How to Get to Lubango. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Lubango

Major Airports & Flight Routes

Lubango Mukanka Airport (SDD) serves Lubango, handling domestic flights. Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD) in Luanda is Angola's main international gateway.

Connecting to Lubango

Domestic Flights: TAAG Angola Airlines (DT) operates main domestic routes from Luanda (LAD) to Lubango (SDD).
International Flights to LAD: TAAG, TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa, France's National airline, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, and others connect Luanda to major global hubs.
No Direct International Flights to SDD: All international arrivals to Lubango need a connection, typically through Luanda. Consider using Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.

Airport Services & Transfers

Lubango Mukanka Airport (SDD) is equipped with basic facilities. Luanda's LAD provides more extensive services, including currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, and car rental counters.

Arrival and Departure Logistics

Flight Availability: Domestic flights to Lubango are generally consistent. International flight prices change seasonally, book in advance.
Transfers from SDD: Taxis available. Arranging a transfer with your lodging beforehand is a good plan.
Transfers from LAD: Use official airport taxis or pre-arranged transfers from reputable hotels or travel agencies. Exercise caution with unofficial solicitations.

Lubango Mukanka SDD

Local airport for domestic connections within Angola. Basic facilities.

Quatro de Fevereiro LAD

Main international airport in Luanda. More extensive facilities and international connections.

Booking Flights

Booking well in advance for both domestic and international flights usually causes better rates and availability.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Exit Fees: International departure taxes are typically included in airline the price of admission. Confirm with your airline.
No Separate Fees: Generally, no specific exit fees are paid separately at the airport in Angola.
Domestic Departure (SDD): Arrive 1-2 hours before scheduled departure.
International Departure (LAD): Arrive at least ARRIVE three hours before your plane leaves for check-in, immigration, and security.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Lubango Mukanka (SDD): Basic facilities, limited waiting areas, small kiosks for refreshments. No extensive shopping or dining.
Luanda Quatro de Fevereiro (LAD): More extensive facilities, including lounges, duty-free shops, and a greater variety of food and beverage outlets.
Documentation: Have your passport, boarding pass, and other required travel documents (e.g., Yellow Fever certificate) ready.
Security: Allow ample time for security screening, which can be slow.

Land Transportation Overview

Border Crossings

The Saint Clara/Oshikango border with Namibia is the most common for tourists traveling overland. A valid passport, Angolan visa, and Yellow Fever certificate are necessary.

Train Services

The Moçâmedes Railway (CFM) links Lubango to Namibe (coast) and Menongue (inland). Passenger trains run, offering scenic but slow journeys. Verify schedules locally.

Long-Distance Buses

Macon Transportes and other companies run inter-provincial bus services to/from Lubango. Comfort varies, and journeys can be long.

Self-Driving in Angola

Requirements for Self-Driving

Self-driving in Angola offers flexibility but comes with specific challenges and requirements for your journey.

Documentation and Vehicle Needs

Driving License: An up-to-date license from your home country.
International Driving Permit (IDP): Obtain this before leaving your home country.
Vehicle Docs: Valid vehicle registration and insurance documents are necessary.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads between major metropolises are often paved but vary in quality. Secondary and rural roads are frequently unpaved and can be challenging.

Navigating Angola's Roads

Paved Roads: The quality differs; potholes are common.
Unpaved Roads: Prone to damage, muddy in wet season. A 4x4 vehicle is often good for travel outside major urban areas.
Fuel: Stations available in towns, but sparse in rural areas. Carry extra fuel for long trips.

Driving Laws & Local Etiquette

Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits vary and are often signposted. Seatbelts are mandatory. Driving can be aggressive.

Safe Driving Practices

Adherence to traffic laws is not always consistent. Be a defensive driver.
Driving at night is not recommended due to poor lighting, animals on roads, and potential security concerns.
Secure parking at your hotel or accommodation is advisable.

Important Land Travel Advice

Land transportation, especially self-driving, provides a different perspective of the landscape but requires careful planning and awareness of local conditions.

Prepare for Your Journey

Roadside Assistance: Limited. Carry emergency supplies.
Security: Certain isolated roads have historically had security concerns, particularly at night. Check local advice.
Navigation: Reliable offline maps or a A gps unit are invaluable.

Sea/River Arrivals: Not Applicable for Lubango

Lubango's inland location implies direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable.
Angola's main ports (Luanda, Lobito, Namibe) handle cargo; regular tourist ferry services are not common.
River transportation for tourism is highly restricted or non-existent in Huila province.

Immigration procedures at seaports do not apply to direct travel to Lubango.
Any sea arrival would need onward travel by air, road, or train from a coastal city.
This section clarifies that direct water directions to Lubango are not an option.

Other Land Travel Options

Border Crossing Details

Angola shares land borders with Namibia, Zambia, DRC, and The nation of Congo. Santa Clara/Oshikango point with Namibia is the most used for tourists.

Border Information

Namibia Route: Allows driving to/from Namibia's northern regions.
Requirements: Valid passport, Angolan visa, Yellow Fever certificate.
Own Vehicle: Need vehicle documentation (registration, insurance), possibly Carnet de Passage. Check operating hours.

Train and Bus Services

The Moçâmedes Railway connects Lubango to Namibe and Menongue. Several companies offer inter-provincial bus services.

Public Transport Across Provinces

Train Services (CFM): Passenger trains offer scenic but slow journeys. The schedule can be infrequent; verify locally. First class offers more comfort.
Long-Distance Buses: Macon Transportes is a major operator. Routes connect Lubango with Luanda, Benguela, Namibe, and other cities.
Comfort: Comfort zones vary. Some services use modern coaches, others older buses. Get your tickets beforehand for popular routes.

Regional Connections

Land travel provides a different perspective of Angola's varied landscape and connecting provinces.

Careful Planning

Land journeys demand careful planning due to road conditions, schedules, and safety aspects.

Safety First

Always put safety first by checking local advice, especially for night travel on inter-city routes.

Departure Checklist

Departure Timing & Documents

Ensure a smooth departure by adhering to recommended arriving at the airport times and having all necessary documentation ready.

Essential Departure Steps

Domestic Flights (SDD): Arrive 1-2 hours before departure.
International Flights (LAD): Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Documentation: Have passport, boarding pass, and any required health documents ready.

Airport Services at Departure

Lubango Mukanka (SDD) provides necessary amenities. Luanda (LAD) offers a wider range of facilities for international travelers.

Facilities for Departing Guests

SDD Facilities: Limited waiting areas, small kiosks for refreshments. No extensive shopping or dining.
LAD Facilities: Lounges, duty-free shops, variety of food/beverage outlets.
Refreshments: Plan for basic refreshments at SDD; additional choices exist at LAD.

Post-Arrival Planning

Onward Travel from Coast

Travelers arriving by sea at Angolan ports would then need to travel inland to Lubango by air or road.

Cargo Ports

Angola's main ports are Luanda, Lobito, and Namibe, mainly handling cargo. No regular ferry services for tourists.

River Transport Limitations

Rivers in Huila province do not offer formal tourist transportation options.

How to Get to Lubango