass, which takes about 30 minutes. Just hop on any taxi heading toward the pass, and let the driver know your destination. Major Landmarks Along the Route: Serra da Leba Viewpoint: A breathtaking overlook that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Local Villages: You’ll pass through small villages where you can experience local culture and maybe grab a snack or two. Waterfalls: Keep an eye out for small waterfalls along the trail, especially after rain, adding to the natural beauty. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The terrain is quite varied. Expect rocky paths, steep inclines, and occasional flat sections. The scenery is absolutely stunning, with dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and expansive views of the highlands. The landscape changes as you ascend, providing a rich visual experience. Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: Vegetation: You’ll find a mix of grasslands, scrub, and patches of forest, with some unique endemic plants that thrive in the region. Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for birds like the endemic Angola Rock Thrush, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some smaller mammals or reptiles along the way. This trail is a gem for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Angola, so pack some water, wear sturdy shoes, and enjoy the 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 Serra da Leba Pass 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? Serra da Leba Pass 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 Serra da Leba Pass? 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 cruise through Serra da Leba Pass, soak in those jaw-dropping views—seriously, they’re like something out of a movie. The best surprise? The local food stalls; grab some grilled chicken and a cold drink for a real taste of Angola. Just a heads-up: the roads can be a bit wild, so keep your wits about you. Trust me, it’s all part of the adventure! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 19 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