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Tundavala: Angola's Birding Paradise

Discover Tundavala: Angola's breathtaking escarpment with panoramic views, rich biodiversity, and unique birding opportunities.

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Tundavala, near Lubango, Angola, is a remarkable escarpment offering panoramic views and excellent high-altitude birding. This natural wonder features dramatic cliffs, unique flora, and diverse avian species, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

A brief summary to Tundavala (Birding hotspot)

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (May to October) for pleasant weather and clear skies.
  • Go early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
  • Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the area.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the area's cultural significance and find the best birdwatching spots.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Lubango city center, take a taxi or minibus (candongueiro) to Tundavala Gap. The fare for a minibus is around 500 AOA. A taxi should cost between 3,000 and 5,000 AOA, and the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tundavala.

  • Car

    From the center of Lubango, head southwest on Avenida da Liberdade and turn onto the N202 road. Continue on N202 until you reach the junction with Estrada da Tundavala. Follow Estrada da Tundavala for approximately 15 kilometers until you reach the Tundavala viewpoint. Parking is available near the viewpoint.

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Discover more about Tundavala (Birding hotspot)

Tundavala, also known as Fenda da Tundavala (Tundavala Gap), is a stunning geological formation in the Huíla Province of Angola, near the city of Lubango. This breathtaking escarpment is part of the Serra da Leba mountain range and marks the western edge of the Humpata Plateau. The name 'Tundavala' comes from the Nyaneka language, meaning 'what is open' or 'the aperture'. Rising to over 2,200 meters (7,200 ft), the cliffs of Tundavala dramatically drop around 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) to the plains below, offering panoramic views stretching over 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 sq mi). The area's unique geology and rich biodiversity make it a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. Birding enthusiasts can spot endemic species such as the Angola Cave Chat and Angolan Slaty Flycatcher, as well as Double-collared Sunbirds and more. The escarpment is not only a natural wonder but also holds cultural significance. Local communities have long revered the site, and it also carries political weight due to its history during the Angolan civil war. Today, Tundavala is recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Angola and a valuable geoheritage site.

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