
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Benguela, Benguela, Angola
1. Quicama National Park
A vast, coastal reserve teeming with diverse wildlife, including elephants and hippos in the Namib desert.
- Unique Coastal Wildlife: Quicama is one of the few national parks where you can witness a mix of coastal and desert wildlife.
- Namib Desert Experience: This park offers an opportunity to explore the fascinating Namib Desert, one of the oldest and most beautiful deserts in the world.
- Birdwatcher's Paradise: Quicama is home to over 300 bird species, making it a must-visit for bird enthusiasts.
2. Benguela National Park
A large, diverse park featuring savannahs, mangroves, and the Atlantic coastline, home to a variety of wildlife including lions and crocodiles.
- Diverse Habitats: Benguela National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore multiple habitats within one park.
- Marine Life Focus: The park is particularly known for its marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.
- Conservation Efforts: Benguela National Park is committed to conservation, offering opportunities to learn about local species and contribute to their preservation.
3. Kaxinga Wildlife Reserve
A small reserve with a big impact, known for its elephant and hippo populations.
- Elephant Sanctuary: Kaxinga is one of the few places in Angola where you can get up close with elephants.
- Community-Based Tourism: The reserve works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Kaxinga is a hotspot for birdwatchers, with over 350 species recorded.
4. Iona National Park
A remote park located in the heart of the Angolan Atlantic coast, famous for its dolphin and whale watching.
- Dolphin and Whale Watching: Iona is one of the best places in the world for dolphin and whale watching.
- Remote and Wild: The park's remote location ensures a wild, untouched experience.
- Turtle Nesting Sites: Iona is also home to several turtle nesting sites.
5. Santana do Muni National Park
A coastal park in the south of Benguela, rich in birdlife and mangrove forests.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Santana do Muni is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 200 species recorded.
- Mangrove Exploration: The park offers opportunities to explore and learn about the unique mangrove ecosystem.
- Community-Based Tourism: The park works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.
6. Muxima National Park
A small national park in the north of Benguela, known for its elephants and lions.
- Elephant and Lion Safaris: Muxima offers guided safaris to see elephants and lions in their natural habitat.
- Community-Based Tourism: The park works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Muxima is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for bird enthusiasts.
7. Cahama National Park
A coastal park in the northwest of Benguela, known for its marine life and pristine beaches.
- Marine Life Focus: Cahama is particularly known for its marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.
- Pristine Beaches: The park boasts some of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches in Angola.
- Community-Based Tourism: The park works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.
8. Chitato National Park
A remote national park in the east of Benguela, rich in wildlife including lions, hyenas, and antelope.
- Big Cat Safaris: Chitato offers guided safaris to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat.
- Remote and Wild: The park's remote location ensures a wild, untouched experience.
- Community-Based Tourism: The park works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.
9. Cabinda National Park
A coastal national park in the Cabinda enclave, known for its primate populations including chimpanzees and gorillas.
- Primate Safaris: Cabinda offers guided safaris to see chimpanzees, gorillas, and other primates in their natural habitat.
- Coastal Wildlife Experience: The park offers a unique opportunity to explore the coastal wildlife of Cabinda.
- Remote and Wild: The park's remote location ensures a wild, untouched experience.
10. Muchi National Park
A coastal national park in the south of Benguela, known for its dolphin and whale watching opportunities.
- Dolphin and Whale Watching: Muchi is one of the best places in Angola for dolphin and whale watching.
- Coastal Wildlife Experience: The park offers a unique opportunity to explore the coastal wildlife of Benguela.
- Remote and Wild: The park's remote location ensures a wild, untouched experience.
11. Benguela Litoral National Park
A coastal national park in the north of Benguela, known for its diverse wildlife and pristine beaches.
- Diverse Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hyenas.
- Pristine Beaches: The park boasts some of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches in Angola.
- Community-Based Tourism: The park works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.
12. Cabinda Coast National Park
A coastal national park in the Cabinda enclave, known for its primate populations and mangrove forests.
- Primate Safaris: Cabinda Coast offers guided safaris to see chimpanzees, gorillas, and other primates in their natural habitat.
- Mangrove Exploration: The park offers opportunities to explore and learn about the unique mangrove ecosystem.
- Community-Based Tourism: The park works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.
13. Kuito National Park
A national park in the southeast of Benguela, known for its elephant populations.
- Elephant Safaris: Kuito offers guided safaris to see elephants in their natural habitat.
- Remote and Wild: The park's remote location ensures a wild, untouched experience.
- Community-Based Tourism: The park works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.
14. Mussulo National Park
A coastal national park in the northwest of Benguela, known for its dolphin and whale watching opportunities.
- Dolphin and Whale Watching: Mussulo is one of the best places in Angola for dolphin and whale watching.
- Coastal Wildlife Experience: The park offers a unique opportunity to explore the coastal wildlife of Benguela.
- Community-Based Tourism: The park works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.
15. Cabinda Wildlife Reserve
A wildlife reserve in the Cabinda enclave, known for its primate populations including chimpanzees and gorillas.
- Primate Safaris: Cabinda Wildlife Reserve offers guided safaris to see chimpanzees, gorillas, and other primates in their natural habitat.
- Remote and Wild: The reserve's remote location ensures a wild, untouched experience.
- Community-Based Tourism: The reserve works closely with local communities, providing income and job opportunities.